rvkhan

Hi guys and gals

Happy Easter everyone. My question is am I too heavy for my bike?

Here are my specs on my bike that have:

Its an older cro-moly GT Karakoram from 1993. I used to do MTB races and lots of riding on that bike. I treated my bike with kitten gloves.
I have a Mavic rim on the back with Pulstar hub with DD spokes and it has Answer handlebars w/ Onza sidebars and Answer seatpost with San Marco/Bontrager seat. I love this bike that's why I haven't parted with it. Back then I was one of the original "clydesdales" riders tipping the scales at 250-260 pounds. I was a great technical rider and can manuever well.
I want to get back into riding and back into mtb again. Only catch is that I'm 348 pounds now and just want to get back into the saddle and lose some weight. I used to be a powerlifter and martial artist since leaving cycling.
Do you think my current bike would hold me and stand up to the simple road riding for now?
I would be riding on the paved asphalt for now just to lose my weight.
I could certainly use some positive feedback please. thank you guys and gals.
I'm so glad that you guys are here for ppl like me.

If there are other alternatives that would be of use or help please suggest them. I'm on a limited budget but will do what it takes to get back to my competitve weight again.

Thank you so much
Raymon

AWB

I am new to the forums and bikes as well so I can't really comment on your particular setup, but just wanted to stop by and welcome you to the forums

Beachgrad05

I'm sorry that I don't have knowledge in this area for you...but I too wanted to extend a hearty welcome to the C/A Forum.

chasm54

Shouldn't think there'd be any problem with the bike, but you don't specify what type of mavic rim and how many spokes. However, you say that you used to race the bike off-road so I'm guessing the wheels took plenty of punishment. If this time around you're initially just riding on paved roads, I'd say you'd be OK.

Ride it. If it turns out that the rear wheel isn't up to the task, you'll need a stronger one. But cross that bridge if and when you come to it.

rvkhan

Here there mate thank you very much for the response. I appreciate it tremendously. I'm really wanting to get back to my old self by Mtb and scuba diving. So, I feel that biking will get me there and then some. I so appreciate all your friendly welcoming to C/A forum. I'm going to love being here. I'm not a couch potato. I actually am a competitive archer and so lots of hills and walk lots of course around the state. So I hope I can keep it going with my archery coupled with bike riding. Thanks so much Andy for the warm welcome. Cheers

rvkhan

Thank you so much. I can't wait to get back to my cycling again. I used to live on my bike back then. I'd go different places. My buddy and I did the most incredible thing waaaay before 9/11 and all the security in DC. We road our bikes down the Washington Capitol stairs. Lol. The things you do!! Lol. Thanks for the warm welcome. You guys are great!! Thank you!!

rvkhan

Hey chasm, I so appreciate your input on things. I honestly couldn't tell you what model Mavic rim it is but I knew back then that I was a Clydesdale rider. So I probably did get something durable. Thank you for all of your input and positivity. I needed it and will get my bike out and clean her up and tuner her up too!! Lol. ��

jimc101

Steel GT's were built tough, what makes you think that what you have won't hold up under you?

You haven't mentioned the fork your bike has, if a Bologna Lite stock fork, leave it, if suspension, you may want to look to changing back to rigid.

For the parts spec you have given, BITD, Answer components were (and still are) regarded as being strong. You may want to look at changing the handlebars out to a wider one, BITD, 540mm/560mm was standard, now over 700mm is normal, and you may find it more comfortable. This wouldn't be simple as you would need to swap the stem as well, and get a threaded to threadless converter, if you have stock forks, but it isn't too hard either.

rvkhan

Hey Jim. Thank you very much for the wealth of information. I do have the original forks on them. I had manitou forks before but switched them back bc I wasn't racing as much . Lol. The little thing called work got in the way. But as far as the handlebars are concerned they were comfy back then. Not sure how they'll feel today though. :/ I need to buy all my shoes and my pants all over again. Sigh!! Lol. Is there a place on this forum that sells bike accessories like helmets, clothing or Mtb shoes? Plus tires and inner tubes? I'll need to tune it up and will live on this site for long time. Lol. Thank you again for your help Jim. You guys are awesome!! - Ray

jimc101

Ray, hope you still like the bike riding it now. My first real MTB was a '93 Tequesta, a lower spec to yours, but still real good. Currently as a winter bike I have a '97 Bravado, this been re-built numerous times since I got is as a frame back in 2000, currently as a rigid 69er (29er front wheel, 26 back) and is still a great ride.

You don't say where you are, but for things like helmet and shoes, would always suggest going to a good LBS for them, fit is more important than brand for these. For tuning the bike, the mechanics section on here can be useful, but most info can be found on the Park Tools https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help, for tools, a hex wrench set will sort most things, you may want to look at headset wrenches, an chain tool, BB tool and crank puller, if you want to did deeper into the bike. Enjoy, Jim

rvkhan

Hey Jim Thank you so much for the info sir. I'm in Maryland or you can say in the Washington, DC metro area. I'm so glad that you still have the GT Tequesta. i do remember that bike. My riding buddy from back then had that one.
Could you explain to me the what the benefits of having a 69er, if any at this current time. I want to be able to ride my bike the way i Used to back in the 90s when it was my main mode of transpo.
I was just reading another newbie post about being self conscious about being on a bike and being overweight. Man, I'm always self conscious about my weight and doing physical activity. I hate to say it, but people always look down on the bigger ppl. It's another form of prejudice in my book. However, they never step to me bc I'm an ex- powerlifter and martial artist and would be signing their death wish if they tried. So, its always in the back of our minds, but you can't let it run us.

Sorry I got off on a tangent my friend. I'll check out all the tools on parks website and look up the mechanics portion on here.
I appreciate all your help getting me back into the saddle my friend. You've been a great deal of help.

jimc101

Unfortunately the Tequesta is long gone, it was stolen back in '95, was a nice ride when I had it, the Bravado replaced it after a few other bikes inbetween.

For the 69er conversion, this was because I was going rigid for this winter, and the fork had a lot of clearance, I also had a spare 29er front wheel, so there wasn't much to loose in trying.

For bike shops in MD area, it's been a few years since I've been in the area (Leesburg VA / Frederick MD) they were all friendly even though I was just looking.