Frumple

I want to ride again and I am needing advice as how to purchase a safe bike for me. I didn't expect the weight to matter as I purchased a specialized bike off the internet last night. It has carbon forks and I am worried about previous wear and possibly compromise of the forks. Should I be riding a small bike like this at 264 pounds or should I buy a new bike? What kind of bike can support me?

I was thinking of swapping out the forks for a stronger one, and the seat is carbon and also is the handlebars.

10 Wheels

Look for a used mountain bike with wide tires.
Where do you live?
Look at your local Craigslist for used bikes.

big john

I recommend having someone who knows their stuff inspect it. Also, check the Specialized website for any possible weight limits. I've always broken wheels so I would check them out, too
As someone who has broken a lot of parts I think the breakage comes from lots of hard miles, bad pavement, massive power output, etc.
What type of rides are you planning?

big john

She already has the bike.

Troul 

that weight isn't too far off from a xl frame guy with a loaded backpack. I would plan on upgrading the wheels, tires, & seat.
Look it over for any road rash marks.

10 Wheels

She wants a different bike.

big john

She just bought it last night. She is worried it might not be strong enough. She was questioning the wisdom of her purchase.
I have ridden with friends heavier than that and they were on regular road bikes. I went up Mt Baldy with a guy who was 280# and he made it.
I toured with a total weight of 275#. There was a guy in my club who rode a Cannondale 2.8 frame @ 300+.

urbanknight

The above is good advice. The small size frames are built the same way as the large frames, and I know plenty of people who started riding weighing more than that. What model bike is it? If the wheels are low spoke count, you might want to look into getting a sturdy set of wheels with 32 or 36 spokes laced 3 or 4 cross.

jaxgtr

I was well over 300 lbs at one point and was riding a Specialized road bike with a carbon fork I bought off craig's list with no issues. It was all about the wheels. I moved to a carbon bike when I made it down to 250, and again, without issue, and moved my wheels over from my first road bike. I think at your weight, you should be ok, just have the bike checked when it comes in and have the wheels checked.

SoSmellyAir

That may well be the case, but many road bikes list a max weight limit of 100 kg (220 lbs.) or 125 kg (i.e., 275 lbs.) without specifying whether the number is a rider weight limit or system weight limit (i.e., rider + bike + luggage).

Bosco13

I just want to say it's great that you want to get back into cycling. Regarding the fork, maybe email specialized or bring it into a LBS and ask their opinion.

seypat

The smaller frame will hold up better than the same frame in a larger size. Shouldn't be any issues. The spoke count of the wheelset might be more important.

exercion

If it fits you, ride it. Others, me included have ridden road bikes at that weight and above. My road bike is full carbon, including rims, and I've put on a few thousand miles to say the least in the 12 years I've had it, no issues with overloading it. As a plus, if you keep riding, you can work your way to a lighter weight and quickly make it more of a non-issue.

PeteHski

Carbon forks, bars and seatposts are all very strong and it's very unlikely that any of those components would fail with your weight. I would contact Specialized directly and ask about weight limits for the specific bike you have bought.

Mojo31

Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned. It is very rare for something to fail catastrophically without any warning. If you are overstressing the frame or wheels, you will typically get a warning if you are paying attention - some noise or visual sign such as a crack in the paint. Just be aware of things, listen, and inspect the bike.

I would make sure the wheels have sufficient spokes for your weight, but most "normal" bikes do out of the box.

LarrySellerz

you should be fine, might break your back wheel sooner than a light person

eduskator

You will find your answer on google in a few seconds.

Bikes aren't made of chocolate... You can exceed the weight limit, it's not like it's going to snap if you're a few pounds above. Most of them should handle 250 to 300lbs easily (rider + bike)

biker128pedal

Put on the Google foo. Not sure of your year or model but found 2018 Specialized manual for weight limits are various bikes. If you bought new the bikes manual should also have the information. Also like suggested and local bike shops would help. Plus help with a helmet.

https://media.specialized.com/suppor...0000093943.pdf