too strong for a bike is it possible?
11-30-16, 11:31 AM
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I'm 6'5" and when I used to commute back up the hills from Saint Paul, I;d stand in the pedals applying massive power and the bike would literally break in half at the bottom bracket. I would the run it home on my back and weld it back together for the next day's ride.
They just don't make bikes for large powerful men such as ourselves. Your best best is to find a early 20th century motorcycle with medals, remove the motor and pedal that 60lb steel frame. It's the only thing that can survive such massiveness
They just don't make bikes for large powerful men such as ourselves. Your best best is to find a early 20th century motorcycle with medals, remove the motor and pedal that 60lb steel frame. It's the only thing that can survive such massiveness
You guys must be vikings.
11-30-16, 11:51 AM
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anti-powerful people bias is the last socially acceptable bigotry. As far as the OP goes, I've known some sprinters in my time that were not too strong for a bike.
11-30-16, 11:55 AM
#30
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I'd say "yes" to the original question. I have a friend, a football player and athlete who weighs in the 375# range. He can put down massive amounts of torque. I have been his "go to" emergency bike repair man. And the things that I have seen...
- Bent crank arms. Yes, the crank arm.
- Broken chains - breaks at multiple links simultaneously. Granted, not new chains, but not significantly worn. Twisted and broken...
He's a wrecking ball. Don't get me started on the day he lodged a stick in his drivetrain on a new rebuild that I had just completed for him...
- Bent crank arms. Yes, the crank arm.
- Broken chains - breaks at multiple links simultaneously. Granted, not new chains, but not significantly worn. Twisted and broken...
He's a wrecking ball. Don't get me started on the day he lodged a stick in his drivetrain on a new rebuild that I had just completed for him...
11-30-16, 12:04 PM
#31
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People often confuse the concepts of strength, power and speed. While they're related, they are different and somewhat independent of each other. One can be strong, but neither fast nor powerful. By the same token, one can be powerful without being especially strong.
If you consider horses, a draught horse is both stronger and more powerful, bur a race horse is fasrter.
Back to the OP's question.
Yes, it's possible to be too strong. This won't make you fast, but does impose more stress and wear on the machinery. What you want to do, is use the gearing to reduce the input torque, and maximize the output, then learn to pedal faster at lower loads. In short, think like a race horse instead of one pulling a heavy wagon.
If you consider horses, a draught horse is both stronger and more powerful, bur a race horse is fasrter.
Back to the OP's question.
Yes, it's possible to be too strong. This won't make you fast, but does impose more stress and wear on the machinery. What you want to do, is use the gearing to reduce the input torque, and maximize the output, then learn to pedal faster at lower loads. In short, think like a race horse instead of one pulling a heavy wagon.
11-30-16, 12:05 PM
#32
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11-30-16, 12:11 PM
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Almost reminds me of this thread
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...ing-tires.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...ing-tires.html
11-30-16, 12:38 PM
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So to clear some things up for everyone. The bike I was mentioning was a trek 4500 mountain bike bought in 2007 but was actually an 08 and was 520$ new and should have been fairly good quality.
the chainring gearing was 22/32/42 and I don't remember if I had any problems before I replaced the chain or not but I did test new bikes and the chain would still skip or throw under enough power. So I won't say the original guy who sold me the first bike was wrong.
And luckily enough I found that single speeds work amazingly well and with my power I could probably keep up very much with geared bikes anyway.
single speed it,s all you need.
the chainring gearing was 22/32/42 and I don't remember if I had any problems before I replaced the chain or not but I did test new bikes and the chain would still skip or throw under enough power. So I won't say the original guy who sold me the first bike was wrong.
And luckily enough I found that single speeds work amazingly well and with my power I could probably keep up very much with geared bikes anyway.
single speed it,s all you need.
