Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - I've been told you guys may be able to help.

Hi. I posted in the general cycling board and got referred over to here.

I'm 17 stone(or 238 pounds), and 6'3. I don't know a lot about bikes but am looking to learn.

Just over a year ago I bought a mountain bike off a friend. It was brand new in the box when I bought it. How he came into possession of it is a long story I won't bore you with. However, i've had nothing but trouble with it since I bought it off him. it's usually the same thing that keeps going wrong which is that the back wheel keeps, for want of a better word, grinding. At first I thought it was buckled or mis-aligned or something like that but neither was the case. I took the wheel off and took it to a local bike shop where a friend works who said it was the axel, took it out the back for 5 minutes, came back out on the floor, gave me the wheel back and off I went. However, it was only a few weeks before it started happening again, This time I decided to change the whole wheel and got a completely new wheel fitted. It worked fine for a couple of months(where I was using it almost every day) but then, low and behold, the same thing started happening. My first question is do you think this is coincidence or the fact that I'm riding a bike unsuitable for my height and weight?

My next question is regarding a new(or used) bike as I'm beginning to get to the end of my tether with my mountain bike and I don't need a mountain bike anyway. Basically I am looking for something that will withold my height and weight(obviously, that's why I'm here:p) but also the weight of shopping etc. I am looking for a comfortable town bike, I'm not too fussed about speed, comfort and practicality are more important. i don't drive so go shopping on my bike etc so something either that comes with a rack, or would be rack friendly were I to fit one on the back. As well as using it to get to & from work, shopping & basically getting from place to place in my city, I do go on the odd bike ride of 20-25 miles or so and hopefully will start doing this a bit more if I can get a reliable bike(I don't like to do it too much due to the problems I've already discussed with my current bike). I'm on a bit of a budget which is why I'm looking at the quality used market as opposed to the cheap new market. My budget is �250 although this could be pushed up slightly further if I see something perfect(although it would have to be perfect).

Sorry to ramble on but if anyone has any ideas about either of these issues I would be very grateful to hear them:)

You aren't that heavy, I;m about the same and do fine on roadbikes. MTB hsold be even stornger eiththe wideer tires. HOWEVER, the wife and I did get a mtb tandem a few years ago. It had am old type set up on the rear wheel. I believe it was 7 speed. But he axle broke twice in about 2 weeks. I took it back to the shop. Dude said I was better off with a new style wheel wuick release and all. Said the bearings were plaed ina position that the load was spread across the whel ratehr than ina direct location. I'd bet you have an old set up, maybe not quickrelease type?

As soon as we bought the wheel, troubles were gone, only paid about $100. I don'tt know or even attempt to convert into the stuff you posted above!:D

ANy roadbike should be fine for you, hybrid or mtb type should be even better/stronger. As long as you have a decent back wheel,morso on a roadie bike.

First off, welcome!

My first question is do you think this is coincidence or the fact that I'm riding a bike unsuitable for my height and weight?

The bike itself is probably not the issue here. By that I mean it's important to distinguish between the bike frame and the wheel. For heavier guys like us (I'm around 300# myself), the issue is more to do with wheels and axles. In reseaching wheels (I've had my own fair share of rear wheel/spoke issues), I've learned from a local wheelbuilder that the axles in freewheel hubs are generally weaker than those in the newer cassette-style hubs (see here (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html) for more information on the difference) and that the axle can bend. I'm not sure if that could lead to a grinding sound or not. Seems like it could, though.

If the wheel/grinding is your only issue w/ the current mountain bike, it might be worth looking into just replacing the wheel. You wouldn't even need to replace both if you don't want to - just the rear should take care of it. (The front wheel takes much less abuse than the rear.) A properly handbuilt/tensioned wheel, even a nice one, would be well within your 250 quid budget and would leave you lots of budget for racks and bags, lighting, etc., to make your bike functional for errands or commuting in addition to recreational riding. I suggest this as an alternative to a new/used bike because it's possible that a new or used bike's stock wheels will also give you problems. At 238 pounds, your issues would not be as serious as mine, for example, but it's still something to consider, especially since it sounds like you would plan to start loading groceries and other weight onto a rear rack.

Just my two cents, probably not spelled out as clearly as they could be since I'm also doing work at the same time, but I hope they help. Cheers and happy riding!

