Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Do bike makers adjust their designs for bigger sizes

Hi,

It suddenly occurred to me to wonder: do bicycle makers factor in to their plans the fact that the riders of larger sized bikes will themselves be larger. On the face of it would seem nuts if they didn't: someone riding a 50 cm frame is surely going to weigh far less than someone riding a 62. But all the concern about heavier riders on carbon bikes, suggests that we're on our own. Is that right?

Yes, good ones do. For example I ride a 61 cm road frame. My downtube and chainstays are columbus SP and the other tubes are SL.

Sheldon

I've wondered this many times myself. I don't believe that they do, at least not with a great deal of thought. When I first began cycling I bought a mid-level Cannondale hybrid in size XL. Whe I got it home I read the tag on the seatpost which said it wasn't to be ridden by anyone over 185 pounds. On a frame that size there's a pretty good chance that the rider is going to weigh more than that, and I was more than 100 pounds more than that. To make matters worse, the dealer wouldn't switch out the post!

I think that some makes DO actually ruggedize their larger size designs for anticipated heavier and stronger riders. Others, obviously, don't.

Clydes (and ESPECIALLY us "UberClydes") should carefully inspect models before purchase. Things to carefully look at (and ask about) are the seat rails, the seat post, the pedal axles, the wheels, the stem, and the handlebars. With "racing" frames that use carbon parts, be especially vigilant about the frame, too.

When I say "ask about," I don't mean asking the sales kid either! Most sales kids are part-time, untrained, and are in the shop because of their enthusiasm for bikes and their willingness to work for starvation wages. The sales kids (mostly) aren't competent to answer your questions on weight-limits of individual components. Find the web-site of the bike manufacturer. Usually, the site won't answer your questions either, but there will be a "contact us" e-mail link. ASK THE MANUFACTURER what the limits are for their components! I've had 100% response from every site I've asked questions on (except for Mavic, and that's another story).

Never assume that parts are designed for you. Only by asking can you ensure your safety. As one who has been in an accident caused by parts failure, I can promise you that safety is worth asking about.

I've wondered this many times myself. I don't believe that they do, at least not with a great deal of thought. When I first began cycling I bought a mid-level Cannondale hybrid in size XL. Whe I got it home I read the tag on the seatpost which said it wasn't to be ridden by anyone over 185 pounds. On a frame that size there's a pretty good chance that the rider is going to weigh more than that, and I was more than 100 pounds more than that. To make matters worse, the dealer wouldn't switch out the post!
Angus, that weight limit was set by the lawyers, likely as a liability limiter....in short, so they could say "He exceeded the capabilities of the material, so why should WE be held liable?"