Boeman

Hello everyone! Heck of a nice place you've got here. I am thinking of getting into biking for some exercise and fun. I used to go on bike trips as a kid and loved it. I want to buy a trial/road bike. Not sure on the terms anymore but they used to be classified as mountain bikes. I just want something I can ride to college and use on weekends for recreation. I want to get a bike that will last and work well, and at over 300lbs, I am thinking I might want to be sure and buy a good heavy bike that will support my large frame without snapping like a cold carrot. Any suggestions, keep in mind I dont have a lot of money to throw around, concidering im a poor college student. thanks in advance for any help you can provide for me!



-Boe

Dannihilator

May I suggest spending a few extra bucks and getting a Kona Hoss. Kona designed it with their 7005 Clump tubing and used a xc geometry the bike is aimed for larger riders. Right now you might be able to find a 2004 at a closeout price since the 2005's are coming in.

Oh also welcome to the forums.

Boeman

hmm, that looks like a nice rig. If you had to recommend something slightly cheaper, what would it be? I checked for a hoss on ebay and came up null. Thanks!

-Boe

Dannihilator

You could look for a specialized Hard Rock they are on the tough side as well.

Boeman

ok thanks. I live in northern MN so its getting to be the end of biking season. I know a guy who has connections at a local Scheel's sporting goods store. I think I might keep my eyes peeled for a hoss frame and then just build a solid bike throughout the winter. Then by the time spring hits, I'll be ready to ride! This way I can familiarize myself with the parts and mechanics of a bike. Thanks man, have a good week!

post script- any other suggestions would be most appreciated as well.


-Boe

toolbox63

If you don't want to spend as much for the Kona Hoss, you can pick up a Trek Navigator 50 for much, much less. It has a steel frame and can handle big guys as well.

Click here to see it: https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/...avigator50.jsp

seely

He will destroy that Navigator in about 30 seconds. I can already see the rounded tapers on the crankarms, bent rims, a broken freewheel... definately NOT a trail bike by any means. The Hardrock was a good budget recommendation.

rykoala

Whatever you get, make it with STRONG wheels. I'm 310 pounds and let me tell you, wheelsets are a bit more fragile at our size. I've learned the hard way. I just bought a new wheelset and am babying it the best I can.

late

800 bucks is not a lot of money for a bike
you can actually ride. I'm a big buy, bought
a cheap bike. Returned it for a bike that cost twice as much within
a week. That was ten years ago, and I want to tell you
that bike returned every penny I spent on it. I loved that bike.

toolbox63

I guess that depends on how much he weighs. I weigh 300 lbs. at 6'3" and had the use of bike that was very similar to the NAV 50 and it held up for over two years. I returned the bike to my friend and he says it is still running just fine no bent rims, broken freewheel etc..

sorebutt

I started riding at around 300lb. I had a Specialized rock hopper, and when I got to 260lb I got me a Giant OCR1. Most aluminum frames will be fine. What you may need to pay attention to are the wheels.. Make sure to get a 36 spoke wheel.

seely

Its not a trail bike!!! I'm 150lbs and would tear that up if I ever took it on any trails.

dexmax

I dont think the frame would matter so much. Even %mart bikes frames are made tuff! What you should take close attension is: Hubs, and Rims.

toolbox63

Relax. The original poster (Boeman) said "I am thinking of getting into biking for some exercise and fun. I used to go on bike trips as a kid and loved it. I want to buy a trial/road bike. " I don't think he is looking to climb mountain trails at this stage. I stand by my suggestion of the Trek Nav - 50.

Boeman

Hey guys! Thanks for all the advice. I found a 16" hoss frame on ebay. What does the frame length effect? Would I want a longer frame length or shorter? Is a 16" too small? Thanks in advanced!

