General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike advice for a big guy Rss Feed  
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2015-07-29 2:35 PM

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Subject: Bike advice for a big guy
I had a co-worker ask what bike I would recommend for him. He is probably 400 lbs and looking for a bike, he is also looking in the 350-400 price range. My first thought was a hybrid or mountain bike with 26" wheels for durability. Does anyone have any suggestions?


2015-07-29 2:38 PM
in reply to: DLR1

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy

Yeah big tires for volume would be best to get him going and avoid pinch flats.  Tell the guy to sign-up on BT, we'd love to hear about his progress.

2015-07-29 2:51 PM
in reply to: Donto

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
I can't comment on the type of bike, but I would like to suggest getting a used bike. Check craigslist.
2015-07-29 2:52 PM
in reply to: DLR1


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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
These companies specialize in bikes for people that are over weight

http://www.worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/big-bikes.html
https://www.zizebikes.com/

But at his price point and weight it is going to be tough. Trek makes the shift 4 which I think that is rated at 350 but that is a $700.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/city/recreation/shift/shift_4/

He is wanting to spend entry level price with the expectation that the bike is going to be beefy enough. I am going to assume that the wheels will be the first to go but the various weld points are not necessarily built for the stress. I have broken mtb frames at 170lbs.
2015-07-29 3:04 PM
in reply to: Sidney Porter

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
I know that his budget is going to be an issue. I'm just looking for an option that fits his budget so he doesn't scrap the idea before he starts. I told him wheels will most likely be an issues from the start.
2015-07-29 3:16 PM
in reply to: DLR1

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
what kind of riding is your friend planning on doing? mountain biking? triathlon? crits? cruising around the block?

This may be the only time I say that your department store cheap steel bike might be the best bike for him. A lot of those cheap bike are welded out of steel and are way over built.


2015-07-29 3:19 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
He will be starting with riding around the block for sure. The main thing is to get him moving. I was leaning towards a single speed beach cruiser (its really flat here). Big volume tires, 26" wheels, comfortable position.

2015-07-29 3:27 PM
in reply to: DLR1

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
Originally posted by DLR1

He will be starting with riding around the block for sure. The main thing is to get him moving. I was leaning towards a single speed beach cruiser (its really flat here). Big volume tires, 26" wheels, comfortable position.




beach cruiser makes sense.
make sure it has 36 spokes on the tires.
I would look for one with a steel frame(I would assume they have steel or Aluminum but don't really know)
Another thing to consider: can he get on it? Does he have the fleaxability to get a leg up and over?
2015-07-29 3:33 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
Good thinking on the flexibility, maybe a women's style with step through may be an option as long as it was a solid color.

2015-07-29 5:23 PM
in reply to: DLR1

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy
one of those hybrids that are more road bike rather than mountain might be good. like the trek 7.0. I has bigger tires but not moutain bike size. I used that for my first tris and I was over 300 lbs. Though 400 might be a whole different animal.
2015-07-29 5:37 PM
in reply to: DLR1

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Subject: RE: Bike advice for a big guy

Yeah if its flat then getting him moving is easy with a single speed.  But if he's motivated individual I had a one of these (but a step up w/skinner tires+SRAM X7) that may work for him (40c tires).  Cost advantage and if he's not mechanical either you could help him assemble it or he could had a LBS assemble it an build a relationship.



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