Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Clydesdale needs a bike. Carbon Fiber?

I'm 6'3" 245lbs and looking for my first road bike. Should I bother looking at carbon frames or do I exceed the weight limit? If you're my size and have a carbon fiber frame, how does it handle compared with other materials? Any info is appreciated. -bds

I'm 6'1" and weigh 220 lbs. I have full carbon, steel, titanium, aluminum and aluminum w/carbon stays road bikes and have no issues with any of them. If you have a concern, I would check with the manufacturer and see if they have a weight limit, my guess is most won't. However, a recent post said there is a 100KG weight limit on one of the Pedal Force carbon frames, so you will want to look into it to be sure. As far as handling goes, each of my bikes has its own personality and the wheels you use makes a pretty big difference too. Best to test ride and find a bike that handles well for you.

It depends on the design of the make and model. CF can certainly be made into as strong or as weak a frame as any other materials. Many manufacturers do set a weight limit on their carbon frames and this is generally a matter of design. Check with the manufacturer. I know that Aegis frames can easily handle your weight and they also offer a special option for a reinforced "clydesdale weave" which adds another layer of weave to increase rigidity. You might also want to read through this old thread on the same topic (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=93973).

As a side note, you will want to pay equal if not more attention to the quality and build of the wheels as that's where heavier riders usually see problems. I'd recommend staying away from most low spoke count wheels and go for beefier rims. Something like Sun Rhynolites with 32H w/two-cross lacing up front and 36H w/three-cross lacing in the back along with high-quality hubs should serve you well.

khoun, you linked to park tools.

Anyways, I remember a fellow clydesdale with the Motobecane carbon bike, which is mighty sweet.

I'm 6'3" 245lbs and looking for my first road bike. Should I bother looking at carbon frames or do I exceed the weight limit? If you're my size and have a carbon fiber frame, how does it handle compared with other materials? Any info is appreciated. -bds

Not to be a smart ass, but a carbon frame will save you maybe a pound or 1 1/2 pounds max overs steel, that's frame less fork. Let's not here all the experts chime in with their measurements in grams either. The point being at 245 you aren't going to notice loosing that extra pound or two. You'll have bragging rights at the rest stops but it isn't going to get you there any faster.

For what a good carbon frame cost, you could get a custom frame in Reynolds 853. It will be heavier, not much, but custom fit to you. At 6'3" the selection of really nice factory frames is slim. Well, whatever you choose good luck.

Tim

Should I bother looking at carbon frames
sure.


or do I exceed the weight limit?
nope. for only $7,095 you can get a custom frame (no fork) from serotta, which will have oversized, super strong tubes made to handle any way you want.

http://www.serotta.com/images/MeiVici_06.jpg

No idea what your budget is like but I'd bother getting better components before I looked at a carbon frame

What's your budget?

Have you been fitted for frame size? The point cs1 makes is true, you might have trouble finding stock sizes that fit you, regardless of frame material. I'm riding a 63cm Cannondale aluminum frame with carbon fork, and I have been thinking about a new bike. I'm wondering if a Synapse would be good for me, it's full carbon and comes in 63. You could look at Calfee, he'll build anything you want from carbon.

I ride a 5500 full carbon and with the lifetime frame warranty Trek offers I don't worry about being 230 pounds riding carbon. Carbon can give a more plush ride, but that is subjective and differs from frame to frame. Trek told me that unless I'm 300+ not to worry about any of their frames.

I'm almost identical to you in weight and height- I test road a Specialized Roubaix and the Specialized Tarmac at several different LBS's. All the salespeople told me that they have riders heavier than me on CF bikes and it's not a problem... but they also told me that these people have the stock wheels as well and have had no problems. But then I read somewhere (I think it was the Specialized brochure) that 220 was the max. weight recommendation for these bikes. I decided to not risk it and bought an aluminum bike and to use the 220 weight limit as incentive to lose weight so I can get eventually get a CF bike. It's not so much about the weight of CF- heck I have 40 spoke velocity deep v's on my bike that weigh a ton! it's just such a great comfortable ride.

I'm 6'4 and about 205 (down from 225 when I started a year ago). I'm riding a Giant TCR C3 with an XL frame and have had no problems. It sometimes looks a bit small with the seatpost jacked way up but my LBS says it's not problem and it rides and feels fine. It's much much smoother than the OCR3 I was riding up until about a month ago and a good five-six pounds lighter.

Maybe it's just a mental thing but I felt instant improvement from the first time I rode the bike. I've since set personal bests in just about every category.

