New "Clydesdale" road biker looking for bike advice
 

Hi Guys -

I can't say how much I appreciate this forum and this group especially. I've been reading everything I can for the past 3 weeks trying to figure out how to get into road biking and what I should start with.

About me:
I'm 6'2" and about 270lbs. My friends and I have signed up for the MS150 from Houston to Austin, TX in April. Before this, I had never really been interested in bicycles or knew what the difference between Ultegra and Tiagra were. Through this site I feel I've learned a lot, but still have a long way to go.

Since we are about 3 months away from this race, I know I need to get on to the training and need to purchase my bike.

As of now, I'm leaning towards a 2010 Fuji Roubaix ACR 2.0. I'm getting what I think is an ok deal of $999 from Performance Bike via a price match.

I test drove the bike for about an hour last week along with a few others. After sizing properly, I do feel comfortable on the bike and I don't really know how to explain it, but it just "felt good".

Due to my size, I am wary of buying a bike and making a bad choice. I just wanted to double check with the experts on this forum before I made the purchase later this week. Since I don't have any experience with a purchase like this, is there something I should be looking for specifically whether it be in sizing, feel or possibly a different brand/model of bike that might be more Clydesdale friendly?

If you guys have any suggestions/tips/advice for a first time Clydesdale before picking up my first bike - I am more than thankful in advance.

Again - thanks for the great advice, and I hope to be a long time learner/student on this forum.

-
Deep

Nice bike.
I would go with 36 spoke wheels to start.
700 X 25 tires.
11 / 28 cassette.

Whatever model you end up buying, ask the dealer to check the spokes/rim. Especially the rear.
They'll end up checking the braking and shifting anyway, so it shouldn't be a big deal for them.
One major complaint of heavier riders is the rear wheel not holding up after awhile.

First off, welcome to the herd. As for the bike, fit is the key. If your comfortable on the bike, then get it. The main part that you will need to be concerned with is the wheels. Being a heavier rider, you may see problems with spoke breakage, also the wheels may loose thier trueness quicker than a higher spoke count wheel. If you can, get a second wheelset with a 32 or 36 spoke count and use the factory wheels for the the MS ride.

The most important thing is fit, the bike needs to feel good, it also is a good idea to get a professional fitting. Beyond fit, the next issue is wheels, the wheels need to have the proper spoke tension. Spoke tension is not an actual number, it's a range of values, the maximum value is fixed and depends on the strength of the hub and rim, the minimum value floats around. A lightweight rider with a lot of spokes can have a very wide range, the heavier the rider and the lower the spoke count, the smaller the range. The smaller the range, the more experienced the person doing the adjusting needs to be. I wouldn't count on the guys at performance, being experienced enough at wheel building to set up those wheels for a rider your size. You really should take the bike to a wheel builder to get that done, preferably you get the fitting done and the wheels done. before you ride or ride very far.

Personally, I would worry less about wheels - Im on my original Aksiums (26 spoke) with 2000+ miles on them. Only ever had 3 punctures in all that distance and I was/am in the 300lb range. I ride a 2010 Spec Roubaix. I would be more concerned that I had a 150 mile ride only 12 weeks away. Is this a one-day event? Is it hilly? I did the Seattle to Portland 200 mile ride last summer and that was over two days. 150 miles is a heck of a distance and you will need to start training ASAP. It takes a good month or longer, to just break in the saddle.
To train for the ST,P I rode 3 short rides a week (10 mile range after work) and a 40-60 mile ride at the weekend. I started in February and by ride-day (mid-July) I had all the tools and experience to know how to pace myself. It was still a heck of a distance for me.

Good luck - I look forwards to hearing of your escapades :)

Thanks for all of the replies! I'll definitely look into wheels/spokes.

The ride is a 2 day event so I'm hoping it won't be too bad. I have been keeping up with my cardio and doing spin classes at my gym for the past month. I know it's not the same, but I am doing as much as I can without the bike. I have about 6 other friends who are all in the same boat as me, experience wise. We should be able to pace ourselves and get through the ride.

I will definitely keep you guys updated with what I go through. So far, from the info I've read and asked friends, the Fuji Roubaix ACR 2.0 seems like a good bike for a guy my size as long as it fits (with a few mods).

I'm definitely going to look into seeing how I can get myself professionally fitted to be safe.

Thanks again!

Good luck to you - Im sure you will be fine if its over 2 days. Tough bit do'able. Sounds like a fun ride. Get yourself a good pair of bibs. For guys our size theres nothign like knowing FOR SURE that your gut isnt sticking out of the bottom of your cycling shirt -priceless ;)

Hi and welcome

You wrote:

Just in case you have the wrong impression, most events of this type are "rides" and not races. IOW, the goal is simply to finish, not to be first - although thereare always a few folks who make it a race for themselves.

I mention this because pacing will be a major factor in finishing the event. Three months is not a real long time to get in shape, but it absolutely can be done, with a good training regimen.

So, the goal should be to have fun and finish.

Good luck and have fun.

Yeah, definitely don't think I'll be placing or winning any type of trophies.

My friends actually got interested because of the raising donations for Multiple Sclerosis. The bike ride is a new fun hobby that we thought we might pick up.

I don't know about your Fuji but most of them seem to have a comparatively long top tube geo-wise. If I was selecting my Fuji cross again I would probably would go down one frame size, as is I use a shorter stem and stack the rise. Just make sure you aren't over reaching forward or you'll may be suffering some neck/back problems after 50 miles.

If the bike feels right, go ahead and get it. A few things to consider, keep an eye on the rear wheel you may need to replace it in a year or so. Set the seat level and work with it from there may want to look at a different one. I would go with a 28mm tire if it fits. I have ridden the tires spec'd on the bike but in a 28 and they held up well. If you only have a couple of months to get reay for the ride better start getting the miles in. Good luck.