chuckygetlucky

I am 400lbs rider. Currently i ride a giant yukon mtb. I started with limestone trails now i have switched to paved trails. I put on GEAX street runner tires but found i am still lacking a top gear. I believe i have a 42 or 44 tooth gear. I am looking to get a road bike and would like some information. I am not sure if my big thighs and belly will prevent me from riding a road bike. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Are there road bikes with a more upright riding style, i know this seems counter productive but considering my body mechanics it would help. Or should i just go with a hybrid bike like the giant FCR or Trek FX type bikes.

kayakdiver

how about some higher gearing and use what you have?

txvintage

The answers you seek can be found here.

https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/

Lot's of friendly folks who ride all kinds of bikes.

chuckygetlucky

yes i would be interested in higher gearing with the bike i have. can i just change out the large sprocket or do i have to get a whole new BB and crank set?

chrisvu05

Whatever you do..makes sure you get some wheels with 32+ spoke count front and rear. At 260 when I started riding my wheels would go out of true. The most important part of your bike is going to be your wheels.

txvintage

You can change out any of the rings. You just need to get them to fit your existing crankset. No need to change the BB.

Your rear cassette can be changes out as well to give you different gearing.

G_C

I would look into a touring bike. Higher spoke count wheel as mentioned. They are meant to be weighted down with gear. The gearing will be between mtn and road. Frames are steel. Adjustable stems so you can take advantage of hand positions a drop bar offers.

smd3

surly long haul trucker, 36 spoke wheels, hand built by a good mechanic.

kayakdiver

Take your bike into a LBS and have them take a look at your crankset and rear cassette. Let them know that you would like higher gearing. Should not cost much and you'll be set. You could get a new bike but I really don't see any reason unless you just want something new.

jfmckenna

A very very good choice.

fatallightning

FWIW, if you do have a 42 tooth big ring, maybe you should work on spinning as opposed to mashing a bigger gear. I spin my 42 tooth small ring with a 12 tooth in the back out to 30 mph or so. Congratulations on taking a healthy step in your life, the clydesdale forum is chock full of good information.

merlin55

Before you spend the money on higher gearing, maybe you need to pedal at a higher cadence. Unless you are pedaling faster than 90 rpm, your existing stuff is fine. The higher cadence uses your cardiovascular system more and reduces leg fatigue. Keep your physican in the loop on your cycling, as we don't want to read your obit, just your posts.

threeflys

take a read through this site, this guy was around 500 lbs when he started riding. I'm sure he'd answer any questions you have...

https://istanbultea.typepad.com/largefellaonabike/

I forgot to mention, that's awesome what you're doing! Most would just stay on the couch all day...

Good on you!
Chris (not a skinny euro guy!)

kila kila kila

Your Yukon is likely fine for what you need right now. But there are two things I'd do: 1. Get some relatively skinny slick tires if you haven't already. 2. Lock out your suspension fork if possible. If it has no option for that, swap it out with a rigid fork. Surly's Instigator fork would probably work (check with your shop, though).

If you really want to change the gearing, swapping out a new cassette would probably be easier than swapping out some new chainrings. Chainstay clearance can be a problem on mountain bikes and large chainrings. That depends on how much clearance you have between your large chainring and your chainstay.

Yes, you can get road bikes set up with the bars at, or higher than, your saddle. You will likely be looking at a touring bike or something like the Salsa Casseroll.

I personally wouldn't go the hybrid route. Other than low cost, I don't see any advantage to hybrids to make up for their weight and generally low-end components.

Good luck and keep at it.

wfrogge

++

I ran 36 spoke wheels at 250... I still run them during the winter and for rough road races.

patentcad

Welcome to BF and keep us posted on your progress. The bike is a great way to lose weight, many here have shed significant pounds riding their bicycles (including me).

CrimsonKarter21

Don't those have 26" wheels?

schnee

The 54cm and smaller do. The larger ones are 700c.

calyth

Yeah. I have a friend who's in a similar situation, and he doesn't spin because he says it works up his heart rate too much.

You'd want to have a cardio work out, but take small steps. Try and spin at a faster rate, get a bike computer with cadence if necessary.

idegen

I would also recommend a touring bike such as a Surly Long Haul Trucker. They are built for extra weight and put you in a more upright position than a typical road bike.

chuckygetlucky

The feedback in here has been great. I will keep you guys updated as i make a decision on the bike and on my fitness progress.

I have seen some posted a higher cadence rather than a taller gear. I am more built for slower cadence at more intensity. I am not a speedster but i have lots of power, leg pressing over 900lbs i feel that higher gear would be a better fit without reving up my heart rate. But my next trip out i will try to increase cadence and see what happens.

jaxgtr

Moving this to Clydes with a link back to Road.

chuckygetlucky

Thank you kila good information. Gonna go to LBS and see what they say about chainrings. If possible i would like to do it myself, we'll see.

jaxgtr

Most frames will be ok for you, it's all about the wheels.

idegen

I don't know about this. Most lightweight road frames are not made for a rider who is over 250 lbs. Obviously the wheels are very important too, but a frame made with thicker-walled tubing should also be a priority.