Originally Posted by
davei1980
This discussion of weight and pressure makes me wonder- what is the max weight of a bike? I have a coworker who’s easily holding down 300, he’s young and active and I think I can get him to ride if I could convince him the bike will hold him.
Is this possible? What does it take-
Smaller wheels? Greater spoke count?
More tire pressure?
I have a bike that has a 120kg (264lb) weight limit. But that is a light racing bike. Get a good solid steel frame bike and you can probably do anything. I do have a tandem that is a bit over built (compared to a single). It has a beefy fork and 36spoke wheels. It depends of course a bit on how you are riding it. Bigger tires (well, more than 25mm) are going to help as there is less of a chance of bottoming out and pinch flatting. That tire pressure chart I mentioned above goes up to 154lbs per wheel (covering your friend's needs).
If my brother and myself can ride a fully loaded tandem, I wouldn't worry too much if you have a decent bike in good shape.