Hey Everyone,

My girlfriend and I have decided it is finally time to lose weight and get healthier. Biking is something I really enjoyed when I was younger but I haven't been on a bike for close to 15 years. I have been searching the internet for days trying to figure out if I can find a bike that will work for me. Most of the advice I can find suggest going to a LBS, but due to COVID, that isn't a viable option as most stores in my area are only doing contact-less service. I am 6'1" and around 425lbs. I know a lot of bike manufactures only rate their bike for up to 300lbs, but from what I read that seems to be a fairly conservative limit for most bikes. Then only bikes that I can really find that have a higher weight limit are the Zeze bikes, but those are way too expensive for me. I am really hoping to stay under $800. I have seen the Trek FX mentioned a few times on other posts, but those posts are usually around 3-5 years old now. I was looking into something like the Trek FX 2 Disc (trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-2-disc/p/27991/?colorCode=black). I am worried being more than 400lbs over the stated weight limit though. Would this bike be OK, or should I be looking for something else?

Thanks!

I agree weight limits are often understated but probably not by over 150 lbs (bike plus rider). Sometimes the minimums are caused by lightweight rims, particularly those with under 40 spokes. One option is to find a fat tire bike without suspension and swap the rims if necessary for ones with double walls and at least 36 spokes, ideally 40 spokes. Also, don't be concerned about the seat which is an easy and inexpensive change.

Consider going with a used 90's era steel mtb. They are pretty beefy and relatively cheap, you should have enough budget left to get it tuned and rideable.

The wheels are what will kill you, the rest is probably fine. You want at least 32 spokes if you are 350+ lbs and at least 2 inch tires (not necessarily rims).

https://www.modernbike.com/quality-w...tion-all-black

Here's an example, there are some cheaper and some more expensive. The 3-4 inch wide fat tires are more expensive but may make it easier for someone of your size to avoid flats.

+1. In ‘91 or ‘92 I bought a Trek 930. Abused the hell out of that thing forever with almost no complaints.

Thanks for the responses everyone! I have been looking around as best as I can in my local area for a 90's mountain bike, but I am not having much luck. I am wondering if the the Marlin 6 for Trek would be a better fit than the FX 2 I originally asked about (trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/marlin/marlin-6/p/28787/)? It still has a stated weight limit of 300lbs, but that seems to be the max limit on all of Trek's bikes. Being a mountain bike that is rated for 300lbs, I am hoping that it would do fine as I plan to just ride on paved bike paths and roads. I know I should avoid any suspension, but this bike only has front suspension and it can be locked. The wheels have 2.2" wide tires and 32 spokes. I appreciate you all helping me out and putting up with my ignorance!

I'll second about the rims/wheels. At 255lbs, I warped the rear rim on a used 95 Trek 800 Sport (entry level, rigid mtb). Found a pair of Sun Rhyno Lite rims on ebay.... Bomb proof, as one of the reviews suggested. Five, plus, years later, I am still on these rims (now less than 175lbs).
That old bike and being near vegan have added at least 20 years to my life

Try craigslist, ebay and shopgoodwill.com for used bikes. Better to get strong, inexpensive steel and add stronger rims.

No, the Marlin 6 would not be any better than an FX2. Maybe worse. I like the idea of used, especially go with a bike with no suspension. Doesn't have to be a mountain bike. It could be a hybrid or a touring bike. Years ago, I bought a used mid 80s Schwinn LeTour Luxe touring bike with a 40 spoke back wheel.

Some people here are snobs about them but even a walmart bike like my magna great divide is not bad for a heavy rider if it has upgraded wheels. Considering I got it for 25 bucks quite amazing, but even if you had to pay full price it is going to be quite cheap and it's a pretty standard 26 inch mtb setup where you can change out anything you like down the road if needed. Even for lighter riders wheels and tires are often greatly underestimated for improving a bike's reliability and performance.

Buy the bike you want to ride, have it fit to you so that you are comfortable riding, and upgrade your wheels.

Get a set of wheels for a tandem bike as they are designed for weight.

When I started riding I couldn't go any distance as I was too bent over thus had breathing trouble due to my belly forcing organs into tighter spaces. By putting a different stem on the bike that allowed me to sit more upright I was able to ride some distances without discomfort.

If the bike is not the style you want to ride you won't ride.

Also Specialized and Trek make good bikes, but they do have lawyer limits (weight limits), but many other bike manufactures out there like Orbea and Bianchi don't have these limits.

I am 365 pounds at 6'3" and ride an Orbea Orca with Rolf Vigor RS wheels (24 spoke count front and rear, but spokes are not indexed in the traditional cross manor).

As others have said the greatest area of focus is the wheelset.
1. No Sus mountain bike with wheelset built for you.
2. Older steel touring bike with the wheelset tensioner by your shop or better have a wheelset built.

Also, for the first year I would take the bike in and have the spoke tension checked. Cheap insurance to catch a problem before it starts.

Good luck in your journey!