mcoomer

At what point is a rider too big for a type of bike. I have a friend that has an S-works M5 hardtail in black ano but she is very small and races it. I lust for that bike but obviously I need a frame that fits me. I am 6'2" and fit at 225lbs and would only use it for recreation. I also have started riding on the road to build up endurance and commute M-F 37 miles roundtrip. I'm a big guy but in good shape. l want to pick up a nice HT frameset but I wonder if I'm no simply too big for that particular frame. Would I be better off picking up an S-works Epic frame instead and get the benefits of the suspension with a frame that has a lot of the same characteristics of a good hardtail.

Lemme know what you think.

Mike

LowCel 

I used to own a S-works hardtail and it was a great race frame. However, by saying that it was also extremely harsh, to the point of being what I considered uncomfortable. I always had a sore back after riding that bike. Now, at that point I also weighed about 220 pounds and had abs consistant with mashed potatoes. I'm sure that played a part in the sore back department. However, I also had a dually at the time (Santa Cruz Superlight) and it never caused my back to hurt.

So are you too big, I don't think so. I just don't know that I would want that bike if I weren't going to race.

C Law

My vote is if you want it, get it. I don't think you are to big for that frame, at least the 19 or 21 inch versions. the m5 is super stiff and would transmit the power of a big man well.

But, keep in mind what LC said. It is a race frame, plain and simple. Harsh and stiff. Use it for what you will, but don't expect to feel comfy or compliant. I would expect a harsh commute.

the same applies to the epic. The s works epic frame is a race day frame. Super light and carbon a plenty. It will be less harsh but still not the best choice for general riding.

I must ask, why do you want such frames. Do you plan on racing them?

ed 

You said: "I am 6'2" and fit at 225lbs and would only use it for recreation."

I don't know what you consider "recreation", but I guess if you have an endless supply of cash just get what floats your boat. I just don't know why in the world a "recreational rider" would want such an expensive and race-dedicated bike.

pinkrobe

I'll field that question. The frame in question is pretty sweet, notably for its handling and lack of flex when hammering out of the saddle. At 220#, the OP shouldn't have too much trouble on it. A slightly bigger rear tire would probably take most of the zing out of rear-wheel hits. I'd also suggest that the bike isn't "race-dedicated", it simply has geometry that allows one to travel quickly along trails that don't involve drops and big air. It's been labeled as a race bike by Specialized, but at one time almost all hardtails were designed like it, whether they were for racing or not. The Epic wouldn't be bad either, but it really was designed as a race bike, with maximum speed in mind.

mcoomer

Thanks for the replies so far. I do understand that both the hardtail and the Epic are geared towards competitive riding and rider comfort didn't figure very high in the equation when designing those frames. My thinking is that there are some epic rides out here that really suit a bike that can climb like a cat and obviously both of these bikes are extremely well suited to that. I actually have a hardtail (Hardrock) that was an impulse buy when I took up mountain biking so I'm aware that the ride isn't going to be nearly as forgiving on my body as my Prophet.

The thing that I've found is that riding the hardtail has made me a better rider because you have to pick your line to account for obstacles and terrain and use your body to help the bike negotiate whatever is in its path where the Prophet with full suspension and 5" of travel front and back allows you to simply pick your line and pedal through it. The hardtail has been an awesome tool in learning to ride. Since I still want the hardtail to help me build and maintain my skills I want to build one that is cutting edge. One that will allow me to continue to improve my skill and capable of handling serious XC terrain and climbs. If the terrain includes jumps, drops, and big downhill I take the Prophet. And I am talking about building a frameset and not buying a complete bike. If you look at my Hardrock the only thing that is stock is the frame, seat and post, and wheels. Everthing else has been upgraded and those components will follow to the new frame. The only thing I'm looking at is BB and crankset, wheels, seat, and post once I purchase the frame. At that point I'll have a hardtail that would be set for years to come.

Again, thank you for the replies and if you can think of anything else keep them coming. The girl whose bike I was lusting after said that there is a carbon frame available ('05 model) but I think I'm going to hold out for the black anodized M5 like hers. That thing really is the hotness!

Mike

ed 

Oh, I get it now. I didn't do any research on ya to know what you are already riding. Your orig. post made it sound like you are a "recreational" rider...kinda like someone who rides bike paths...very little trail and looking for a $5000 ride to roll to the coffee shop. I guess anything could be labeled "recreation" depending on the mindset of the person, eh?

I didn't know you were a more avid MTB'er.

It's funny, I always take a look at my hardtail and say "Ya know hardtail" (that's what I call it) "I should sell you and buy an XC dually or a Freeride bike because I have an All Mountain trail bike that can double as an XC/light FR bike".

My hardtail always looks at me with a smirk on it's head tube and say's "Take me for a spin and I'll remind you who I am." So I do. It's usually when I have gotten used to my sluggish 31lb dually with 2.35" tires and quite a bit of rolling resistance.

When I'm done with the ride, my hardtail looks me in the eye and says "...and don't freakin forget it!" and I go sit in the corner and stare at it thinking 'dang she's freakin fast'.

mcoomer

Now you know where I'm coming from

LowCel 

I don't know if it is an option, or if you have even considered it. How about a nice custom steel frame designed to climb and be somewhat comfortable. I constantly drool over IF's and other bikes of that caliber. The bike will be a little heavier but will still climb like a goat, yet give you just a little bit of comfort in the rougher sections.

AfterThisNap

check out the carbon Sworks frame. Stiff and light as hell, but still forgiving. + a lifetime warranty and a 2 year rider screw up trade in program.