Road Cycling - Carbon Fibre bike for 250lbs guy

hi all,

I weigh around 250lbs and I'm planning on buying a bike for exercise purposes.

would a Carbon Fibre bike such as a Trek 5200 or a Giant TCR Composite be able to handle my weight?

or would an alumimum frame such as a Caad7 be a better choice?

I'm aware titanium would be the best choice but that's a bit expensive...

would appreciate any advise.

thanks.

I weigh more than you and have a CF 5200. I'm no racer but it is approaching 5000 miles and I have no complaints.

Carbon fiber is fine with big rider, but only if you buy a all CF frame, not a CF/aluminum mix, CF/Ti mix, etc. An important feature too look for in regards to supporting a big guy are wheels. For someone your size, at least a 32 spoke wheel, if not 36 spoke.

Racing bikes are designed for use by racing athletes. They are all pretty durable, you have to go to specialist ultra-light bikes before strength becomes an issue. If you are strong and fit, you should have no problem using this type of bike over usual terrain. The problems with using racing bikes for general fitness include:
Gearing set too high: look for a bike with a triple chainset. This will help you ride if your fitness is low or the terrain is steep.
Poor foul-weather capability. If you want to maintain your fitness on wet roads, or in poor conditions, then you may want a bike with clearance to take wider tyres than 25mm, and fenders.
Many racers have a race bike and a training bike.

He said nothing about racing so one bike should do it.I'd be more concerned about the right wheelset then the carbon frame. Your size,if your tall to go with your weight might be better with the 5200 as much as i really like the TCR1. Compact is a bit better for smaller riders.

Carbon fiber is fine with big rider, but only if you buy a all CF frame, not a CF/aluminum mix, CF/Ti mix, etc. An important feature too look for in regards to supporting a big guy are wheels. For someone your size, at least a 32 spoke wheel, if not 36 spoke.

Dan, I disagree with the mix. I have a Lemond Zurich, CF/Steel mix and it is heaven! While I am not 250lbs, I was close when I got it. I had no problems at all, nor have I had any problems with the wheelset. I did upgrade from the stock Bontrager Race set to Race Lites, based on the reviews at RoadBikeReview.com. Some pretty big men there swore by the Lites. It was a relatively cheap upgrade, $150, and is worth the peace of mind. I think the 5200 comes with the Race wheelset.

Any good LBS would also work a deal for you to change the stock wheelset for a set of 36 hole, three-cross Open Pros. While they won't climb as good as the Race Lites, they will give the rider outstanding support. As any big man rides, weight comes down, leg muscles develop and climbing becomes easier no matter the wheelset.

hi all,

I weigh around 250lbs and I'm planning on buying a bike for exercise purposes.

would a Carbon Fibre bike such as a Trek 5200 or a Giant TCR Composite be able to handle my weight?

or would an alumimum frame such as a Caad7 be a better choice?

I'm aware titanium would be the best choice but that's a bit expensive...

would appreciate any advise.

thanks.
I weigh around 200lbs, (lbs meaning pounds :D not the other thing :D )
I rode a Colnogo carbon mix, very sweet ride, just didnt like the campy shifters, but other than that the bike felt strong and smooth with some power sprints and at a 20 mph avg speed for apx 25 miles. It wasnt my bike so I was a bit easy, but like I said it was a sweet bike.
My bianchi is all aluminum with a carbon fork and it works just perfect for me..
good luck on your decision :)