spencejm

I've been looking at this bike: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/7/11473

I asked about it and the Specialized Sequoia Elite over on the Road bike forum. I like them both but the Giant is about $250.00 cheaper. I weigh 205 lbs and several people mentioned the Giant's wheels don't look like they would hold up to that weight. I thought it would be a good idea to get some opinions from over here. I've lost almost 80 lbs in the last 15 months and I don't really think of myself as heavy anymore but compared to some of those guys I guess I really am.

Thanks for any advice.

Joe

v1k1ng1001

My rule of thumb is that anyone over 170lbs should begin to think seriously about prioritizing durability and stiffness over other attributes.

I'd say that the sequoia will serve you better in both of those categories.

If you're looking for a racier bike you might want to increase your budget (which will probably save you cash in the long run) or shop another brand. What other brands are available in your area?

spencejm

Thanks for the response. I really would like to stick with a more relaxed geometry. I've ridden several of the racier bikes and it's just a bit much for me.

So far I've ridden the Giant and Specialized, a Trek Pilot 1.2, a Trek 1500 and one of the Allez models. The Giant and Specialized felt the best so that's where I was looking.

My local shops have Trek, Giant, Specialized, Felt, Cannondale, Schwinn and Lemond. The problem is the shop that sells Cannondale doesn't carry the Synapse and the shop with Felt doesn't carry the Z80. I also think the $1100.00 mark is going to be about all my wife will tolerate. She'll understand adding pedals and shoes but I don't think I'll be able to do more than that.

St. Louis is an option but it is 120 miles away. I really like both local shops as well.

Thanks again for the response.

Joe

WalterMitty

I ride a 2005 OCR2 large frame and I only get down to 205 while wearing shower clothes the morning after a metric century or thereabouts.

I have had no problems riding typical rural touring routes although I do try to ease over the really big expansion joints and heaves and avoid the really large potholes (if I see them :-/).

I bought the bike used and the cyclo computer shows well over 3000 miles, although I suspect there are quite a few more miles than that on it.

I have put about 1000 miles on it since I bought it in early Spring. All I have had to do mechanically is change shifter cables to clean up some shifting issues and tweak seat height and etc.

Full Disclosure: My previous bike was a Mongoose branded "Wal Mart" special Mtn "style" Bike that required quite a bit of attention and adjustment and weighed a ton; so my perspective may be a bit distorted, YMMV.

Dr_Robert

I ride an OCR C3 with similar wheels (mine has the XSR-3's), and I weigh 220 lbs. I have 250 miles on them so far without a problem, and that's on 700x25's at 120 PSI. If you're worried, throw some 700x28's on there and have at it.

The OCR 1 retails for $1100, has the same frame and geometry, and nicer components (including a 105 drivetrain & the XSR-3 wheels). See if your LBS (or another LBS) will cut you a deal on it - they can say no, but it never hurts to ask.

-DR

Halthane

At 205 I doubt that you'd have much problem with those wheels. You might also see if your LBS will work a deal with you to put a different set of wheels on it at the same/similar price.

Slothman

I've been riding a 2006 Giant OCR2 since March. I'm 260 pounds, and the wheels have been holding up just fine. I just finished my first triathlon with it. I love the bike. I also looked at the Specialized Allez.
I love my Giant. It's great. The only problem I have with it is that it creaks sometimes. That sounds like it comes from the adjustable stem, but I don't know for sure. Other than that, it's great. It rides great, and it comes with a better component set than competitor's bikes in the same price range.

If you like riding it, it will work and you'll love it!