11-30-16, 01:48 PM
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Almost reminds me of this thread
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...ing-tires.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...ing-tires.html
OP, I agree with the others in that it is either poorly adjusted and/or lower grade equipment. What kind of frame is it? I have noticed that a Lemond 853 frame I used to have was a little more flexy than the newer Ridley Excalibur. But the Lemond never ghost shifted, if I recall correctly. I'm not a small rider (6'1" @ 220 lbs) and have broken the seat tube right above the BB on the Lemond (which was why I replaced it). But I chalk the break down to rust and/or more heat added for a support under the BB rather than "super powered legs."
11-30-16, 02:09 PM
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Ghost shifting also happens when the cable and housing gets worn
11-30-16, 02:12 PM
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If only I had a nickle for every time my massive wattage was too much for the bike. On the plus side, I have found work lifting tractor-trailers and pulling out stuck bulldozers.
Now if only I could find pants that could contain my massive manhood.....
Now if only I could find pants that could contain my massive manhood.....
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Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
11-30-16, 04:27 PM
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I'd like to offer another angle, based on my personal experience.
Last year I bought a Trek Verve 2.
It has a Shimano M131 crank (48/38/28) and a Sunrace 14/34 freewheel with Tourney derailers. In about 1000 miles the KMC Z51 chain was stretched to the 75% limit and the freewheel showed definite signs of wear.
This year I am riding the Novara Randonee.
It has a Shimano Deore crankset (48/36/26) and a Shimano HG62 cassette (11/34). After 2000+ mi the KMC X10 chain shows no stretch, the cogset no signs of wear.
Same rider, a Clyde, just 10 lbs lighter (maybe), a year older, similar strength, same routes, same lubrication schedule (I lube the chain/cogset every 300 km or so).
The only difference is the quality of the parts, Tourney level vs Deore LX/XT.
Last year I bought a Trek Verve 2.
It has a Shimano M131 crank (48/38/28) and a Sunrace 14/34 freewheel with Tourney derailers. In about 1000 miles the KMC Z51 chain was stretched to the 75% limit and the freewheel showed definite signs of wear.
This year I am riding the Novara Randonee.
It has a Shimano Deore crankset (48/36/26) and a Shimano HG62 cassette (11/34). After 2000+ mi the KMC X10 chain shows no stretch, the cogset no signs of wear.
Same rider, a Clyde, just 10 lbs lighter (maybe), a year older, similar strength, same routes, same lubrication schedule (I lube the chain/cogset every 300 km or so).
The only difference is the quality of the parts, Tourney level vs Deore LX/XT.
11-30-16, 04:48 PM
#40
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I was browsing the broken Carbon website today and ran across this.
Busted Carbon: Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate
Apparently Alex Candelario ripped the spokes out of his wheel while sprinting. Hmmm... not that bad, but my last broken spoke was on a hill climb (before that, my wheel had been creaking and popping very loudly on a steep hill climb).
I've read reports of "Clydes" breaking cranks and bottom brackets.
As far as the OP.
A badly stretched chain (9 years old?) can do significant damage to the cassette, and perhaps the chainrings.
Just replace the chain, cassette, and chainrings with good quality parts, and you should be fine. Be wary of chain wear in the future.
Busted Carbon: Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate
Apparently Alex Candelario ripped the spokes out of his wheel while sprinting. Hmmm... not that bad, but my last broken spoke was on a hill climb (before that, my wheel had been creaking and popping very loudly on a steep hill climb).
I've read reports of "Clydes" breaking cranks and bottom brackets.
As far as the OP.
A badly stretched chain (9 years old?) can do significant damage to the cassette, and perhaps the chainrings.
Just replace the chain, cassette, and chainrings with good quality parts, and you should be fine. Be wary of chain wear in the future.
11-30-16, 05:13 PM
#41
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Eric Heiden asploded his shoe during the sprint finish of the second U.S. Pro Championship race in Philly. In '82 I saw his sister, Beth, while hiking Camel's Hump in Vermont. Her quads were amazing. Should have asked for her digits.
