Road Cycling - Is a 200lb person too heavy for a CAAD7?

Since they are only supposed to be good for a couple race seasons, I figured that would be for a 140 or 150 pound person. How long would a Caad7 frame last for a 200lb non racer (who may loose 10 or 15 lbs)? Would I be able to get five or maybe even eight years of riding out of one?

Since they are only supposed to be good for a couple race seasons, I figured that would be for a 140 or 150 pound person. How long would a Caad7 frame last for a 200lb non racer (who may loose 10 or 15 lbs)? Would I be able to get five or maybe even eight years of riding out of one?

yes. understand that those things are written by lawyers, not engineers. I have several riders on their second seasons on Optimo frames...all around 200 pounds with no problems.
If you ride a hundred hard miles a day at 200 pounds you MIGHT fatigue the frame.

Since they are only supposed to be good for a couple race seasons, I figured that would be for a 140 or 150 pound person. How long would a Caad7 frame last for a 200lb non racer (who may loose 10 or 15 lbs)? Would I be able to get five or maybe even eight years of riding out of one?

hmmmm ... thinking of "trading up?"

-mark

If it wasn't up to the stress the lawyers wouldn't let them build sizes over 58cm

hmmmm ... thinking of "trading up?"

-mark

Yeah, when I trade in my 58cm for a 60cm I'm thinking of upgrading to the R800 or maybe the R1000.

Since they are only supposed to be good for a couple race seasons, I figured that would be for a 140 or 150 pound person. How long would a Caad7 frame last for a 200lb non racer (who may loose 10 or 15 lbs)? Would I be able to get five or maybe even eight years of riding out of one?

I weight 240 and my LBS recommended an R1000. It is a great looking, great handling bike, especially with some "meat" on it to dampen any skittishness. The only problem I see is with the wording of the guarantee. It seems if Cannondale deems you an aggressive rider, all bets are off.

200 pound guys probably should ride Cannondales.You gotta remember racers are light but very strong.They beat the hell out of their bikes.
If you're just looking for a nice bike to ride around then the Cannondale is a good choice.

I have ridden cannondales for years. I usually weigh close to 200 lbs. Since cannondales with the oversized aluminum frames tend to be stiff, many heavier riders like them. I have put over 40,000 miles on three seperate frames. One did fail but that was a design flaw. They did not take the rear triangle down to the rear dropout but had it short by about 2". The flattened and extended the chain stay to hold the rear dropout and oddly enough they drilled a hole in it right about 1" beyond the junction of the rear triangle. The bike did eventually fail there and that was no big deal. It wasn't catastrophic just sorta clunk. Cannondale gave me a new and better frame free on that deal.

Since most riders do not put more then say 5,000 miles per year on a bike well a cannondale should last you a long, long time. Providing, of course, you don't do things like mountain bike on a road bike.

The only problem I see is with the wording of the guarantee. It seems if Cannondale deems you an aggressive rider, all bets are off. It's nothing more than an upfront disclaimer about fatigue. No other manufacturer warrants fatigue either.They just don't tell you that right up front.

It's nothing more than an upfront disclaimer about fatigue. No other manufacturer warrants fatigue either.They just don't tell you that right up front.

On the contrary, Trek and LeMond warranty their frames for life and they mean it. If metal fatigue causes a failure in the frame, they will rectify the situation. There have been several posts of people getting new frames from both companies both in this and other cycling forums.

Yeah, when I trade in my 58cm for a 60cm I'm thinking of upgrading to the R800 or maybe the R1000.

man, you ARE indecisve!

On the contrary, Trek and LeMond warranty their frames for life and they mean it. If metal fatigue causes a failure in the frame, they will rectify the situation. There have been several posts of people getting new frames from both companies both in this and other cycling forums.

Well, if you read the written Trek warranty, it excludes "wear and tear". So they are under no obligation to cover fatigue damage. I like Cannondale's honest approach better. They build high-quality, strong AL frames, but don't try to hide the issue that any frame can be broken by a strong racer and high miles....same goes for steel and Ti of course.

Some framebuilders do provide a limited warranty on fatigue damage (in addition to the usual lifetime warranty for defects) . For example, my new AL/carbon frame came with a specific 3 yr fatigue warranty. Since I'm an old guy riding 3K miles per year, the frame should last me much longer.

