thorton

Any clydes here with experience riding a workmans bike?

- 365pounds, 6'2

Thanks guys

alanbikehouston

I have not ridden one. But, I've seen several articles about them. The most popular model is a one speed that is similar to the Schwinn "Heavi Duti" Cruiser. Reinforced frame. Heavy duty rims, hubs, and components. Probably weighs around fifty pounds.

The one speed Worksman model was designed for use in and around a factory, on level, smooth surfaces. Pedaling up a steep hill might be a challenge even for Lance Armstrong. I see an older guy in my neighborhood with the Schwinn version, which is almost as heavy. He uses it for one or two mile rides in an area that is very level. Reliable...and a very good workout.

Little Darwin

Hey Dude!

I don't know anything about this specific bike, but I read in your blog that you are about to get your bike... I assume this is the one you are considering.

I haven't taken many opportunities to ride outside, today was my second this year (about 14 miles) However, based on your plan to use the exercycle, it motivated me to spend many hours on an exercycle (580 miles so far this year) On my usual exercycle, I actually multiply the mileage reported by 2/3 because this gets me down to my typical road average speed. My goals are 2006 miles on the exercycle, and 2006 miles on the road... I am a little behind on the exercycle, and way behind on the road, but I am picking up my pace on both...

One warning, don't expect to be effortlessly riding around once you get on the bike. I am finding that hills are a challenge. Take your time, and don't worry about being fast, just worry about keeping at it.

Good luck on taking the next step in your cycling adventure!

john bono

I started out riding at about 350 lbs, and I don't think you should get that bike, and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER should you get a single-speed. There are two reasons why. 1)When you are on a bicycle, you suddenly discover hills on roads you thought were flat, and you discover giant, steep hills that previously were little dinky hills when riding a car, and 2) at 300+ lbs, every hill looks like Mt. Everest. Frankly, you would be better off with a decent used hybrid(Trek 7000 or something like that) or a hardtail mountain bike with road tires on it. At 365 lbs, there are road bike frames that could handle your weight, but the wheels might need to be trued more often than a hybrid or mountain bike would--so you might be dealing with a maintenance expense long term. As for Walmart bikes, the only word suitable for them is "craptacular".

jcm

Hi thorton
I've been looking in on your blog now and again. IMO, you should not get a heavy single-speed. I've ridden the Worksman over many years in the factory. They're tough all right, but they are not for fitness riding unless you can stay on rail-trails or other flat areas. I'm concerned you might injure your knees.

Find an older mtb and have road type tires put on it. Do not use fat knobbies. They are much harder to roll when you are heavy. Again, it's the knees. I started back in July at 270lbs. I'm down to 225 now.

You'll have to experiment with a saddle and may wind up with a collection of failures. Here's my suggestion to you:
https://i3.tinypic.com/wvpusm.jpg
https://i2.tinypic.com/wvpv0h.jpg

BroMax

Worksman makes a bike with a 7 speed hub. They are built solid and I considered one for myself. I never got to ride one but after I examined the delivery bikes around Portland, I decided that I prefer something with less rolling resistance for my 300 pound frame. A few extra pounds of bike doesn't matter to me much: if I lost the total weight of the bike, it would come out even. I feel reasonably confident that a good steel frame, such as my old Raleigh 3 speed or Motobecane Gran Touring, won't fail me. I also don't add additional stress by riding over curbs or on steps or very rough surfaces.

Nightshade

I rode Worksman for 40 yrs on the job both trike and bike. At present
I own a new Worksman PAV custom trike that I just received.

How are they to ride? Great as long as you gear them correctly. They
are heavy but that adds greatly to the ride. (Old heavy Cadillac vs a little
import ass beater kinda thing). Worksman are also so dependable that so
little breaks you tend to forget them which is Ok as they are tough.

If you decide to buy one remember that Worksman is all about getting the
job done just not in a big hurry. Worksman can be ,if you choose and just
want to get there everyday,day in day out, the only bike you'll ever need.

Do I think they are worth the money? Yes, I do. I'm not a bit sorry I
bought my Worksman PAV 3 speed. You will, however, find many who
don't "Get" Worksman products. They ARE heavy duty & heavy which
to the weight weenies here is the death knell. To me, that's their strongest
point.

MichaelW

Worksman tend to be built from lower grade materials and hence need more metal to achieve the required strength.
A much better Clydesdale bike is the Comotion Mazama
Kona also do some well regarded Clyde bikes.

Nightshade

It is this non hi tech steel that holds the price down to workingmans levels. The steel used is also not
as brittle as hi tech steel is while being way more flexiable than any aluminum bike could ever be.
Frame & fork durablity on a Worksman is bulletproof when compared to modern metals that are
reasonably priced.