Drant

Hi,

I've been stalking/researching the Clydesdales forum for a while and I am wondering if a road bike could be a possibility?

I am 5'11, 310lbs, short legs (29/30") longer torso and I am infrequently riding a Stump Jumper M2. I lost 130lbs a few years ago through diet and riding my Stumpie (on road only), I even managed 70+ miles one day; that was painful!

However I have put the weight back on and I need to start again. While I love my Stumpie, I desire a road bike (couch pro cycling fan), I know a Pinarello Sibilo TT may be out of the question!!!

I found the "Help-a-big-guy-find-the-right-bike-for-under-1500" brilliant and was nearly ready to start investigating the Cross Check, however the index thread suggested a Road Bike may be possible. So if possible the task in hand is:

A road bike for under $1500 (£1000 UK?)
Strong enough for a 310lb, 5'11 short legged Englishman!

Finally many thanks to you all for a very informative, interesting forum, further questions to follow about clothing I am sure (any UK suppliers)!

Thanks again,

Drant

chefisaac

Check out Giant Defy's. They are solid. I bought one and road mine starting at 360 pounds. Rock solid.

bikemig 

Talk to an LBS about wheels; they may be a problem. Why not a cross bike? You'll be able to run a fatter tire which will be more comfortable and will help the wheel survive longer.

chefisaac

The wheels are not an issue per say but the build and spokes. If you start popping spokes, have them rebuild the wheel with heavier spokes.

chasm54

Yes, a road bike is a possibility. As for UK suppliers, the Edinburgh bike co-op is a good source. In particular, their in-house Revolution brand are solid, reasonably well-specced bikes that represent good value. They have branches in major cities in northern England and Scotland. If you live in the south you could order on-line if you know what size you need.

Or you could seek out your local bike shop and get their advice. You should have no difficulty getting a road bike for the price you have in mind, though the choice will be greater if you go for aluminium rather than carbon. 32 spoke wheels would be a good idea.

Jdfrakes

+1 on the Giant Defy. I'm also 5'11" w/ 29-30" inseam and a longish torso. I bought the bike when I was at 260lbs. My LBS (Pedal Power in Lexington, KY) did a full fit and they installed a new stem my frame is a medium BTW. I love my bike and would buy another if mine were stolen/totaled

psalm

I was almost exactly your size when I got my Cannondale CAAD8.

Myosmith

Take a look at the Surly Pacer. If you are concerned about the wheels at all, ask the LBS to swap out for a set of wheels from the Long Haul Trucker.

Rhodabike

Do they sell Kona where you live? Their bikes tend to have quite long top tubes. The Kona Jake is a great deal and very versatile. Put narrower tires on it and it's a road bike. Leave on the cyclocross tires and you've got a bike for dirt tow paths.

Drant

Hi,

Thanks for all the responses, as I still would like to aim for a road bike (happy to keep the stumpie for trails etc) I have a short list to investigate with the LBS:

Giant Defy (special thanks to Jdfrakes as he has similar dimensions)!
Revolution
Cannondale CAAD8
Surly Pacer

I have to write off the Jake (I would so love one - very popular with my friends) due to the price. Back on the list, I was looking at Jake the Snake!

I think I will invest in 32 spoke wheels however (what width would you recommend?).

Final question, I note there are different specs for all these bikes, if I go for the lower spec (eg Giant Defy or Cannondale) would they still support my weight (with 32 spokes)? Is it only the components that have changed?

If I have the wrong end of the stick on any of this, please feel free to correct me!

Thanks again for all the cracking advice.

Drant

chasm54

A couple of things.

First, you can only buy a revolution from the Edinburgh bike co-op, it's their in-house brand.

Second, the entry-level bikes from Giant, Cannondale etc. will support your weight just as well as their more expensive offerings. Price goes up with lighter frames and components, the basic strength of the frames is not an issue. Wheels are the issue for the heavier rider, talk to your LBS about them.

Tel0004

Looks like a decent list. I think the cannondale synapse may be a better choice than that caad 8. The geometry is a bit more relaxed.

The Trek Domane is another bike to look into.

brwarrior

I have a Giant Composite Defy 3. One of the Alum. may be more in your price range. The Comp Defy 3 runs about 1750 retail in the States, not sure in the UK. I was 270 when I got mine. The wheels have held up fine. I was really worried about them and the LBS really had to convince they would be fine. I threw the rear wheel out of true once on a road that the pavement went from poor to dirt, mixed in with pot holes and what not. The stock tire did take some abuse to the point I retired it with only a few hundred miles on it after that ride.

Leastbest

I have a Specialized Secteur and was 290 when I bought it. Great bike.

veerod82

Specialized Secteur Disc here, and 5'11 290/300. I have 700 miles on it and no issues yet!