On the contrary, Trek and LeMond warranty their frames for life and they mean it. If metal fatigue causes a failure in the frame, they will rectify the situation. There have been several posts of people getting new frames from both companies both in this and other cycling forums.

On the contrary, they cover DEFECTIVE frames....the DO NOT cover normal wear and tear. If you ride a frame hard and it fails and it was not defective, you ain't gettin' no new frame.
Cannondale defines it, Trek leaves it a bit "gray"...but an aluminum buyer looking for a Trek is not going to go below ZR9000 (if they take the advice of the seller) because the SL stuff is not nearly as good as any Cannondale aluminum. And to get into ZR you are looking at a $1,600 to $1,800 bike (2200 or 2300) vs an R800 where you can get Cannondale's Optimo for a lot less.
And Optimo is stiffer and lighter than titanium.

On the contrary, Trek and LeMond warranty their frames for life and they mean it. If metal fatigue causes a failure in the frame, they will rectify the situation. There have been several posts of people getting new frames from both companies both in this and other cycling forums. Read the warranty.It is specifically for defects in materials and workmanship.If they do otherwise, it's for good PR,but don't go to the bank with it.

Its going to be a jolt of a ride,200 pounds on a al bike.

Its going to be a jolt of a ride,200 pounds on a al bike.Really? Why?

Hi,
sorry to beat a horse on life support.....but... a steel or ti frame would last you the rest of your life. If you're not racing, a few ounces isn't imprortant.
So I would just suggest that you do what any sensible buyer should do. Go test ride a few bikes. You never know what you'll find.

Hi,
sorry to beat a horse on life support.....but... a steel or ti frame would last you the rest of your life. If you're not racing, a few ounces isn't imprortant.
So I would just suggest that you do what any sensible buyer should do. Go test ride a few bikes. You never know what you'll find. It's more than material.It's tube diameter, and other factors.There is wimpy Ti AND steel especially for heavy riders on large frames.

Definitely,
Paramount used to be the frame of choice for big guys (30 years ago), it's still plenty stiff. Serotta takes custom the next level. They would not only give you a perfect fit, they pick the tubes to match your size and riding style. You never know til you try.

Hi,
sorry to beat a horse on life support.....but... a steel or ti frame would last you the rest of your life. If you're not racing, a few ounces isn't imprortant.
So I would just suggest that you do what any sensible buyer should do. Go test ride a few bikes. You never know what you'll find.

Agree a few oz isn't important at all....suppose it's because a lot of buyers only look at weight when shopping. But, talking frames in the 3 lb and under category, aren't they all subject to fatigue failures? High-mileage racers seem to break thin-wall steel or Ti just as easily as they break AL, IMO.

If you're talking about old-school 6 pound plus lugged steel frames, sure, they may be lifetime frames if you can keep them from rusting. I've got a couple of old Raleigh 531 bikes....but does anyone make or buy them anymore?

Tom isn't a racer; so that's not an issue.
FrameSaver and some basic care will keep rust from becoming a problem. You see so many 30 year old bikes (most of which did not use FrameSaver) running around because of the durability of the material. And no, I am not talking about 'old school' frames, and to be honest, I'm a little surprised you said that. Test ride a Serotta, Waterford, or Paramount, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. Btw, to answer your question, search BikeForums for Rivendell posts, that should give you an answer.

Rust is such a poor reason to not get steel.Its a non issue if you take care of the bike.Also,nowadays,what tubes of any material isnt thin?

Hi,
sorry to beat a horse on life support.....but... a steel or ti frame would last you the rest of your life. Really? Why?

My first bike was a hand me down. It was a Columiba built in the 1930's. When we settled the estate in the 1970's, it was still a fine bike (if heavy). There are superlite steel and ti frames that prob won't last, but most will go as long as you want to ride. Try one, and see what you think.

My first bike was a hand me down. It was a Columiba built in the 1930's. When we settled the estate in the 1970's, it was still a fine bike (if heavy). My old Columbia broke.Next.

