Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Bike for a super Clyde?

Met a guy this week while I had my cycling clothes on so he asked me if they made a bike for someone his size. He was 5'8" and 420lbs and probably in his late 30's. When he was not walking, he had to lean on something to help his balance.
I told him that it might be possible if he got a strong frame and wheels with a very high spoke count but I was not sure what to recommend. I told him that a recumbent trike might be a good bet but later I realized that he would probably be unable to get out of the seat without help.
Are there any clydes here that can relate to his situation? What kind of bike were you able to ride? I would like to pass the info along to him if I see him again.

My Specialized Hardrock Sport is bombproof. Have ridden it from 430 down to 380-ish, about 700 miles in the first two months I had it. Not a single problem, other than some derailuer adjustments.

I just bought a new Trek 7.3 FX (today, actually..) and that seems pretty damned bombproof as well. Time will tell on that one, but it's going to be my new commuterbike.

Really, it's going to be up to the person. I went in looking at a Redline 925, but ended up with the Trek. Oddly enough, it came down to a choice between the FX, Bianchi Volpe, and a Redline Monocog 29er. The guys at the shop were adamant that of the sub 1k bikes they had, these all had the most bombproof wheelset.

Anyway, good luck. I'm not sure about the balance thing and how that would play into cycling. *shrug*

Met a guy this week while I had my cycling clothes on so he asked me if they made a bike for someone his size. He was 5'8" and 420lbs and probably in his late 30's. When he was not walking, he had to lean on something to help his balance.
I told him that it might be possible if he got a strong frame and wheels with a very high spoke count but I was not sure what to recommend. I told him that a recumbent trike might be a good bet but later I realized that he would probably be unable to get out of the seat without help.
Are there any clydes here that can relate to his situation? What kind of bike were you able to ride? I would like to pass the info along to him if I see him again.
Frankly, given the circumstance, I'd suggest the Sun EZ-3 trike. It's a delta configuration and if he can get in and out of a chair, he can get on and off that. Here's my wifes Sun
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Cardinal%20Greenway%20and%20other%20rides/CardinalGreenway001-1.jpg

Frankly, given the circumstance, I'd suggest the Sun EZ-3 trike. It's a delta configuration and if he can get in and out of a chair, he can get on and off that. Here's my wifes Sun
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Cardinal%20Greenway%20and%20other%20rides/CardinalGreenway001-1.jpg

mm..your wife looks fuzzy :p

There is nothing (and I mean nothing) that feels better in the cold than really fuzzy clothing. Sure that nylon-lined down keeps you warmer, but it's just not the same.

If he has balance issues, I would think a trike would be a great choice. Plus, trikes are pretty awesome. Otherwise, I know some people who have nothing but great things to say about the Kona Hoss.

I agree with Tom. And be sure to checkout other recumbent, not all of them are the "low-lying" type.

For DF bikes, I heard good things about Kona Hoss. I also remember seeing a custom frame/bike builder that specializes in clyde bikes, can't remember the name.

But at his weight, I don't know how long he would stay comfortable on a saddle.

Thanks. That Sun EZ-3 trike looks it would work for him. Much more practical than a full recumbent.
When I mentioned that he was always leaning on something, I don't think it was for balance. I think he was just helping support his body weight.

I would really recommend for your friend to take a look at www.SuperSizedCycles.com (http://www.SuperSizedCycles.com) . The founder of this company is really passionate about giving heavier riders who abandoned the hobby years ago the opprtunity to get back on a bike and feel safe and comfortable. As a heavy person herself, she understands what heavy riders look for and has come up with a line of bicycles, tricycles, and recumbents fit for those over 350. I, myself have been looking at the New Leaf- their customized bike, and really like the concept of the whole store.

Hope that helps!

Met a guy this week while I had my cycling clothes on so he asked me if they made a bike for someone his size. He was 5'8" and 420lbs and probably in his late 30's. When he was not walking, he had to lean on something to help his balance.
I told him that it might be possible if he got a strong frame and wheels with a very high spoke count but I was not sure what to recommend. I told him that a recumbent trike might be a good bet but later I realized that he would probably be unable to get out of the seat without help.
Are there any clydes here that can relate to his situation? What kind of bike were you able to ride? I would like to pass the info along to him if I see him again.

http://istanbultea.typepad.com/largefellaonabike/how_it_all_began/index.html

"According to him the Trek [comfort bike] was aluminum when I wanted steel, had shocks for forks when I wanted rigid, had low end components when I needed something better, had ****ty wheels and hubs when I needed something beefy & strong, was built for riding a couple miles on Sundays and eventually getting bored with when I needed something I could increase my daily mileage on and not get bored with, etc, etc, etc. In the end he suggested going with an older steel, lugged road bike or even better yet... an older steel, lugged touring bike."