I'm almost identical to you in weight and height- I test road a Specialized Roubaix and the Specialized Tarmac at several different LBS's. All the salespeople told me that they have riders heavier than me on CF bikes and it's not a problem... but they also told me that these people have the stock wheels as well and have had no problems. But then I read somewhere (I think it was the Specialized brochure) that 220 was the max. weight recommendation for these bikes. I decided to not risk it and bought an aluminum bike and to use the 220 weight limit as incentive to lose weight so I can get eventually get a CF bike. It's not so much about the weight of CF- heck I have 40 spoke velocity deep v's on my bike that weigh a ton! it's just such a great comfortable ride.


Same experience here. I am 6'3" 245 and test rode a Specialized Roubaix as well. The frame flexed quite a bit under my weight. The LBS told me it wouldn't but I felt pretty unsecure riding it compared to my AL framd with CF stays.

It's much much smoother than the OCR3 I was riding up until about a month ago and a good five-six pounds lighter.

I'm sorry, did you say five to six POUNDS??? I didn't think the OCR3 was a full-suspension mountain bike...

You might be a little, um, generous with your weight estimate.

No, you do not want to buy a CF bike/frame.
That would be a huge mistake. I am 6`4" and 235 and CF is way too weak for me and my style. Nobody can produce strong and durable CF frame. Reason for that is technology limitations and the nature of carbon fiber itself. Aging process is much faster for fiber than for aluminum not to mention steel. Fiber absorb great portion of energy input (i am talking about huge heavy and strong riders not about my wife:)). CF offers a bad trade-off regarding weight.
If you want to feel forsage do not buy CF. Also, if you want a durable bike do not buy CF.

No, you do not want to buy a CF bike/frame.
That would be a huge mistake. I am 6`4" and 235 and CF is way too weak for me and my style. Nobody can produce strong and durable CF frame. Reason for that is technology limitations and the nature of carbon fiber itself. Aging process is much faster for fiber than for aluminum not to mention steel. Fiber absorb great portion of energy input (i am talking about huge heavy and strong riders not about my wife:)). CF offers a bad trade-off regarding weight.
If you want to feel forsage do not buy CF. Also, if you want a durable bike do not buy CF.


Please don't feed the troll

I weighed it on the bathroom scale (stood on the scale and picked up the bike, took the difference), which admittedly isn't the most precise method, and it weighed around 25 lbs +/- a pound or two. I weighed my TCR on a fish scale (probably not the best either) and it was right around 20.

My Raleigh tank of a mtb probably weighs as much as my new and old bike combined. :)

5'10" 210 lbs riding Trek 5000 (Trek 5000 OCLV 120) with no problems.

Duplicate post :(

Please don't feed the troll


As a mechanical engineer and MBA I can provide in-depth micoreconomics and macroeconomic analysis regarding carbon fiber commercial use and hype from profit-hungry manufecturers
Additionaly I can support my previous statement regarding CF aging, strenght and life span.
I tried to move elaboration more to the scientific point of view not just "mine is fine" "arguments".
All this with best possible intentions and friendly approach and only one goal->to give best advice to the bds50 since we have the similar "measures".

sure.
nope. for only $7,095 you can get a custom frame (no fork) from serotta, which will have oversized, super strong tubes made to handle any way you want.


Or buy ANY other frame on the market for the same strength, and flush $5,095 dollars in the toilet for a simialr effect.

I bought my Scott CR1 Pro when I weighed 225 pounds. It has a carbon frame, seatpost, fork/steer tube, and cranks. I have no problems with this bike. I have pedaled myself down to 195 pounds and it is still going strong.

with that weight, there's no reason not to look at carbon.

that being said, carbon's not the be-all and end-all of bike frames. Ride a lot of bikes and buy the one you like the best. :)

I weigh 253 (as of this morning) - I have a carbon Kestrel and an aluminum Cervelo - the Cervelo's my favorite by a long shot, but that has to do with the frame's geometry not the material.

Hi,
this always goes the same (when it goes right). What is your budget? What sort of riding do you intend to do? Do you want to race,commute, tour, supported trips,
group rides, randonneur?

There are many, many excellent bikes out there. The two big criteria are
finding one that fits; and that is right for the types of riding you do.

Fit is the most important.

FWIW, here's my bike
http://www.gunnarbikes.com/sport.php

Take a look at the Canyon F10 framset. (www.canyon.com) These CF bike frames are made in Germany and are very nice products. They were specifically made for larger or more powerfull riders who complained their CF bikes weren't stiff enough for them. Plus, they are right at the 1Kg mark for the frame... and cost next to nothing. They run 1200 euros.... and only 1000 euros if you have a racing lisence. That is for a frame/fork/headset/stem. Not a bad deal at all. Plus, those prices include the 17% VAT, so if you call to order they will deduct that from the price. So, for about $1000 USD you can get a really nice frameset including shipping. Several guys on www.weightwenies.com are using them, as well as www.fairwheelbikes.com forums. The U23 "Team Lightweight" team races these frames in Europe.

