Wanderer

Wow, your progress is IMPRESSIVE! Keep it up!

bassjones

You have more options, but you still need 32 spoke (minimum) wheels.

bassjones

And awesome job!

Bigbike

SCEvan, If cost is not a concern and you want a bike that will really fit and is engineered for your size, get a Zinn project big custom bike.

www.zinncycles.com.

Talk to Lennard Zinn.

SCEvan

Well I couldn't resist the itch and had to check out my LBS today, it pretty much went as I expected and they didn't have anything big enough for me (sat on a 21.5" Norco with 29" wheels which was the biggest they had) at least the guys there were dead honest with me that the bike was far too small and its going to be a challenge to find one that will be big enough. I'm going to have to make some phone calls so I don't drive to 30 different bike shops!

Wilfred Laurier

A few companies make a couple of models of bikes that are bigger than average. I am 6'5" and most companies' XL frames feel a bit small for me, so your selection will likely be even more limited.

As for a bike that can handle a heavier rider, any normal production bike will do fine with no risk of asploding when you sit on it.
THe real weak point in off-the-rack bikes is the wheels - the spokes will likely start breaking after a relatively short period of time, especially on the rear. It is not generally a safety issue, but can cut into your enjoyment and lower your reward/effort ratio, which can make you less likely to actually get out and ride. A good shop can get you a wheel with more spokes and ensure they are properly tensioned for a big rider, and then you are good to go!
As others have said, avoid suspension. But if you find a bike that fits but it has a suspension fork, the shop you are buying it from can source and install a rigid fork at your request.

So your weight will likely not be an issue, but your height might.

Some bikes are available in XXL sizes: Trek 7.3FX comes in a 25" frame, Surly Ogre comes in a 24" frame (and they have multiple other frames in big sizes but these may not be available as complete bikes with straight bars), and there are others.
There are some other companies that sell frames (like Soma, Surly) and you or your LBS is responsible for speccing parts and building - this is not the least expensive way to get a bike but you can definitely get a bike that fits this way.

SCEvan

Tried another bike shop today, no luck and they said I would likely have to go custom...changing my budget to $1,250 with my absolute top dollar being $1,500.

SCEvan

Just thought I would post an update, down to about 272lbs, have called every bike shop in the city, none stock 2x bikes. E-mailed Surly they said to head to Toronto to get fitted at one of their dealers, there isn't a single store in eastern Canada with the Ogre XXL in stock. Tried e-mailing Specialized and Cannondale with not much luck thus far.

How did you other giant folks manage to find a bike? Do you just order one without even being able to sit on it?

I know I cant throw money at the problem, but at this point I'm willing to spend about $2,000 which I realize I would probably have to anyways.

ColaJacket

Just bumping this one, because the site says they even custom fit basketball players.

Good Luck on finding a bike.

GH

SCEvan

The KHS BNT 29 interests me, I would just like to be able to sit on one before shelling out that kind of money.

SCEvan

Anyone have an opinion on the Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29? Only bike I've managed to locate in XXL thus far.

alfonsejr

If you're going to ride mostly on the road, I would get a bike without a front shock; it looks like the KHS and Specialized both come with a shock. If you can get either with a rigid fork, they both look like reasonable options. If you're going to ride mountain bike trails, then the shock is a good thing to have. I'm 6'-7" and about 260. After my Fuji Team aluminum frame cracked (after about 16 years) I bought a used Cannondale touring frame (and then another) in 27" frame size. This is an option if you are into older bikes and have tools and desire to fix them up. If you're no longer scared of roadie bikes, the KHS Flite 747 may be an option. Great job on your weight loss and good luck in finding a bike. There's not a lot available for us tall (and "big") guys.