11-30-16, 05:16 PM
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anti-powerful people bias is the last socially acceptable bigotry. As far as the OP goes, I've known some sprinters in my time that were not too strong for a bike.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4O5voOCqAQ
https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4O5voOCqAQ
11-30-16, 05:26 PM
#43
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Torque breaks stuff. Big guy + tall gears = broken bike.
Compare the rear axles on a drag car vs a race car. Or any serious off-road 4x4 (where stuff gets broken all the time). The average 4x4 has the same horsepower as a Mustang, yet needs giant differentials to handle the torque of low-range transfer case.
There are two solutions for big guys, either learn to spin or go single-speed so you can get big enough components to handle the torque loads.
Compare the rear axles on a drag car vs a race car. Or any serious off-road 4x4 (where stuff gets broken all the time). The average 4x4 has the same horsepower as a Mustang, yet needs giant differentials to handle the torque of low-range transfer case.
There are two solutions for big guys, either learn to spin or go single-speed so you can get big enough components to handle the torque loads.
11-30-16, 06:24 PM
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Torque breaks stuff. Big guy + tall gears = broken bike.
Compare the rear axles on a drag car vs a race car. Or any serious off-road 4x4 (where stuff gets broken all the time). The average 4x4 has the same horsepower as a Mustang, yet needs giant differentials to handle the torque of low-range transfer case.
There are two solutions for big guys, either learn to spin or go single-speed so you can get big enough components to handle the torque loads.
Compare the rear axles on a drag car vs a race car. Or any serious off-road 4x4 (where stuff gets broken all the time). The average 4x4 has the same horsepower as a Mustang, yet needs giant differentials to handle the torque of low-range transfer case.
There are two solutions for big guys, either learn to spin or go single-speed so you can get big enough components to handle the torque loads.
But, it is unclear if the OP is putting out the same power that serious road racers actually are putting out.
The OP isn't breaking components. He simply has a chain that is skipping... So he needs some upgrades or adjustments.
11-30-16, 07:06 PM
#45
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All this talk of superman has been fun, but now we need to get back to reality.
As we look into questions of strength and torque, we need to be mindful of Newton's 3rd law. Briefly summarized, the input and output torques must be equal. Obviously the input side is limited by the strength and weight of the rider.
But, let's look at the output side of this. It's limited by the force needed to propel the bicycle against resistance, which takes 3 forms. There's the wind drag at speed, the force needed to overcome gravity when climbing, and inertial drag, or the force needed to accelerate the bike.
So, in order for the rider's strength to be brought to bear, the bike must be overcoming resistance, either through high wind speed, steep climbing with a high payload, and or rapidly accelerating like a sprinter coming off the line.
Therefore, unless the OP is able to maintain high wind speeds, climb steep hills, or is heavy, yet can come off the line like a slingshot, it doesn't matter how strong he is, he can't put more into he bike than what it can resist.
That said, it is possible for a strong rider pushing big gears to put decent torque loads into the system. However, bikes survive strong sprinters, heavy hill climbers an pros who are running against high wind drags, and any of these are probably worse than anything the OP is generating.
As we look into questions of strength and torque, we need to be mindful of Newton's 3rd law. Briefly summarized, the input and output torques must be equal. Obviously the input side is limited by the strength and weight of the rider.
But, let's look at the output side of this. It's limited by the force needed to propel the bicycle against resistance, which takes 3 forms. There's the wind drag at speed, the force needed to overcome gravity when climbing, and inertial drag, or the force needed to accelerate the bike.
So, in order for the rider's strength to be brought to bear, the bike must be overcoming resistance, either through high wind speed, steep climbing with a high payload, and or rapidly accelerating like a sprinter coming off the line.
Therefore, unless the OP is able to maintain high wind speeds, climb steep hills, or is heavy, yet can come off the line like a slingshot, it doesn't matter how strong he is, he can't put more into he bike than what it can resist.
That said, it is possible for a strong rider pushing big gears to put decent torque loads into the system. However, bikes survive strong sprinters, heavy hill climbers an pros who are running against high wind drags, and any of these are probably worse than anything the OP is generating.
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Last edited by FBinNY; 11-30-16 at 07:17 PM.
