takingcontrol

Ok, i am a large man that is trying to take control of my life. i am on a medical weight loss plan and am looking to add biking to my exercise regiment. I am 6'5" and currently at a bit over 500 lbs, down from a top weight of 606lbs. i currently walk 2 miles everyday @4mph and have a goal of starting to ride when i hit 450lbs. what i am looking for are some good suggestions of bikes that would be sturdy enough to support a moderate riding style of approx 8 miles a day to start. i would also like it to be able for more aggressive riding later as i continue to lose weight. any thoughts would be appreciated.

also i may have a line on a reasonable priced kona hoss frame and if anyone wants to list some durable parts that would be great also.

Tom Stormcrowe

How's your budget? Here's a wheelset that will be pretty bombproof, but a tad pricey, at $809.00.

https://www.universalcycles.com/wheelkit_new.php

They are full custom, though and hand built, which is going to be very important at your weight. I know, because I've been there myself.

Here's another cheaper option for you as well, but 32 spoke. Colorado Cyclist has a good rep for their wheels, though and are all hand built as well. These will set you back about $500 or so.

https://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/display/25605/

These wheels are based on your choice of a Kona Hoss frame, by the way.

bigfred 

TC,

First, congratulations on what you've already accomplished. Second, I'm sure you'll find cycling a great sport that you can participate in for life. My wife and I have both had back injuries and love the no/low impact aspect of cycling.

I've never weighed quite what you do. 300 at 6'5" has been my max, so my advice may not be perfect and I'm sure a few more, that have been where you are, will chime in with their first hand experience. However, that Kona Hoss probably wouldn't be a bad starting point, if it fits you properly. At 6'5" fit may be an issue for you and you will almost certainly require the largest of any mainstream manufacturers sizes. The second most important issue will probably be wheels. Look for a set of 36 spoke wheels built with name brand components and find a decent wheelsmith in your area to stess relieve and tension them.

Best of luck in your quest and keep the questions coming. We'll help where we can.

flip18436572

My suggestion would be listen to Tom and follow his guidance. Good wheels would be the best investment in your case. The tougher part will be finding the extra large frame because of your height. Good luck!!!! and of course have fun at the same time.

takingcontrol

do you have any suggestions on a better frame for my height?

RoaringMad Mac

Hey take control. Just like the other's have said about the bikes listen to Tom.

I myself got back on my bike at a little over 400 lbs this year at the start of spring. I am down at 380 now.

I use a specilized Hardrock that I was fitted on at the Bike Shop. It supports my weight nicely and I am used to the seat as is. I am about to change tires to a smoother road tire the bike shop recommended for me.

https://www.e-bikes.cz/fotodata1/big/...-comp-disc.jpg

Stick to that diet program but always don't forget that more activity is better than killing yourself on a diet. Yest diet is a major part put the old saying goes if you burn more than you consume then you will loose weight. You just have to trick your body to loose the weight and believe me us big guys have that extra storage so the body will readily get rid of the excess weight. That is the best part is that there really is not a plateauing out or a time in the near future if you stick with the formula burn more than consume where you will stop loosing weight. It just won't happen. That is for those guys that have trouble loosing the last 10 or 20 pounds when they are under their BMI index number. We have the excess and it will be burned so don't let the low carb high protein diet programs fool you into thinking you have to do those. Follow a sound balanced diet. all good carb, fats, and proteins need to be clean. Just make yourself (like me) stay away from highly processed foods and once a week really treat yourself. You will reap the benefits.

Tom Stormcrowe

What's your inseam? That will give us a better idea of your needs (Long torso, short legs, or long legs, short torso or average distribution). You'll need at a minimum, an XL frame, though. This years Hoss comes in up to a 22" Compact Geometry Frame.

Here's a really quick and dirty rough fit calculator that will help you out.
https://www.swanseawheelers.co.uk/bikefit.php

At 6'5, you'll need about a minimum of a 22" and probably a 24" frame.

You might take a look at this 2XL frame complete bike.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

Not the top of the line, but if you have the wheels retensioned by hand and don't get off the road with it, it may be just the ticket. I would slap a set of street slicks on it, though.

An alternative: Specialized makes quite a few Mountain bikes that would do ya well, from that price range up, like the Hard Rock Sport.

Mazama

I've got you beat in the height dept. (7'). My old Trek 7200 had a 25" frame. You would have to upgrade the wheels though. I ran over 7,000 miles on the stock set at 340#. They still make them, but they are called "7.2 FX" now:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...fx,empty,empty

Good luck in your quest. There are options, but a quality wheel build will cost you.

bigfred 

As Tom has already pointed out, we would need to know your "cycling inseam" (measured from floor to top of book spine that is pressed firmly upwards into crotch while standing against wall). That's the starting point. From there, torso and arm lengths can also be considered. But, sufice to say, your probably going to need one of the larger frames that are made, not just the largest from any specific company.

In addition to the frames already listed you might also look at Cannondale's CO2 line. They make a "jumbo" that is 22.5" and runs large when compared to "compact" frames such as those from Specialized.

takingcontrol

WoW, I would just like to say thanks to everyone for you responses. Ok here is the latest news. The diet I am on is very balanced with a 1 to 1 carb ratio (or as close as possible) it is a prescription diet from a group of bariatric surgons and nutritionist and EVERY piece of energy I consume is carfully measured. Not as bad as it sounds,it is much better and less drastic then surgery. lol. I exercise everyday and I lost 6.4lbs in the last week. This is less of a diet then a retraining of the way my body uses the food I eat and learning portion control. but enough of that my inseam is 34". and I have a long torso.Im not sure how to measure my torso and arm length, from what point to what point. but I am going to checkout those frames everyone posted.

RoaringMad Mac

That is one of the biggest obstacles for us big guys is learning true portion size.

Good luck takingcontrol. I will be rueting for ya.

prxmid

Congratulations Taking Control, You're off to a great start

I've been agressively trying, and have lost 34 pounds in 8 weeks. Feel and look 100% better. I'm half way to where I want to be.

w00die

Is it just me or is anyone else havng issues getting some of Tom's links to work?

takingcontrol - Welcome! and Congrats on your weight loss and continued dedication to improving your health.