Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Bombproof Clydesdale Bike - Can you top this?

I've made a number of upgrades to my 2008 Kona Hoss:
- Surly Instigator fork
- Brooks B17 saddle
- Blackspire big ring protector
- Kenda Nevegal tires (2.7 front, 2.5 rear (the 2.7s were too big in the rear))
- ODI Rogue lock-on grips
- SRAM PC-991 chain (after the stock chain broke)
- Hadley front and rear hubs (both 32 spokes) with thru-axles (not QR)
- DT Swiss Champion spokes (black)
- Mavic 721 rims
- NiteRider front and rear lights
- Topeak moto-style front fender
- JANDD expedition rear rack
- Crank Brothers 5050 pedals
I think that's about it. See photos. Like it? It's not light, but it's about as bombproof as I can make it.

Anyone got something that can top this build in terms of bomproofness???

I'm waiting to see how "Bombproof" that Brooks saddle is. I bet mine fails by 2010. Any takers?

Nice Ride!

Im not sure about being more "bombproof" as my bike is pretty stock but I do know my bike holds every one of my 350 pounds with no problems at all.

At my weight there aren't many things I can't break. I've been through toilet seats, tables, dining chairs, patio furniture, bikes - hell I've even bumped into a wall and put a shoulder hole in it. But so far, the Kona has held up very well.

These Konas are great for big guys. Good luck with it.

http://www.tampagoldbuyer.com/junk/KonaCoiler1.jpg

OT - 2yutes how does the suspension hold up to your weight? I know the common advice here is not to get suspension.

I'm waiting to see how "Bombproof" that Brooks saddle is. I bet mine fails by 2010. Any takers?

Befrore I take this bet I need to know how old the saddle is. I'm one of those who has drank from the cup of Brooks Kool Aid.:thumb:

OP, you are set up for some serious urban assault commuting. I like it!

Looks bombproof!:D...What are thru axles? Do you need tools to remove without QR?:eek:

Like Dbikingdude says, I'd pass on the suspension Yutes!

But back to the OP, that wold drive me crazy knowing the front tire is bigger than the rear. One of those AR balance things of mine. Equal or rear bigger is ok. Front bigger just doesn't register in my mind!:p

I am new to biking so I haven't exactly racked up thousands of miles but so far I like it. I had the bike shop set it as rigid as possible and I find it to be pleasant over bumps and curbs and stuff - not a shocking to my butt or the bike.

To me it makes sense - 350 pounds going 10 miles an hour into a curb or pothole is a HUGE amount of force. From a physics perspective, something to dampen that force should help with the longevity of the bike - I think.

Being a new biker and not knowing anything else really, I don't feel like Im working extra hard or anything like that.

I'm not quite sure actually why everyone here says not to get suspension for heavy guys. Anyone know why everyone seems to say that? I'm curious.

I'm not quite sure actually why everyone here says not to get suspension for heavy guys. Anyone know why everyone seems to say that? I'm curious.

The up and down motion of the suspension eats up energy from your pedal stroke.

The up and down motion of the suspension eats up energy from your pedal stroke.

Oh, yes. I have a department store mountain bike, with an adjustable rear suspension. On trails it's nice, because of back issues. But on flat land, I need to stiffen it as much as possible, because I start bouncing up and down on the pedal stroke.

Befrore I take this bet I need to know how old the saddle is. I'm one of those who has drank from the cup of Brooks Kool Aid.:thumb:

The saddle is about 6 months old. I go through about one a year.