Recreational & Family - Bike for a 280 -pound 16-year-old

Hello. I hate to impose, but I could use some advice about a bike for my son. He is 16, 6 foot four, 280 pounds (and a wrestler). The last bike he had, a Signa (sp?) lasted only about a year. He just wants to ride around our suburban town. My price range is $200 to $300.

Thank you,
Diana

What broke on the old bike?

The most common failure due to weight is wheels... if he's breaking spokes, you CAN go to your LBS and pick out hubs/wheels and have custom wheels laced up. It'll cost, and it'll weigh more than a standard wheel, but they can do one that's way stronger.

I'd agree with Faster. If the problems were with the wheels, a new rear wheel or even a pair could be had for your budget. I had to have a sturdier wheel built for my hybrid after just 400 miles of commuting. In the 2000 miles I've ridden on the new wheel I have yet to break a spoke. And the only flat I've had was the result of driving a screw through the tire. Other components may also be upgradable if they failed -- worth checking it out for your budget.

Hello again. Thanks for your advice. I could use some specific recommendations of brands known for strength, however. It seems that just about everything on the last bike bent out of shape, including the derailleur.

Diana

The strongest type of bike today are mountain bikes with NO rear suspension. The bike brands sold at good bike shops, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Raleigh, are all of similar quality at the $300 price point. These bikes are FAR more reliable than bikes sold by discount stores, and are supported by people who really know bikes.

October can be a good time to buy bikes. Many shops are getting in 2006 models, and will sell 2005 models at good prices. So, a bike that sold in June for $350 or $375 will sell in October for $299 "on sale".

A good shop takes the time to carefully assemble bikes, and invites you to bring the bike back in a couple of weeks for a free "check-up". Cables and bolts need adjusting from time to time, wheels need to be trued.

The rider has responsibility for the well-being of his bike. Any bike benefits from a rider who takes some care with the bike. I see many teen-age riders who seem to be deliberately trying to destroy their bikes: riding at high speed off a four foot high loading dock...riding into potholes and up onto curbs. No bike is strong enough to take deliberate abuse for long.

thanks so much for your advice, all. I plan to use it and go shopping soon. And yes, my son is pretty hard on bikes. that's why he's helping to pay for the next one.

I just got a lot of advice in another section of these forums on bikes to buy (I weigh 403 lbs, lost 7 already!). I ended up buying the Giant Sedona ST, which has all steel parts, 36 14g spokes with wide tires, and a gel padded suspension seat. Best of all, it was only $219. It's what is considered a hybrid or comfort bike, so it's not a true mountain bike nor a true road bike, but it's built like a tank.

thanks again. I am looking up that giant sedona now.

Diana

you won't be sorry, I have put about 1K on my Sedona this year. $219 is a great price.