I weighed north of 230 for the first 5 years I owned the CAAD7. I dropped weight in 2009 but still was Clydesdale level -- 195 and 210. It was not an issue as I was not subjecting the frame to the miles or intensity that would result in early failure from fatigue. My cracked drop out 12 years in was not a weight issue and was deemed manufacture defect, so I got a replacement (difference between CAAD7 and CAAD8 is different dropouts, a change I suspected C'dale made because the earlier dropout design was weak).
I was the scrawny runner in high s hool. Weighed 150 from 8th grade till I was 21... Despite growing 6 inches. Joined the Navy, got married, was in the 220 to 230 range when I returned to cycling at 26... I still have that trusty 1986 KHS Fiero, just upgraded, 5600 series 105 stuff and such (chronicled
Reviving an old friend ) The 98 R200 CAD2 was the wife's, but it works for me. I retired from the Navy weighing 240... Fell away from cycling completely. Had a knee replacement 8 1/2 years ago, used the R200 to try getting back in shape from 300... 9 months later crashed bad, breaking my back and more... I weighed 378 a year ago. The bikes and I were not on speaking terms... I chose Hadtric Sleeve surgery, too many injuries not healing, heart issues becoming apparent, sleep apnea, high blood pressure... At 268, I'm back on my bikes. KHS on the trainer for now, R200 waiting for... Something. Not sure yet. Mentioned I recently snagged a 92 Trek 1400. Cleaned it, swapped better wheels under it (which I had), tires, tubes, brake pads, chain and bar tape and it is a dream. Begging for an updating. I was given a drop bar 29er from a guy whom we fostered when he was a teen. He bought a new bike 4 years ago, and sent me his 29er, to help get me rolling after my back... I use it for kicking around on, chasing my grandkids and such. 240 will be a good place, but lower would be nice as well. No rush. On the upside. My weight is down, as is my BP. I breathe much much easier. My exercise heart rate is what my RESTING rate used to be... I may not need my CPAP machine much longer. But, my cardiologist has had me scanned and tested. 68% Ejection Fraction, and a perfect ZERO for Coronary Calcium scan score... I was never diabetic, but that was going to be a factor, my other blood numbers are all in normal ranges. Not bad for a 56 year old... Cycling might not have saved my life directly, but certainly is helping dig myself out of that deep hole I was in...
Now, at 220/230, I broke bike parts. Cheap stuff, expensive stuff. I broke only one frame, a late 80s Bianchi, sheared the BB from the downtube climbing... I will not likely have that power or energy again or anytime soon. But I want stuff that is sturdy and will last. But you never know. I might try that "Good once as I ever was" and having something fast and fun won't hurt.
1990, century ride in Hawaii. My 1986 KHS... I was never into full kit, but loved my event tshirts... This was before my first upgrade to this old bike...