11-30-16, 07:17 PM
#46
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Before I started cycling I was a 96# apology. Today, I am two separate gorillas.
11-30-16, 07:25 PM
#47
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Sounds like you're ready for a titanium frame bike.
11-30-16, 08:03 PM
#48
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More expensive, and more flex?
Did the OP actually list his weight?
You might also at TIME as a factor.
So, if one hits one's peak power for a few degrees at 3:00 & 9:00, one could potentially have greater peak power than a pro who might generate power over more than half of their stroke.
As mentioned, the higher gears can also put more tension on the chain, and thus also the chain/sprocket interface. The tension on the freehub should, however, be similar with the exception of power spikes.
Weight is a limitation, but to some extent can be modified by pulling up on the opposite pedal and pulling up on the bars.
All this talk of superman has been fun, but now we need to get back to reality.
As we look into questions of strength and torque, we need to be mindful of Newton's 3rd law. Briefly summarized, the input and output torques must be equal. Obviously the input side is limited by the strength and weight of the rider.
But, let's look at the output side of this. It's limited by the force needed to propel the bicycle against resistance, which takes 3 forms. There's the wind drag at speed, the force needed to overcome gravity when climbing, and inertial drag, or the force needed to accelerate the bike.
That said, it is possible for a strong rider pushing big gears to put decent torque loads into the system. However, bikes survive strong sprinters, heavy hill climbers an pros who are running against high wind drags, and any of these are probably worse than anything the OP is generating.
As we look into questions of strength and torque, we need to be mindful of Newton's 3rd law. Briefly summarized, the input and output torques must be equal. Obviously the input side is limited by the strength and weight of the rider.
But, let's look at the output side of this. It's limited by the force needed to propel the bicycle against resistance, which takes 3 forms. There's the wind drag at speed, the force needed to overcome gravity when climbing, and inertial drag, or the force needed to accelerate the bike.
That said, it is possible for a strong rider pushing big gears to put decent torque loads into the system. However, bikes survive strong sprinters, heavy hill climbers an pros who are running against high wind drags, and any of these are probably worse than anything the OP is generating.
You might also at TIME as a factor.
So, if one hits one's peak power for a few degrees at 3:00 & 9:00, one could potentially have greater peak power than a pro who might generate power over more than half of their stroke.
As mentioned, the higher gears can also put more tension on the chain, and thus also the chain/sprocket interface. The tension on the freehub should, however, be similar with the exception of power spikes.
Weight is a limitation, but to some extent can be modified by pulling up on the opposite pedal and pulling up on the bars.
11-30-16, 08:37 PM
#49
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No, stress on a bicycle isn't related to power, it's related to force. Not counting the effects of pulling upward on bars to hold oneself down, and/or pulling up with the back foot, the most FORCE one can put into the pedals is slightly greater then one's weight.
That's the MOST force one can exert, however few can exert that for any percentage of the time they're riding. Also, don't forget the limits on the output side.
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Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
11-30-16, 09:17 PM
#50
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More expensive, and more flex?
Did the OP actually list his weight?
You might also at TIME as a factor.
So, if one hits one's peak power for a few degrees at 3:00 & 9:00, one could potentially have greater peak power than a pro who might generate power over more than half of their stroke.
As mentioned, the higher gears can also put more tension on the chain, and thus also the chain/sprocket interface. The tension on the freehub should, however, be similar with the exception of power spikes.
Weight is a limitation, but to some extent can be modified by pulling up on the opposite pedal and pulling up on the bars.
Did the OP actually list his weight?
You might also at TIME as a factor.
So, if one hits one's peak power for a few degrees at 3:00 & 9:00, one could potentially have greater peak power than a pro who might generate power over more than half of their stroke.
As mentioned, the higher gears can also put more tension on the chain, and thus also the chain/sprocket interface. The tension on the freehub should, however, be similar with the exception of power spikes.
Weight is a limitation, but to some extent can be modified by pulling up on the opposite pedal and pulling up on the bars.