Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Bikes for short clyde

I know a person, female, 5'5" 300lbs, what kinds of bikes would you folks recommend for this person, I am intentionally staying away from riding style, because we don't know yet. Yes, this person is a type II diabetic, I know there are a few out there.

Thanks

I know a person, female, 5'5" 300lbs, what kinds of bikes would you folks recommend for this person, I am intentionally staying away from riding style, because we don't know yet. Yes, this person is a type II diabetic, I know there are a few out there.

Thanks
Frankly, my first recommendation would be a recumbent! Far more comfortable. I'd even think about a Tedpole type trike! They are quite cool and comfortable to ride and comfort is a major factor in continuing to ride! http://www.icehouse.net/jim_d/gifs/eztad-th.jpg

The problem with a recumbent is most of them have weight limits of around 250. I have seen a few that go 275. I would try some type of hybrid bike. They have a more upright seating and are more comfortable then a regular road bike. Her weight won't be a problem for the bike itself but it might be for the wheels. They are usually the weak link on a bike. I started riding at 302 and am now down to 265. I ride a 2005 Specialized Allez Sport road bike and other then the wheels I have had no problems. The wheels were a known problem with these bikes so when I started breaking spokes I replaced them with something sturdier.

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http://freeflite.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=1572

The problem with a recumbent is most of them have weight limits of around 250. I have seen a few that go 275. I would try some type of hybrid bike. They have a more upright seating and are more comfortable then a regular road bike. Her weight won't be a problem for the bike itself but it might be for the wheels. They are usually the weak link on a bike. I started riding at 302 and am now down to 265. I ride a 2005 Specialized Allez Sport road bike and other then the wheels I have had no problems. The wheels were a known problem with these bikes so when I started breaking spokes I replaced them with something sturdier.

I was thinking mountain bike with 1.5" slicks, as 36 spoke wheels are common, and the smaller diameter also helps with wheel strength, and the lower gearing would probably also be helpful. Recumbents while comfy are also quite expensive, probably over her budget at this point.

The problem with a recumbent is most of them have weight limits of around 250. I have seen a few that go 275. I would try some type of hybrid bike. They have a more upright seating and are more comfortable then a regular road bike. Her weight won't be a problem for the bike itself but it might be for the wheels. They are usually the weak link on a bike. I started riding at 302 and am now down to 265. I ride a 2005 Specialized Allez Sport road bike and other then the wheels I have had no problems. The wheels were a known problem with these bikes so when I started breaking spokes I replaced them with something sturdier.
Sun Tadpole is right at $1000.00 (A little less, with end of season) and has a wt limit of 300 lbs. Remember as well that weight limits are very conservative and are structurally for higher than rated to allow for more extreme riding performance stress (Fast ride, rough road!). There is also the Delta, for about $775 +/-.

I know a person, female, 5'5" 300lbs, what kinds of bikes would you folks recommend for this person, I am intentionally staying away from riding style, because we don't know yet. Yes, this person is a type II diabetic, I know there are a few out there. Thanks

Hi Wogsterca!

Have your friend check out the Electra Townie models. They allow the rider to sit on the seat with feet flat on the ground. When you want to pedal, you put your feet forward and begin. They are very sturdy, well made, comfortable, and will fit very short people. I had one when I began riding at the beginning of 2005, and it was a GREAT bike.

I agree with the poster who suggested recumbents for comfort, also. Your friend will for SURE want a trike, not a two-wheel-bike if she goes to a 'bent. Being diabetic, spills and bruises are NOT what your friend needs.

Worksman is a company that makes heavy-duty trikes that would be comfortable for your friend, although the Worksmans are not recumbents.

In summary, if your friend is comfortable on a bike, have her at least test-ride an Electra Townie. If your friend isn't comfortable balancing a bike, have her check out a Worksman trike. Happy riding!

The Giant Revive is really comfortable.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2006&range=279

Hi Wogsterca!

Have your friend check out the Electra Townie models. They allow the rider to sit on the seat with feet flat on the ground. When you want to pedal, you put your feet forward and begin. They are very sturdy, well made, comfortable, and will fit very short people. I had one when I began riding at the beginning of 2005, and it was a GREAT bike.

I agree with the poster who suggested recumbents for comfort, also. Your friend will for SURE want a trike, not a two-wheel-bike if she goes to a 'bent. Being diabetic, spills and bruises are NOT what your friend needs.

Worksman is a company that makes heavy-duty trikes that would be comfortable for your friend, although the Worksmans are not recumbents.

In summary, if your friend is comfortable on a bike, have her at least test-ride an Electra Townie. If your friend isn't comfortable balancing a bike, have her check out a Worksman trike. Happy riding!

Is there a dealer for the Townie in Toronto, Canada? Ordering from the US is not possible, customs is a killer, and her budget is under $500 so the 'bents 2 or 3 wheeled are out. This is why I was thinking mountain bike, they are built more sturdy then most, and prices for lower end ones from dealers are reasonable.

Electra SHOULD have a Canadian dealer - check www.electrabike.com. An entry-level MTB would also work. I'm partial to Specialized, Kona, and Trek. Any of them should be sufficiently tough.

I know a person, female, 5'5" 300lbs, what kinds of bikes would you folks recommend for this person, I am intentionally staying away from riding style, because we don't know yet. Yes, this person is a type II diabetic, I know there are a few out there.

Thanks

While she is not as heavy as your friend, I got my wife this bike.

http://www.phatcycles.com/Phundamentals/seacrest6l.htm

its an easy bike to ride, nice seat, upright seating, and a few gears for going uphills. Not something anyone is going to do extending riding on, but its fine for a nice 12 mile ride or so. Its a good first bike that may need to be replaced after some weight loss. But if you jump into a road bike right away, it might end up just sitting there because it is too hard to ride. It was $350 here in the US.

Devin