Introductions - Intro and questions

Hi there. A bit about myself - my name is Rob, and I stumbled on this site whilst researching about road bikes and training methods. I am 29 yrs old, and currently live in Sydney, Australia. I bought my first bike a few years ago, with the LBS advising me that I must get a MTB to cope with my size and weight - I am 6ft 5in, 264lb (120kg) and that I would just break any road bike that I bought.

The bike has done me well over the years, with me using it mostly for commuting, however I have started venturing out on the weekends with the 'real road cyclists', and have been trying to (and in many cases succeeding) keep up with them. I have put slicks on it, cycling computer, bought some proper cycling attire, however no matter how hard I push it, I will always be limited by the bike.

I would love to hear some feedback on my thoughts for the jump to a road bike if anyone has the time. If not, don't read on any further.

I am looking at a mid-range road bike (budget limitations - I can't get the god of finances (wife) to understand the need for greater monetary outlay) which will meet my size/weight requirements, with quality components that will last. I would rather a slightly heavier bike with quality, than a lightweight thing that will snap on me when I push it. I am currently looking at the TREK 1500, with handmade wheels (36 spoke count, double-butted) and have some concerns. Will the carbon fork cope? Will 36 spokes be enough? Will the frame cope (I am relatively strong - leg press in the order of 900lb)? I like the idea of a lifetime warranty on the frame.

My intent is to use the cycle to suppliment my gym regieme, and try to strip down a bit. I also intend to get a Polar HRM S710 at this stage to help me plan / track my training. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

There are plenty of strong road frames out there that will support your weight and then some. The LBS guy is full of it.

Best bet is to e-mail manufacturer and ask them what they reccomend. I have had good e-mail replies in the past from various bike manufacturer sites.

Good to have you at BF.

Sam

Hmmmm. Don't think the Trek 1500 is a current model in the U.S., so won't comment. You can look up the recent carbon fork threads on the forum. Just do a search. But the bottom line is that the manufacturers of same do not set a weight or lifetime limit on theirs except in the case of their ultralight racing models. So you should be just fine with a carbon fork.

You may also want to go with a steel frame due to their robustness. You should be able to get one from the mid-80's to mid-90's that will meet your needs and budget. eBay is a good place to search for them. May cost a bit to ship unless you find one down there.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

ParamountScapin,

Thanks for the reply. The 1500 is here (hope this works):

Trek 1500 Site Link (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/road/1500e.jsp)

I have looked into the steel frame market here in Australia, and there aren't that many offers that I find appealing. Aside from going to a full European setup (not financially viable), I would rather the bike provide some sort of warranty for the frame. I cannot find that with steel over here.

Aside from that, I will keep an open mind, as it will be a couple of months yet until I have saved up enough beer tickets for the bike and gear that I want. Thanks again for your time.

Colonel

check out www.llewellynbikes.com/main.htm in brisbane, he makes very very nice steel frames. I am sure he will reply any enquires.

Spinner,

Thanks for the info, I will check him out.

Colonel, I am about your size and recently purchased a Trek 5200. I have had no problems with it so far. Stock the bike came with Bontrager Race Lites with the low spoke count (I believe 20 in front and 24 in the rear). After 700 miles they are still true. Unless you ride some rough roads I don't think you need to go to 36 spokes. As for the carbon fork that also presents no problems. When I first got my bike I was half afraid to stand on the pedals and really hammer it. Now that I have gotten used to the bike I do this regularly.
Get your road bike and enjoy.:D

Hi and welcome......As others have already suggested ,frame strength should not be a problem as long as you purchase good quality from a reputable Manufacturer. More problematic could be wheel strength, and especially rear hub as this will take the brunt of the weight to power distribution.
I know a cyclist of similar proportions to yourself who has a great power and on hill climbs he is well known for destroying rear hubs and unfortunately has failed to solve the problem.

Georgesnatcher and willic,

Thanks for the feedback. Both of your posts confirmed my thoughts / research. It will be a couple of months yet until I have enough cash to get the gear, but will continue to scope these pages for inspiration / ideas etc.