Trying to find a mountain bike. I am close to 400lbs. Need helping finding a brand
12-30-15, 09:34 AM
#26
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If you are doing path riding only, you could also throw in the Surly Long Haul Trucker and maybe the Novara Safari. Sturdy touring bicycles.
01-01-16, 03:35 PM
#27
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One potential issue with "classic" 26" wheeled mountain bikes is the fitment of the bike to the body. Those old ATB bikes had short head tubes, and some had long top tubes to go along with it. First and foremost, get a bike that is comfortable for your body. You don't need top shelf parts or frame, but you will need a top shelf high spoke count of 36 (used to be standard spoke count when I started the habit). Keep in mind spoke count, hub brand and model, and rim brand and model will prove to be imperative for the rear wheel. My experience with my own son has shown that the rear wheel will be the weakest link, then the drive train.
Fitment is the first step, then get mid grade components, preferably Shimano, and them expect to spend 350 bucks on a rear wheel after the cheap stock rear wheel has run its course with broken spokes(quit after spoke #3 ). The DT Swiss mountain hub with steel axle has been wonderful for the kid, coupled to 32 spokes, and Velocity Deep V rim. I built the wheel (don't believe in max tension on spokes which is the trend these days) and he has not had a single broken spoke, axle, or cassette body pawls. Worth every cent spent. If the wheel is ATB sized 26 or 29(700c) then use a Velocity mountain specific rim, but insist on 32 or more hole design. Wide tires ar recommended as they will more reliably support your weight.
Fitment is the first step, then get mid grade components, preferably Shimano, and them expect to spend 350 bucks on a rear wheel after the cheap stock rear wheel has run its course with broken spokes(quit after spoke #3 ). The DT Swiss mountain hub with steel axle has been wonderful for the kid, coupled to 32 spokes, and Velocity Deep V rim. I built the wheel (don't believe in max tension on spokes which is the trend these days) and he has not had a single broken spoke, axle, or cassette body pawls. Worth every cent spent. If the wheel is ATB sized 26 or 29(700c) then use a Velocity mountain specific rim, but insist on 32 or more hole design. Wide tires ar recommended as they will more reliably support your weight.
01-02-16, 07:16 AM
#28
Still learning
01-02-16, 01:09 PM
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Swobo - their bikes are built like a TANK!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Swobo/b/ref=bl...owse-bin=Swobo
https://www.amazon.com/Swobo/b/ref=bl...owse-bin=Swobo
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If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
01-02-16, 01:59 PM
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Thank you everyone for the feed back. Doing research on everything. Again, i am riding a completely smooth flat service. Just want a strong frame, and it looks like good "fat" tires with more spokes. I dont want to get too technical. I will be riding on a 11 mile bike path. No cars allowed.
If you're going to buy used, Search Tempest is a great way to scan multiple Craigslist areas at once.
https://www.searchtempest.com/search?...in&maxYear=max
01-02-16, 02:04 PM
#31
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Great options! That IBOC is a particularly good steal...
01-02-16, 02:37 PM
#32
don't try this at home.
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Yeah, those older mountain bikes with a non-shock steel front fork are sturdy and inexpensive. They are quite simple to repair or adjust. Fun to ride, too! There's a lot of different brands that are good.
Here's the Mongoose from the previous post. Cantilever brakes, plain fork, 7 speeds or more on the back, 3 chain rings on the front. Easy click shifters on the bars.
Here's the Mongoose from the previous post. Cantilever brakes, plain fork, 7 speeds or more on the back, 3 chain rings on the front. Easy click shifters on the bars.
01-02-16, 03:12 PM
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I'll just chime in here because I am your size actually down from 485. My bike for the last two years has been a Sette Phantom CF hard tail that has served me well doing the kind of riding you are describing. I made sure to get forks that I could add up to 300lb of air pressure (If you were looking at suspension) Shimano Deore Hollowtech cranks are holding up really well and so are the Bontrager Race Disc rims. My bike is always super quite giving no indication of stress. I was worried for a little while about the CF but it's been great.
01-15-16, 02:16 PM
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I am close to 400 lbs. I use to bike all the time when i was under 300lbs. Time fot away from me. I am trying to get back in shape and would love nothing more then to bike again. I use to do between 11 to 30 miles on a flat service. Nothing like trail riding. I am done some searching but it is hard to find a bike online that says what weight limit the back frame can support. Many is not an issue, but i dont wan to spend more than 1k. Something very strong and durable, lots of gears, and good brakes. Something i can also customize to me liking.
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