i am used to being the largest guy in the shops. i never worry about my ability against theirs, because anybody who mouths off i just invite to ride. after a bit of pain it a great ice breaker when you run into them at the same store with their friends
. usually the conversation starts with "thats the big guy i was talking about. you would never believe our ride"
i was lucky enough to find a couple of shops around me that was very helpfull about choosing a good bike for my size. i bought a fuji and i was lucky enough to talk to the fuji rep and both the owner of the store. they helped me choose a good carbon frame. i was still 275 at the time. and my other shop will be building me a set of rims that will be best suited for me and super light (safely).