Folding Bikes - Need Folder Bike for Heavy Male

Hello Everyone!

I am new to this forum. I found you from a link of a fellow runner who goes by JVishey -I have not met him personally. But we belong to the same running club.

I'm shopping for a folder bike -it will be a surprise birthday gift for a heavy guy. He is about 6'3, 320lbs. I don't think he will do more than 20 Miles per week to start. I don't know anything about folders. I was going to get him a Trek or a used Cannondale because I know the frames are reliable. But, this guy is a trucker and he needs to be able to ride the bike 8 miles to his truck and then fold it...

I've heard that the Matrix is a good bike. What about the frame? Will it hold up to his weight? How much should I expect to pay? I am hoping to stay below 200.00.

Any advise I can get out there would help because right now I am clueless!

Thanks.

Be Ready!

Really, BikeFriday folders are da' kine(the best :) ), and work very well for what you are describing. The 20" wheels of a folder are actually stronger than larger wheels, so I don't think he should have any more problems than someone of his weight has with wear and tear on most things in his life. Bike Friday used to make a model called the Metro with upright bars. You might email them with your needs to find out more.

Here is their website: www.bikefriday.com

They also sell used folding bikes.

I know of no stock folder rated above 230 lbs. Bike friday may be able to make a a folder which can handle your freinds weight. It will have to be custom and it will not be cheap also it will not fold as quickly as a Dahon. Bueno Suerte

I think a custom made bike is the only answer. 320 lbs are a whole lot. I am not making fun here, but thats too much for a regular bike. To my knowledge there is a company in Germany called Schauff, They make a MTB called SUMO and that would be the one. Now add S+S couplers to it and it will be able to be dissambled. Not folded !

Also not cheap , and I dont know if they could actually incorporate the S+S couplings as they use very special frame tubes.

If you look for a quick folder I think you are out of luck.

brakemeister

I have recently purchased a Roll N Fold folding bicycle .It has 14 inch by 1.75" tires does anyone know of a good source for this size?I have found a source whether it is a good one is questionable.I think the best tire i can get in this size is only rated to 50 psi. Thanks for the generous outpouring of advice.

Folding road bikes, sweet. Int the sense of i thought they all had flat bars,but drop bars that is cool.