Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - At 100kg, will I regret buying a Moser Leader AX frame?

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cdwitmer
01-14-07, 06:23 AM
I ride for fun, rather than as a serious competitor. I have a chance to obtain a Moser Leader AX frame in "almost new" condition from a fellow in my neighborhood. At 59 cm (C-C), it was too large for him, but it is an ideal frame size for me. My only concern is my weight: 100kg. Would I normally be considered too heavy for this frame? (Assuming the frame to be in perfect shape mechanically, which seems to be the case.)

Thanks!

big john
01-14-07, 07:07 AM
It's aluminum, isn't it? I've never heard of weight restrictions on frames. I'm your weight and I've had a bunch of frames over the years and the only one I had an issue with was a Prestige tubed Landshark that was too whippy. Just stay away from ultra-light parts and wheels and you should be fine.
cdwitmer
01-14-07, 09:30 AM
Actually, the Moser Leader AX is made of steel tubes that are silver soldered together without the use of lugs.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2906/seattubecy2.jpg

The tubing is something called "Deda Zero," with which I am not familiar.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5334/dedazeroxc6.jpg

Moser seems to be phasing this frame out and they only have certain sizes left.
http://www.mosercycles.com/moser_leader_ax.html

Back when I was under 85kg, I used to ride a frame made with Ishiwata 019 tubes, and that raised many an eyebrow among my riding buddies. I never felt unsafe on it, but it was a bit flexible in hill climbs. I would be reticent to use that bike at my present weight, even though I'm no stronger, just more of a l@rd@ss . . .

Tom Stormcrowe
01-14-07, 09:54 AM
Deda Zero appears to be a Manganese/Steel alloy possibly, but I've also found references to an aluminum Deda alloy. Are you sure the frame isn't internally lugged? It looks like and internal lug design. I don't see any issues at 220 pounds or 100Kg, but I'm not an engineer. Just build the wheels to suit your weight. I wouldn't use an "Ultra-light" wheel set and I weigh in the same range as you at 219.
cdwitmer
01-14-07, 10:13 AM
Thanks; I found a website that discusses the frame materials, and it is steel:
http://www.bringheli.com/dedacciai.html

At the time the frame first came out it was probably one of the best grades of steel frame tubing available, and it is still quite respectable. Now my main worry is whether steel tubes silver soldered without lugs are going to be strong enough . . . I never rode on such a critter before.

If I do go with this, I'll definitely go with a set of nice beefy wheels.