Well, if you read the written Trek warranty, it excludes "wear and tear". So they are under no obligation to cover fatigue damage. I like Cannondale's honest approach better. They build high-quality, strong AL frames, but don't try to hide the issue that any frame can be broken by a strong racer and high miles....same goes for steel and Ti of course.

Some framebuilders do provide a limited warranty on fatigue damage (in addition to the usual lifetime warranty for defects) . For example, my new AL/carbon frame came with a specific 3 yr fatigue warranty. Since I'm an old guy riding 3K miles per year, the frame should last me much longer.

I don't think fatigue is classified as wear and tear. Fatigue usually means the metal actually fails, cracking, or even breaking. That is covered.

But, like you, I am an old guy, a non-racer, but I ride about 5-6k miles per year. I am going to buy a new Lemond Zurich with the steel/carbon frame. It is smmooooth and, from all I have heard, it should last a long time.

I am not disputing the quality of the Cannondale frames. I really like the R1000 and R2000, but the wording of the warranty says, in my opinion, they have an out and will use it. I'd rather deal with a company that will at least deal with you.

On top of that, the R1000/2000 is not as comfortable for me as the Lemonds, so I probably wouldn't buy one anyway.

Hi,
There is no 'next'. Around here, you see a lot of people on 30 and 40 year old bikes.
My guess is you have made this observation yourself.

I don't think fatigue is classified as wear and tear. Fatigue usually means the metal actually fails, cracking, or even breaking. That is covered.

.Only if it is a materils of manufacturing defect. A part or frame can simply fail from fatigue that involves NO, materials of manufacturing defect.

Hi,
There is no 'next'. Around here, you see a lot of people on 30 and 40 year old bikes.
My guess is you have made this observation yourself. Yeah, I have. But, as a generalization it is just that: Of no real value. There are plenty of old Aluminum frames around too.

Yeah, I have. But, as a generalization it is just that: Of no real value. There are plenty of old Aluminum frames around too.

to this effect, i would like to know how many people have had a frame break on them b/c it's been ridden too much or too hard or both. i'm riding a old schwinn steel framed bike which rides lilke a dream. no problems so far. so, who's had a frame fail on them?
dan

Sure,
I had one of them. If they flexed, they died. At this juncture, I would advise you to get an ALu frame.
...I just remembered, I had 2 Alu frames, a C'dale and a Gary Fisher.

Hair07,
I had a Gary Fisher Supercalibre (Alu) about a million years ago. I am a big guy, and I rode it to death. I had a ball on that bike; and I have nothing but good to say about it. I doubt most frames would have been able to survive what I was doing back then.

As primarily a Mountainbiker, it's interesting seeing that myths prevail even in the road world. I weigh 205 and ride steel primarily. I've never had a frame crack through fatigue, even when I was doing 9,000 miles a year.

No, fatigue is NOT covered in ANYONES warranty. Fatigue is not a materials or manufacturing quality defect. If you fatigue out a frame and the company covers it, it's a PR exercise, nothing more. Lucky you.

Most modern Aluminium frames will last a long time, unless you're a high milage addict or a big sprinter. Al doesnt have an infinte fatigue life - the more you cycle it, it will eventually break. I choose Steel because it has a zippy, springy feel that I like, and if built properly it will last forever. It's future-proof, classic, and gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Aluminium doesn't do it for me, but if you like the Cannondale ( lord knows why ), get it.

Naturally I wouldn't, but I don't eat McDonalds either, so I'm sure as hell not going to ride it.

I don't think fatigue is classified as wear and tear. Fatigue usually means the metal actually fails, cracking, or even breaking. That is covered.
but the wording of the warranty says, in my opinion, they have an out and will use it.


I sell them..you are incorrect. Totally and completely.

I do business with both companies.

I don't mean to sound mean spirited, but it really irks me when folks get on internet forums and post things like this and potentially influence business to and from companies.

So we should'nt give our option on anything,even if its not much.If we don't have anything good to say,do'nt say it?Belive me if someone says something that is total BS,replys will pile on.

So we should'nt give our option on anything,even if its not much.If we don't have anything good to say,do'nt say it?Belive me if someone says something that is total BS,replys will pile on.

this is different...an opinion is one thing (I like this I don't like that)...but saying that a company will not stand behind a bike is totally a different level. Especially when some of us who actually do business with them at the LBS level state otherwise...including defining a contract.

