jeffwode

I'm considering trading up from my specialized hybrid to a full spec. road bike and I'm seriously considering this bike from Planet X in the UK. https://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/...arbon-sram-red

American cyclists mightn't think that's a great deal ta $1700, but it's an excellent price in this part of the world. Anyway. My question is this.

At 300 lbs, am I too heavy for a carbon frame? Are carbon frames still prone to breaking under stress or is this a problem that was common some years ago but has been addressed by better technology and better frames? Planet X says it'll take my weight. I'd love to hear what you think.

I know I'm going to have to get better wheels than the ones included in the offer but will the frame hold my weight for fitness / training? I cycle at an average of 17 - 18 mph and have hit up to 42 mph on fast descents. I'm steadily losing about 2 lbs a week and my target weight is 250 lbs. I'm a big guy, former second row at rugby.

Would appreciate the opinions of this forum. I've learned a lot here already. Thanks

dbikingman

I waiting to see what others who are closer to your weight have to say. If Planet X says it will hold you, they should be the experts on their bikes. Me beiing me, I'd want something in writing from them. So if a frame breaks or cracks you have something to argue. Of course their arguement was it was from abuse or "normal wear".

Good luck.

Seattle Forrest

What color are you getting? ( Red is fastest. )

If they say their bike will hold you, check out the warranty and crash replacement, then start doing test rides. I'm 238 lbs, and have bunny-hopped my carbon road bike, though I don't do this often. Mine is a Cervelo RS, which took the crown in a French race that runs about 200 miles of cobblestone. Mind you, the people in that race are half your weight, and have a support car to give them a new wheel, which doesn't come out of pocket like it would for you or I. Still, the carbon frames stood up to this kind of abuse.

If you're planning to replace the wheels anyway ( when they stop working for you, I assume, and not the moment you get the bike ), then you won't be disappointed. The wheels are what's likely to fail if you run the bike down stairs, and Clydes are hard on wheels even on alu or steel bikes.

I love my carbon bike. You probably will, too.

scrming

Well... I'm in the 275 to 280 pound range and I just bought a new Giant carbon bike two days ago... only have about 65 miles on it so far... but in that time i've hit a couple of could size bumps and have really hammered on it, out of the saddle, basically trying to put as much force as I can into to! So far so good... there was no indication what so ever that this bike might have an issue with my weight...

Terrierman

If you're too heavy for a carbon frame, then Boeing has no business whatsoever building their airplanes with carbon frames either.

Seattle Forrest

I wonder what kind of crash replacement policy Boeing gets from their frame vendor?

jr59

I really do not want an answer to this!

mkadam68

I was 318-lbs. when I began riding my all carbon frame (Kuota). Held up fine, 'til I crashed in a race. Even then, it cracked on the aluminum dropout. Carbon was fine.

chasm54

Nice bike, and Planet X is a good source for decent deals. If they say it'll take you, and are prepared to refund you if it doesn't, I'd say go for it. Try not to crash it, and think how quick it's going to be when you're under 250 lbs.

Coopers_Dad

I'd suggest contacting the manufacture directly. Before I got my Madone Trek told me 285 max so I was ok at 275 now 262.

mtalinm

the frame will be fine for you, the risk will be the rear wheel and spoke breakage.

I hear somebody is selling a Velocity Dyad rim + Deore LX hub for $120. I paid $180 for the same thing and it has been wonderful for me (ii'm in your range)

jeffwode

Thanks for all your replies. It's great to get real, practical advice from people with direct experience. I'm much happier now. I'm going to measure myself in great detail over the weekend and order the bike. Yay!. I'm planning on using this fit calculator, https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO unless anyone here has a better suggestion?

sw686blue

I'm 265 lbs, a bit lighter than you, and my Giant TCR Advanced 3 handles my weight without any issue. I'm sure you'll be fine!

garethzbarker

ya know all frames are different with different warranties and designs. I'm barely in the range on my Roubaix at 215. I've felt some flex on that sucker too. You might want to go ride one and see if you're comfortable with the flex. And yeah I'd get something in writing. Honestly though, in the local shops, the only reason I've ever seen bikes smashed up of any material was from crashing into stuff. honestly, while I love my carbon if I was heavier I'd really be looking at TI/Steel. My new TI bike feels way smooth. Whatever you do please check back with us and let us know how everything goes
Happy riding!

scott kursk

You are dead spot on! It's all about how they actually manufacture and mold the fibre. However, every manufacturer does set forth weight/stress limits on their stuff.
I rode a motorcycle for a while and had some warranty issues as my large butt was well over their weight tolerance. It had to do with a good bit of extra wear/tare on their bushings etc. I understood their point however we ended up coming to an agreement and I just sold it outright to them. Did quite well on the deal as it were.