Not to be a smart ass, but a carbon frame will save you maybe a pound or 1 1/2 pounds max overs steel, that's frame less fork. Let's not here all the experts chime in with their measurements in grams either. The point being at 245 you aren't going to notice loosing that extra pound or two. You'll have bragging rights at the rest stops but it isn't going to get you there any faster.

For what a good carbon frame cost, you could get a custom frame in Reynolds 853. It will be heavier, not much, but custom fit to you. At 6'3" the selection of really nice factory frames is slim. Well, whatever you choose good luck.

Tim

+1

khoun, you linked to park tools.

Erf! I had the wrong URL in my cutbuffer from responding to another post. Anyways, here's the correct link.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=93973

I've also updated my previous post with the proper link.

I'm 6'3" 245lbs and looking for my first road bike. Should I bother looking at carbon frames or do I exceed the weight limit? If you're my size and have a carbon fiber frame, how does it handle compared with other materials? Any info is appreciated. -bds


Unless you are going to be an absolute weight weenie, that isn't where you should be focusing your attention. Most frames are going to handle your weight. The thing you should really spend your time looking at is wheels. Expensive carbon frames tend to come with nice, light, and not exactly durable 20 spoke wheels. My AL frame with carbon seatstays and forks has(knock wood) held up rather well to my 290 lb frame. However, I had to replace my 32 spoke Alex rear wheel with a 36 spoke Velocity. More expensive bikes are going to have less spokes, and if you ride on rough roads like I do, that will come back to bite you.

Expensive carbon frames tend to come with nice, light, and not exactly durable 20 spoke wheels.

It depends. Many expensive carbon frames tend to come with no wheels at all. ;)

I always suggest that larger riders do a frame-up build if possible.

Not to be a smart ass, but a carbon frame will save you maybe a pound or 1 1/2 pounds max overs steel, that's frame less fork. Let's not here all the experts chime in with their measurements in grams either. The point being at 245 you aren't going to notice loosing that extra pound or two. You'll have bragging rights at the rest stops but it isn't going to get you there any faster.

For what a good carbon frame cost, you could get a custom frame in Reynolds 853. It will be heavier, not much, but custom fit to you. At 6'3" the selection of really nice factory frames is slim. Well, whatever you choose good luck.

Tim

I disagree. Carbon has other benefits, including the ability to dampen vibration, and stiffness. When I tried steel bikes they all flexed like a wet noodle under my weight and torque. A custom bike might be different, but my big concern was "what if I pay all that money for a custom bike and I don't like it?"

Bikes like the Specialized Roubaix and Cannondale Synapse are stiff and comfortable, and I think are great bikes for Clydes.

The theory I've heard is that sure, some carbon bikes will support your weight. (this is to say that they don't have a weight limit which excludes you from riding the bike) the question is how long the bike is going to sustain your weight and maintain its structural integrity. If you want carbon for 1 or 2 seasons and are already biking fast enough that the minimal weight difference between carbon and other materials gives you is going to make a difference in your times, go for it. I'm in the camp that buys a bike to last and from everything I've read, carbon+clyde=crunch in the long term.

I'm in the camp that buys a bike to last and from everything I've read, carbon+clyde=crunch in the long term.

Material is immaterial. It's about the design. Do you think that CF structures can't be made to support the loads both static and dynamic of a rider over 150 lbs? Over 180 lbs? Over 200 lbs? If so, you might want to stop flying in airplanes. CF materials have been used in cycling applications to support continued loads of riders weighing several hundred pounds easily. They make CF tandems. They make CF MTBs. A bike's ability to carry a load and endure over a length of time is more a product of its construction and design than it is the material. Pick a bike based on fit and comfort.

BDS -

For what its worth, I am 6 feet tall and now 270 even. I was looking for a bike, and was told various information. When I went to buy a bike I took my good friend with me, and looked for a bike. I had a budget but blew it by about $400 for a Carbon fiber. At that price point (1400) it was way more bike than I could appreciate, but it was also something that I would not need to upgrade for a VERY long time!!!!

The frames are guaranteed to last FOREVER, and should they break TREK and GIANT guarantee them for life. I road tested a few bikes and for the intent of the thread, I will leave brands out but felt that the comfort I experienced on a carbon over aluminum and alum / carbon fork benefited me.

Also the warranty on the bike was good. Oh yeah before I forget, its a Giant OCR limited and has about 100 miles on it without any issues at all. The local bike shop fitted me, and showed me the warranty.

Also, the frame appears to be a single piece, not joined, so when its molded that is the deal.

As I sit here, I am glad I went this route, although admittantly I cannot appreciate everything, I know its a more comfortablt ride based on what I tested. Also, note I did not test a steel frame.

