Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Strongest, Toughest Hybrid/Urban Bike Known to Man?

I've been tooling around for a year pretty much full time on a modified Electra, and while it's a strong bike it ain't a fast one. I've gotten in much better shape now, and I find myself wanting more arm torque and more raw speed. I really like the hybrid bikes, as they remind me of the mountain bikes we had back in my college days--not these weird squished down things that they call mountain bikes today. I like the ride of the Marins and the REI Novaras.

Here's the hitch--I am the destroyer of bicycles. I'm the size of a linebacker, and I have a long track record of hurting bicycles. I'm like a giant manchild accidentally squeezing the life out of a favorite puppy. I've cracked frames, bent many forks, snapped spokes, destroyed rims, bent posts, snapped crank shafts, bent handlebars in my hands, and so on. So I'm leery about getting any modern bicycle, as they all tend to be made for people much smaller than me. The Electra holds up well, but it's a cruiser and you ride semi-reclined on it. This makes for a lot of fun cruising down the road, but sucks when you want to ride up off the seat and get some power from your arms. The foot-forward design makes that all but impossible.

Is there such a hybrid? If not what about other types, like touring? Thanks!

Are any of these (http://www.antbikemike.com/bikes.html) what you are looking for?

Cosmoline - check this out:

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/frontend/products/product_detail.aspx?productid=101&parentid=182

Kona "Hoss". Yes, it's a mountain bike but it is pretty old school and you might like the looks. Plus, you will not crush this bike. I have heard tell of several big/aggressive riders using these and having no problem whatsoever. Kona's are also available in Anchorage, but I can't remember exactly where - some place off of C in mid-town, I think. Google it and go to "find dealers" and give this a test ride. I bet you could rock this one a long time.

- Joe

Just did the dealer search myself out of curiosity. Supposedly, REI on Northern Lights carries Kona's according to the Kona website. The place I was thinking of was on Old Seward Highway (not C street) between Dimond and Tudor, on the west side of the road. I'd also tell you that it was a pre-fab sheet metal building that was either white, gray or blue, but that only helps to narrow it down to anywhere in Alaska. Good luck.

I know you from the gun forums. You probably need a Surly Long Haul Trucker in the correct frame size with trekking bars, fenders, a basket on the front and a rack on the back. How tall are you, how much do you weigh, what are the trails/roads like that you ride on, how much do you want to tote, how fast do you want to ride, how often and how far and how much money do you want to spend. The answers may make the LHT first response wrong.

That Hoss looks spiffy. It looks like it would make a fine snow bike as well. And at 26x2.3 my precious Nokians would fit. Thanks for the tip!

I've heard of the Surly trucker before but haven't seen one in the flesh. I suspect they would run a notch or more above the Konas in price, but I'll look into it.

As far as use, it's primarily for commuting with some errand running as well. Up to 40 miles round trip max. Ideally I'd go for one of the Monarch utility bicycles, but to get one over here it would cost over two grand. There's really nothing stateside that compares with them, so I figure I'll have to make do.

How about a bike rated for 550 pounds?

http://www.supersizedcycles.com/site/1554167/product/CZ220-9080343

I bet the Hoss would stomp as a snow bike. LHT is a nice bike. The Bicycle Shop on Northern Lights can get Surly's but they did not stock many when I was in Anchorage (got my Cross Check there). REI was also carrying Suly's so you could try there as well. The bike shop in Girdwood carries Surly as well. I think for what you are talking about, the Kona would be a better fit and cheaper, but try a Surly as well. Most people who have them love 'em.

If you want a Snow Bike, look at the Pugsley. (Also Surly.)