So we should'nt give our option on anything,even if its not much.If we don't have anything good to say,do'nt say it?Belive me if someone says something that is total BS,replys will pile on.Everything someone says is NOT an opinion. Alot of it is just BS,packaged to sound like fact. Many don't know the difference.

I don't think fatigue is classified as wear and tear. Fatigue usually means the metal actually fails, cracking, or even breaking. That is covered, but the wording of the warranty says, in my opinion, they have an out and will use it.

[QUOTE=roadwarrior]I sell them..you are incorrect. Totally and completely.

Notice I said "in my opinion, they have an out and will use it." The wording of the frame warranty does, in fact, give them an out. Absolutely no doubt about it. In my opinion, they will use it. Without a doubt, that is my opinion.


I don't mean to sound mean spirited, but it really irks me when folks get on internet forums and post things like this and potentially influence business to and from companies.

If someone is influenced by a personal opinion of one person posted on one cycling forum, then they probably aren't smart enough to ride a two-wheeler anyway. :D

That being said, I respect your opinion and your personal experiences. All I ask is a similar courtesy.

Meanwhile...
I think if you weigh 200lbs you will have no problem with the CAAD7, in fact you'll probably really like it!

I sell them..you are incorrect. Totally and completely.

I do business with both companies.

I don't mean to sound mean spirited, but it really irks me when folks get on internet forums and post things like this and potentially influence business to and from companies.

Can you please explain your response here? If the post above is incorrect, then believe you're stating that the warranties exclude fatigue damage...can you confirm that please. That's how I read the warranties, as I stated above.

Regardless of the legal wording of the warranty, in your experience as a dealer for both companies, do they routinely cover fatigue damage as good will, or PR, on a case-by-case basis?

If you can't devulge the answer for business reasons, that's OK too...understand a companies hidden warranty policy could be closely-guarded.

Dan

Just to get this back on topic .. ..

I am over 200lbs and ride a R2000 Caad7 and have no problems. I got the bike in late august and have put just under 1500 miles on the frame. It is not as harsh as a lot of people post - at least in my experience. It is a very responsive bike and great on the hills. It fits me really well and suits my riding very well.

Great bike for a 200lbs+ guy!

Peter

Can you please explain your response here? If the post above is incorrect, then believe you're stating that the warranties exclude fatigue damage...can you confirm that please. That's how I read the warranties, as I stated above.

Regardless of the legal wording of the warranty, in your experience as a dealer for both companies, do they routinely cover fatigue damage as good will, or PR, on a case-by-case basis?

If you can't devulge the answer for business reasons, that's OK too...understand a companies hidden warranty policy could be closely-guarded.

Dan

Case by case basis...a lot depends on how old the bike is. For example, if you have a year old bike and the frame is showing cracks or stress, we'd call the manufacturer for the customer. We have a detailed record on every bike we sell, and same for the customer, so we know how old the bike is. Bikes that appear to be damaged, like dents or major paint scrapes were obviously wrecked and would not fall into this category.

Fatigue is not failure....nothing is made to last forever, regardless of what we'd like to believe. A rider who rides a ton (30+ miles per day at 20+ MPH for example) is going to run through a bike faster than a rider who rides 2-3 times a week for 15 or 20 miles. Generally, if you have fatigue, you do not have a "catastrophic" frame failure, like the frame simply breaking (although it eventually will fail, but that is not due to a defective frame). But, frankly, anyone I know who is riding a lot checks their bike frequently (so wouldn't be suprised) and is generally buying a new bike about every 3-4 years because they know they are using them up. And that includes any frame material.

Hope that answers the question....

manufacturers are not in the habit of replacing frames because you have ridden them a lot, for free, but will replace if it was defective in some way (bad welds, poor tubing, things like that, and are easily confirmed by us or the manufacturer). But each case is unique and checked out. Our mechanics look at them first, then we decide what to do.

