best recumbent for a heavy guy

[JCB]

I'm a heavy guy (320) and I want to move from my EZ3 usx trike to a bent bike. The load limits of most bikes are around 275. Do the load limits apply to the frame or the wheels? If the wheels, are there changes I can make to accomodate my weight. The only bikes that are available in my area are the EZ bikes.

One of the reasons I want to make the change is that the EZ3 I have doesn't hold up well to my weight and after a few hundred miles is really beginning to age.

[nedgoudy]

I would recommend a LARGE/ X-Large
Frame for an Easy Sport. Call Easy Racers
to make sure, but I think this would
support you well. (I am assuming you
are tall as well as big.)

[Nightshade]

One of the reasons I want to make the change is that the EZ3 I have doesn't hold up well to my weight and after a few hundred miles is really beginning to age.

You are correct that 'most' bikes & trikes have a design weight limit of about 250 lbs. I'd guess
that the reason for this limit is that when people weigh over 250 lbs they are considered 'obese'
and unable to ride much of anything except a car.

However, like you I'm also a Clydesdale at 370 lbs with little fat anywhere. There is one company
that makes bikes & trikes that will handle up to 1000 lbs total weight with ease that are not all
that expensive to own and use. Worksman Cycles in New York City has been in business for over
100 yrs building quality bikes & trike for both pleasure and industry. I'm the proud owner of a
Worksman PAV3 that is both robust in the extreme and supremely comfortable. The PAV is
a variant of Worksman's "Mover" trike built for industry so it is of bombproof construction.

To be fair I must tell you that the PAV3 is not a speed bike by any means but it will get you where
you want to go everytime with no fuss at all. You park yourself in the seat and pedal along with
little care or concern while you tootle along enjoying the landscape.

Could you make the PAV3 a little quicker?? Yes, but it would require that you have a 5 or 7 speed
hub fabricated to replace the 3 speed as Worksman doesn't offer them in the PAV....yet. Or you
could replace the front chainring with a 32 up from 23 tooth which is standard.

Please given'm a look as the PAV may be what you need...........

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/pav3.html

[FarHorizon]

I bought a Bacchetta Corsa (manufacturer's recommended weight limit = 230 pounds). I weigh 275. So far, I've swapped out the light-weight 650c wheels, tires, and fork for heavy-duty 26" MTB stuff. I've also through-bolted the rear seat stays. I'll let you know in a week or two if my modifications are fully successful.

[genericbikedude]

http://www.bikeforest.com/cb/drive_thru_couch1.jpg

[MaxBender]

I have not ridden one, but the Lightfoot Ranger is rated to carry 350 pounds.

http://www.lightfootcycles.com

[beatle bailey]

I'm a heavy guy (320) and I want to move from my EZ3 usx trike to a bent bike. The load limits of most bikes are around 275. Do the load limits apply to the frame or the wheels? If the wheels, are there changes I can make to accomodate my weight. The only bikes that are available in my area are the EZ bikes.

One of the reasons I want to make the change is that the EZ3 I have doesn't hold up well to my weight and after a few hundred miles is really beginning to age.

IF you want a trike that will carry your weight and LOOK GOOD DOING IT, then you need to look at Penninger.
I weigh a tad over 300 lbs, stand 6 ft. 9 inches and have the Penninger Voyager. This trike has under seat steering and 64 speeds.....yes that is correct (SIXTY FOUR SPEEDS)......(I have the optional bar end shifters).
You don't have to worry if the trike will fit your X seam as one of the options is the bottom bracket attached to a t-bar. The t-bar/bottom bracket is clamped to the main tube and can be slid forward or backward. And of course the seat is also adjustable. The t-bar is nice for mounting your computer, head light and mirror.....Check it out.....It's one hell of a trike.

[jeff-o]

Regarding the wheels, you can swap out the stock wheels for tandem wheels. These are heavier duty, since they are intended to carry twice the weight of a regular wheel (2 riders instead of 1).

As for the frame itself, your best bet would be to contact the manufacturers of the bikes you're interested in, to see if they offer a beefed-up frame option.

Hmmm, also contact Mike at www.gaiabikes.com He's a friend of mine, and custom-builds trikes in Canada. He might be able to build a nice, strong trike for you.

[fofa]

I was at 320 when I got my Lightfoot Cycles Explorer, now down to about 300. It is not a speed demon, and a tad heavier than others, but I have been riding it for 4 years now, and have only done regular maint. to it. Had to replace the tires once (worn out). Has worked good for me.

[FarHorizon]

Update on the Bacchetta Corsa:

The Bacchetta company specifies the maximum weight for a Corsa as 230 pounds. I weigh 275. When I got my Corsa, I looked at it and decided immediately that the stock wheels (Bontrager race lite) were NOT for me. I, instead, swapped out the stock 650c light-weight wheels for 26" MTB wheels with 1.75" tires and a steel fork. First ride - the 5mm seat-anchor bolts backed out of the rear dropouts. I had my LBS replace them with through-bolts and lock nuts.

Since then - smooth riding! I'd say my modifications have been VERY successful, and that even heavier folks than I could easily ride this thing with no problems. My wheels and fork are heavy-duty plus, and the bike is now a Clydesdale dream.

My recommendation to you is that (provided you've a steel frame) the wheels are probably the limiting factor on the bike's load capacity. If you're nervous about it, I'd run it by the manufacturer just to be comfortable, but I'm pretty certain that I've cured my bike's load limit.