Pamestique 

For 2K you can buy a beautiful steel bike with very good (ultegra) components. Don't let steel scare you away. New steel is very light weight and very durable. And then save up some money and spend it on good wheels (plan on spending say $600 - 800).

Hot Potato

Specialized Roubaix for me at 258 lbs. I have a tri-cross for path use and commuting, and wanted a great road bike. Funny how you can get used to the higher end components, come to appreciate them, and notice when you don't have them. I have no delusions about the bike making me a better rider. I just liked it a lot, and when I am lifting it up on top of my SUV I never think I would have been better off with a heavier bike.

vuelamanuel

I am 6'6 and usually around 170-180 when cycling regularly. I was rowing for the past 3 seasons and went up to 220. That's the limit for most modern carbon bikes and they handle quite well, much better than when I am at my lowest of 170. Any of the Treks OCLV will handle well once you get to 220. Having say that, I don't recommend you throw the money down yet for a 3 or 4 K Carbon bike. The tech is evolving too quickly, by the time you get in shape you there will be something better. The same is not true for a steel or Ti training steed.
I train in a Pinarello Cyclocross steel frame with middle of the road (Veloce/Centaur) components that are similar to my racing bike in function, but cheaper and a bit heavier. The cx bike is a bit more sturdy than a regular bike, I can do Audax races on it (fenders), race CX and it doesn't matter if it gets banged up a bit when travellig to events (3 Ironmans). Some day I'll get the connectors installed to make it a true travel bike. The ride is glorious and it still a sub-20 lb. bike.
On flat land I am there is no signicant time difference with my Carbon Landshark Roadshark or Madone. It's only in climbing that you ad a few seconds per hour to your best times. Flat & downhills, other factors apply.
My recommendation: get good steel frame that's NOT ridiculously light. Of the shelf frames are great for HWP guys and can be made to fit but in your case, you want a frame designed for 240 lbs...that way it will ride the best, you will train more and get to your goal sooner. Once you are in shape, the bike will still be one of the best tools in your quiver...you can even order it with braze ons for racks, fenders (Audax races, light touring).

When you get to 220 lbs mark, get a good mass produced Carbon frame that fits you best(if you still want it), save the light weight wheels for racing and use a higher spoke count wheel with a good 28c tire. Try to stick with the lighter versions of the same components you have in your training steel bike.

Enjoy the ride!

CPFITNESS

did you not notice this thread is from 2 years ago?

longbeachgary

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