Case by case basis...a lot depends on how old the bike is. For example, if you have a year old bike and the frame is showing cracks or stress, we'd call the manufacturer for the customer. We have a detailed record on every bike we sell, and same for the customer, so we know how old the bike is. Bikes that appear to be damaged, like dents or major paint scrapes were obviously wrecked and would not fall into this category.

Fatigue is not failure....nothing is made to last forever, regardless of what we'd like to believe. A rider who rides a ton (30+ miles per day at 20+ MPH for example) is going to run through a bike faster than a rider who rides 2-3 times a week for 15 or 20 miles. Generally, if you have fatigue, you do not have a "catastrophic" frame failure, like the frame simply breaking (although it eventually will fail, but that is not due to a defective frame). But, frankly, anyone I know who is riding a lot checks their bike frequently (so wouldn't be suprised) and is generally buying a new bike about every 3-4 years because they know they are using them up. And that includes any frame material.

Hope that answers the question....

manufacturers are not in the habit of replacing frames because you have ridden them a lot, for free, but will replace if it was defective in some way (bad welds, poor tubing, things like that, and are easily confirmed by us or the manufacturer). But each case is unique and checked out. Our mechanics look at them first, then we decide what to do.

Certainly that does answer the question in a clear manner, thanks.

I feel that the major companies do have the best warranty policy here. As a recreational rider, 3K miles/ year, I certainly don't want to pay more for my next bike to cover a racer that's pounding out 20K miles in the big gears annually.

Only comment I'd make is that in the aviation industry, fatigue is considered as a failure mechanism, so that the term "fatigue failure" is commonly used. It's expected, as you've explained, and even somewhat predictable, but still a failure mechanism which has to be recognized and mitigated.

Maintenance inspections play a key role in aircraft, just as you mentioned for high-mileage bikes. Only difference of course is that when I feel something loose causing a shimmy, it's a lot easier to stop and check it out on the bike.

Dan

What? Fatigue is not Failure? If something breaks through fatigue, it fails its job. THATS a failure.

What it isnt is a 'Materials and Manufacturing Fault' UNLESS the bike was badly designed, there was some bad batch of tubing, filler rod or whatever. Good luck in proving that, but there ya go.

What? Fatigue is not Failure? If something breaks through fatigue, it fails its job. THATS a failure.

What it isnt is a 'Materials and Manufacturing Fault' UNLESS the bike was badly designed, there was some bad batch of tubing, filler rod or whatever. Good luck in proving that, but there ya go.


Agree, "defects in materials and workmanship" is a different issue for warranty coverage. As I mentioned above, my new frame came with a specific 3-year fatigue warranty which is in addition to the usual lifetime "defects" warranty.

I race drag cars usually made of chromoly. Chromoly being a stronger more rigid alloy, generally the stronger the metal the more brittle it is, the more brittle it is the higher rate of fatigue or failure especially on rough surfaces. Not sure about carbon but as far as racing goes its way beyond alloys and AL and cheaper than Ti.

I weight 240 and my LBS recommended an R1000. It is a great looking, great handling bike, especially with some "meat" on it to dampen any skittishness. The only problem I see is with the wording of the guarantee. It seems if Cannondale deems you an aggressive rider, all bets are off.

I'm a 215 lb 6'5" rider in the market for a new bike (have always used and raced on steel) I'm looking at Cdale and the new Lemonds. Many of the posts here recommend the Cdale as being stiff and durable, but is that the older vintages or the new Optimo. I'm a bit nervous about the Optimo being lightened up as much as it has.

You should start a new thread with that question. Is custom something you could consider? Waterford or Serotta could whip
something up for you.

I know a couple big guys that ride CAAD7's. No problems and even if it were to break, it is under warranty. But I can guarantee you will not have problems. Now if you were 300 lbs....

I'm a bit nervous about the Optimo being lightened up as much as it has.


As far as I know cdale is known more than any other company to abuse and test to the absolute limits its products, I have faith their product is solid, and again if Optimo couldn't hack it, they wouldn't make frames to fit taller heavier riders.

"Old Raleigh 531 bikes"

You are talking straight gauge 531 tubing. No, there isn't any makers. But custom frame makers still use Reynolds 531 double butted.

And YES, those Raleigh 531 bikes still fetch about $100+ on ebay easy depending on the condition.

Miyataphile