You and I used to be in the exact same height and weight range. I don't consider us on the really heavy side of life, we just pack a few pounds. Most bikes should tolerate us well. Biking now has me down in the 215 range.

Good rims, hubs and tires have always been a concern because of being a little heavier than most. I would find a good bike mechanic who can look at you, your current bike and make suggestions. It sounds like a good rear setup should be possible as Mr. Beanz suggested for @$100. for really good quality.

If you think the bike is jinxed, and sometimes they just don't ever feel right, sell in on CL or local paper. Put the funds with your $250 and buy used. Either CL, or if your friend who works at a bike shop is reliable, have him be on the lookout for someone who wants to upgrade to a better bike and who want to trade in their current bike. Bike shops like cash better than trades, hopefully everyone wins.

Basically I am looking for something that will withold my height and weight(obviously, that's why I'm here:p) but also the weight of shopping etc. I am looking for a comfortable town bike, I'm not too fussed about speed, comfort and practicality are more important. i don't drive so go shopping on my bike etc so something either that comes with a rack, or would be rack friendly were I to fit one on the back. As well as using it to get to & from work, shopping & basically getting from place to place in my city, I do go on the odd bike ride of 20-25 miles or so and hopefully will start doing this a bit more if I can get a reliable bike(I don't like to do it too much due to the problems I've already discussed with my current bike). I'm on a bit of a budget which is why I'm looking at the quality used market as opposed to the cheap new market. My budget is �250 although this could be pushed up slightly further if I see something perfect(although it would have to be perfect).

Sorry to ramble on but if anyone has any ideas about either of these issues I would be very grateful to hear them:)

Have you considered a commuter bike? Can go long distances comfortably, hold extra weight, either comes with a rack or can easily take one. Made to hold up to lots of use.

I'm very new to all this, so I wouldn't really have much knowledge about brands/prices. But Giant Transend runs about $500.00ish (I don't know how that translates to your currency.) A good used one would certainly be doable. I'm sure others with more knowledge and experience can chime in as to whether that would be a good alternative, as well as other suggestions.

Good luck!

Thanks for your help. We have had some pretty bad weather over here(for us anyway) so I have not managed to do anything about this but will take it to a bike mechanic to see what they think as soon as the snow clears :-)

Your bike should be just fine with a few more steps, so unless you're just sick of it, you might not want to start with another used bike with a whole different set of problems.

If I were you, I'd go to a new bike shop (sometimes when one friend has sold you a bike with a failing wheel, and another friend has sold you a failed replacement wheel, it's time to start fresh and deal with people you don't know) and do/buy the following (if you're handy, you may be able to buy some of this stuff online (e.g. fenders / tires):

a) explain what's going on with your rear wheel, and see if they can fix it cheaply by replacing the axle / changing the bearings / etc., or if they can recommend a sturdy and affordable rear wheel (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/MWheel_Shimano_M475~Mavic_XM317_Silver_Rear_Mtb_Wheel/5360021790/ (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/MWheel_Shimano_M475%7EMavic_XM317_Silver_Rear_Mtb_Wheel/5360021790/) - don't know the specs on your bike, so don't know if this will fit, but this seems reasonable.)
b) explain that you're going to be commuting, and need a set of sturdy and affordable 26x1.25 or 26x1.5 road slick tires for your MTB (something like this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Schwalbe_City_Jet_MTB_Tyre/5300003750/ but there are others at the link)
c) buy a rear rack (and panniers if you like them) to help you carry stuff (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeLine_Alloy_Rear_Rack/5360027965/),
d) get a set of fenders (they look dapper, and for commuting in the wet, they're amazing) (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/SKS_Commuter_Mudguard/5360035533/),
e) if you've got a front suspension on your MTB, have them show you how to lock it down (this may make your ride a little harsher, but you pedal more efficiently when you're not pogoing up and down, YMMV, so you can adjust to taste).


Do that, and you'll have a sturdy, reliable, comfortable commuter bike, and should come in well within your budget. (Realize that you WILL want another bike sooner or later, this is the nature of the hobby, but start with this one, and get it sorted, so you've always got a backup bike / loaner bike for friends available.)

Also, buy a good U-lock, and a cable for your wheelset. Few things are more enraging than completing a bike to your standards and fit, and finding that someone else has ridden off with it.

Good luck!