BDS -

For what its worth, I am 6 feet tall and now 270 even. I was looking for a bike, and was told various information. When I went to buy a bike I took my good friend with me, and looked for a bike. I had a budget but blew it by about $400 for a Carbon fiber. At that price point (1400) it was way more bike than I could appreciate, but it was also something that I would not need to upgrade for a VERY long time!!!!

The frames are guaranteed to last FOREVER, and should they break TREK and GIANT guarantee them for life. I road tested a few bikes and for the intent of the thread, I will leave brands out but felt that the comfort I experienced on a carbon over aluminum and alum / carbon fork benefited me.

Also the warranty on the bike was good. Oh yeah before I forget, its a Giant OCR limited and has about 100 miles on it without any issues at all. The local bike shop fitted me, and showed me the warranty.

Also, the frame appears to be a single piece, not joined, so when its molded that is the deal.

As I sit here, I am glad I went this route, although admittantly I cannot appreciate everything, I know its a more comfortablt ride based on what I tested. Also, note I did not test a steel frame.

I would imagine that the warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship, instead of covering any and all breakages.

I love how people give all these opinions it won't work, yet if you ask them they are probably 175lbs. tops and have no personal experience whatsoever.

You will be fine, of course depending on the bike. Check with the brand you are considering if there is a specified limit.

I rode a Trek 5500 for years at weights from 215 to 265, never a problem. Very stiff yet comfortable frame.

Not to be a smart ass, but a carbon frame will save you maybe a pound or 1 1/2 pounds max overs steel, that's frame less fork. Let's not here all the experts chime in with their measurements in grams either. The point being at 245 you aren't going to notice loosing that extra pound or two. You'll have bragging rights at the rest stops but it isn't going to get you there any faster.

For what a good carbon frame cost, you could get a custom frame in Reynolds 853. It will be heavier, not much, but custom fit to you. At 6'3" the selection of really nice factory frames is slim. Well, whatever you choose good luck.

Tim

That's good economic thiniking there. A custom frame can outweigh the appeal of carbon. Too late for me. I have already gone carbon. I love it though. so no biggie.

BY the way. I'c 6'4 230 lbs. Been ridin' my carbon EPX 303 for 6 years now with no problems.

I'm 6'3" 245lbs and looking for my first road bike. Should I bother looking at carbon frames or do I exceed the weight limit? If you're my size and have a carbon fiber frame, how does it handle compared with other materials? Any info is appreciated. -bds

All bike frame materials have advantages and disadvantages:

1) Steel pros: Cheap and strong. Cons: heavy and subject to rust
2) Chromaloy pros: Strong and easy to repair. Cons subject to rust
3) Aluminum (alloy) pros: Cheap and light weight. Cons: Subject to stress fracturing, hard to repair in field.
4) Titanium pros: Light weight, strong. Cons: hard to repair in field, expensive.
5) Carbon Fibre reinforced plastic pros: Light weight, cushy ride. Cons easily damaged (weakened), tends to fail catastrophically, expensive, tends to be replaced rather then repaired.

Looking at this list, we know why racing bikes tend to be CF and touring bikes tend to be Chromaloy, and MTBs tend to be Aluminum.

http://www.habcycles.com/road.html

My next bike will be a made to order bike (not custom) with a steel frame. You can get a hell of a lot of bike that way. Strong, comfortable, durable, reasonable weight. The thing (and really the ONLY thing) I don't care for about a CF bike frame is if you crash it, there is a good chance you also trash it. I don't crash all the time, but once in a while is plenty...

I'm 6'3" 215 and bought a full carbon Lemond. The frame has been great. The stock Bontrager race wheels have not. I'm now on my second set in 1500 miles but have been pleased with the warranty replacement process.

I'm larger then you but when I had my bike made, the framebuilder (who is a mecanical engineer) laughed when I asked about carbon fiber. My bike
If you have the budget I highly recommend a custom bike from a good builder. Not a day goes by that when I ride my custom bike I don't smile, the ride and fit are light years beyond what I road before.

As to the post about "what if I don't like my custom bike" if you choose a good builder and they fit you right you will like your bike, (if not a good builder will make it fit).

#250 here. As someone else pointed out (a brilliant Sooner no less!), the Roubaix flexed a lot when I test rode it. Ended up with a Tarmac Pro. I have snapped two spokes on the K Elites that are stock, however the wheel was rebuilt by warranty and have had no issues since. It is a fairly aggressive geometry however. The Cdale Synapse is also a really nice ride. If you got the money, a custom steel ride would end up being more comfortable and responsive than anything off the shelf.

I'm 6'5", 265, and have just over 1000 miles on the Motobecane in the sig. Love the Mavic wheels too. No issues what so ever, but it has taken a bit of work to get the fit right. Now that school has started and I'm back on a schedule and riding more, I'll follow up on the Clyde/Carbon and wheel issues. So far so good. Frame does flex a little, but so does steel at my weight.