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Bike for big AND tall person
"Frank Eparvier" wrote in message
... I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg). Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict on it? Don't know what you're looking for in terms of style or price range, but being 6'10", 235, I've gone through a few learning curves. For road riding, I think a touring bike is a good choice. These bikes are made a little stronger (and heavier), both in the frames and components, particularly wheels, which are often the weakest link. Touring frames can also take larger tires, and have somewhat longer wheelbases, which makes them better for the big and tall, respectively. For less demanding riding, or a lower price point, mountain bikes are probably the best choice. At your weight, suspension components may be marginal. For serious mountain biking, the big/heavy rider is better off using components for the more aggressive "downhill" bikes. They, like touring stuff, are overbuilt a bit. A mountain bike can be easily set up with narrow, smooth, high pressure, tires for less rolling resistance on pavement. Bike setup is critical for the non-standard size rider. The best resource is a competent bike shop. They should know what'll work and be there for after-sale support. Again, wheels are *very* important. You'll need not only fairly rugged wheels, but they'll also need to be well tensioned and stress relieved. Typical bike wheels are often sold with spoke tension too low, and that makes for a weak wheel and problems down the road. |
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#2
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Bike for big AND tall person
On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 13:24:37 -0600, Frank Eparvier
wrote: I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg). Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict on it? Rivendell Redwood. http://rivbike.com/webalog/frames/50135.html |
#3
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Bike for big AND tall person
wrote in message
. .. "Frank Eparvier" wrote in message ... I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg). Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict on it? Thanks, Frank While it's not a road bike, it's a big bike that might could fit you . . . its at http://www.coker.com/monster/monster.html and I've seen some on eBay for $350. It's a cruiser, single speed, wheels are 36" diameter. Like a bellybutton, it's something to look into . . . That's a really stupid bike. |
#4
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Bike for big AND tall person
"Peter Cole" wrote in message news:GESQa.68810$N7.8477@sccrnsc03... wrote in message . .. "Frank Eparvier" wrote in message ... I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg). Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict on it? Thanks, Frank While it's not a road bike, it's a big bike that might could fit you . . .. its at http://www.coker.com/monster/monster.html and I've seen some on eBay for $350. It's a cruiser, single speed, wheels are 36" diameter. Like a bellybutton, it's something to look into . . . That's a really stupid bike. Don't know why. I'm sure there are folks out there who would find it a perfect solution to their biking needs. |
#5
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Bike for big AND tall person
I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg).
Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict Rivendell makes a larger version of their Romulus called the Redwood with beefier tubing for the heavier rider. I think that the frame size goes up to at least 67cm. Price is about $1500, complete bike. |
#6
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Bike for big AND tall person
Zippy the Pinhead wrote:
Frank Eparvier wrote: I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg). Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict on it? Rivendell Redwood. http://rivbike.com/webalog/frames/50135.html I am 6'8" and 360lbs, and I would strongly advise you to avoid ultra-tall frames made with small-diameter tubing (like the Redwood) unless they are unusually heavy. My experience with such bikes is that they are wiggly to the point of instability, and that they are more prone to structural failure than frames made from oversized tubing. What diameters qualify as "oversized" depends on the material in question: For instance, in a steel downtube, 1 1/4" (32mm) is oversized, but for aluminum you're looking at 1 3/4" (44mm) or more. I have had good luck with Cannondale touring bikes, particularly the older kind with a non-tapered downtube. At one time those were made in a 27" frame size, though Peter Cole might have hoarded all the remaining examples. ;^) Don't be tempted by aluminum or plastic (carbon) forks. Use a quality steel fork. Consider getting one intended for tandem use. At your weight, I believe 700c wheels with normal spoke counts are going to give you reliability problems. Have some wheels built up with 48 spokes, or with 36 spokes on very sturdy deep-section aero rims. The dishless rear wheel you can get by using a SRAM 7-speed internal gear hub will be much stronger and more durable than a dished wheel for a derailleur bike. Get a frame with cantilever brake mounts. Not only do these offer more stopping power for someone of your weight, but they allow the use of wider tires than most caliper brakes do. Narrow tires such as those used on most road racing bikes are not suitable for a heavy rider. Don't use a square taper crank; if you ride hard, you will snap it off. Use a splined or pinch-bolted crank (and not Shimano). You have been warned. You are a prime candidate for a custom-made frame. There are quality framebuilders around who will make one especially for your measurements for $1000 or less. Chalo Colina |
#7
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Bike for big AND tall person
"Peter Cole" wrote, about the Coker Monster
Cruiser: That's a really stupid bike. Cool tires though. And you can get good quality rims (as compared to Coker rims) for them at http://www.unicycle.com . Chalo |
#8
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Bike for big AND tall person
I'm 6'7 and weigh about 295.
I now have a circa 1986-87 Cannonbdale 27" Aluminum Frame Road Bike purchased new (I really like this bike...) 27x1-1/4, 36 spoke 3 cross wheels.. I also have a (1 year old) Giant Sedonna(??) Hybrid. In both cases, the LBS was instrumental in getting the bike(s) set up properly. First shop is Bicycle Habitat (the cannondale - NY, NY) Second is Belitte Bicycle (giant - Jamaica, NY) Years ago you couldn't find alot of stuff for us non-midgets. Now, you can frequently find a big helmet (Bell King Head??), shoes (14/48-16/50) and XXL gloves. If you find 2 out of three, they are probably used to fitting your size. "Chalo" wrote in message om... Zippy the Pinhead wrote: Frank Eparvier wrote: I'm 6'7" (2 meters) tall and weigh around 300 lbs (136 kg). Can anyone offer any suggestions on a road bike that would both fit my size and take the punishment that my mass would inflict on it? Rivendell Redwood. http://rivbike.com/webalog/frames/50135.html I am 6'8" and 360lbs, and I would strongly advise you to avoid ultra-tall frames made with small-diameter tubing (like the Redwood) unless they are unusually heavy. My experience with such bikes is that they are wiggly to the point of instability, and that they are more prone to structural failure than frames made from oversized tubing. What diameters qualify as "oversized" depends on the material in question: For instance, in a steel downtube, 1 1/4" (32mm) is oversized, but for aluminum you're looking at 1 3/4" (44mm) or more. I have had good luck with Cannondale touring bikes, particularly the older kind with a non-tapered downtube. At one time those were made in a 27" frame size, though Peter Cole might have hoarded all the remaining examples. ;^) Don't be tempted by aluminum or plastic (carbon) forks. Use a quality steel fork. Consider getting one intended for tandem use. At your weight, I believe 700c wheels with normal spoke counts are going to give you reliability problems. Have some wheels built up with 48 spokes, or with 36 spokes on very sturdy deep-section aero rims. The dishless rear wheel you can get by using a SRAM 7-speed internal gear hub will be much stronger and more durable than a dished wheel for a derailleur bike. Get a frame with cantilever brake mounts. Not only do these offer more stopping power for someone of your weight, but they allow the use of wider tires than most caliper brakes do. Narrow tires such as those used on most road racing bikes are not suitable for a heavy rider. Don't use a square taper crank; if you ride hard, you will snap it off. Use a splined or pinch-bolted crank (and not Shimano). You have been warned. You are a prime candidate for a custom-made frame. There are quality framebuilders around who will make one especially for your measurements for $1000 or less. Chalo Colina |
#9
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Bike for big AND tall person
wrote:
"Peter Cole" wrote: That's a really stupid bike. Don't know why. I'm sure there are folks out there who would find it a perfect solution to their biking needs. No, not really. It has huge wheels, but it's really about the same "one size" as other beach cruisers. Plus, though its frame shows acceptable workmanship, its components are distinctly crappy. If the wheels were regular size, it would cost not more than $150 at a bike shop. With a good pair of rims from Unicycle.com ($180) and some quality BMX hubs, cranks, stem, and bars ($250+), It would be an OK bike. But it still wouldn't fit unusually large folks. Chalo Colina |
#10
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Bike for big AND tall person
"Chalo" wrote in message
om... I have had good luck with Cannondale touring bikes, particularly the older kind with a non-tapered downtube. At one time those were made in a 27" frame size, though Peter Cole might have hoarded all the remaining examples. ;^) I haven't yet, but I expect you to remember me in your will. |
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