-Boe

khuon

Frame sizing is the seat-tube length. However, for better bike fitting, you should really concentrate on effective top-tube length. You may wish to visit some fitting websites and take some measurements of yourself. Then when looking at bikes, go to the manufacturer's websites and check out their geometry specifications (assuming they publish those) to see if you can get a good match. Of course the best way to see if a bike fits you is to actually attempt to ride it. You might want to hit a few LBSes and try test riding some bikes.

Crunkologist

My suggestion: Go to a LBS (Local Bicycle Shop) and get fitted. Then ride as many bikes as you can, until you find one that is comfortable. I wouldn't go in with too many ideas about exactly what to get... just set a price limit, and get what fits. A good LBS will get you on something that will suit you.

I'm 6'3" and I bounce between 250 and 300 pounds (currently at 300). I wanted a road bike, and I ended up on a Giant OCR-3. I love it. No noticeable weight loss yet (riding makes you HUNGRY), but I know its coming. I could barely ride for a mile the first week. Smoking and drinking had me dangerously out of shape. But I kept it up, riding to school, to friends' houses, for fun at night... and now I can do 5 miles easy. Its FUN! Such a great feeling of freedom. Clears the mind. Oh, and I'm finding quitting the smoking to be easier than ever before... I can feel the smoke ****ing up my lungs each one I have, and I know that I'm going to pay for that smoke on the next hill I encounter... so now although I do still pick up a cigarette about once a day, I end up taking a couple puffs and putting it down. I can feel it ****ing up my "well conditioned" (highly relative term) lungs, and it sickens me. Now I feel more in touch with my body than I ever did from weight lifting, running, etc. and I just don't want to **** it up. Its nice.

Just get a bike that fits. I recommend a road bike. Biking is the funnest cardio EVER. Its like you're not even working... you're out having fun and you just happen to get a good workout.

Oh, and a tip: Get a new seat. Big guys need a better seat than the ones that come with a first bike. After a serious case of saddle sore, I just ordered a Brooks B17. I recommend that you do so right off the bat... Brooks seam to be best suited for big guys.

Bottom line: just get SOMETHING. Ride it. There's no sense in spending a whole lot on a first bike, because until you get some miles on it, you're not going to know what you really want in a bike anyway. Your second bike is the time to get something that is just right for you... and by then, you probably won't be well over 300 pounds anyway I recommend a road bike. That feeling of flying on a well paved road is priceless. On a good level gradient, or a slight downhill, pedaling hard... you feel weightless and FREE. Something big guys probably don't feel too often.

My Giant OCR-3 was $650. With a helmet ($50), tire pump, lights, U-lock, and tax it was $800. But there is no need for you to spend that much. Although I wouldn't skimp on the lock (mine was $35), you can get a cheap pump and you can get a cheap helmet at a used sporting goods store. As for the bike, I tried another bike that was $450, and it felt just as good if not better... but it was alot heavier, and I had the money so I went with the more expensive bike.

Another thing to do might be to get fitted for a new bike, take some out for a ride, and figure out approximately what you want. Then look for a comparable used bike (size, type, make), and pick the one that you like best. E-bay could be a big help here.

Boeman

Alright, thanks again guys. I might make it to a bike shop sometime this winter and get some good deals. It is getting colder here everyday and soon the snow with by flying so its nearing the end of bike season. I really appreciate the advice guys and crunk, you post was most helpful. Take it easy, thanks agian.

Boeman

Alright guys, I am looking seriously at the trek navigator 50 for my first bike. It looks like it might work well but... What all do you think would need upgrading to withstrand the strain of a beast like myself. I was thinking I could slap on some more sturdy wheels??? Any other suggestions. I only plan on riding it on the road for now. heres the link
https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/...jsp#largerview

Thanks again guys!

late

If those are 26" and 36 spokes, they're prob tough enough.
Don't worry about the front wheel. If you decide to do this, ask to
upgrade the rear wheel as part of the sale. I have done this
a couple times. Just get a Shimano hub with 36 spokes and a
beefy rim. If you decide to keep riding, next year you'll be buying a better bike.

Crunkologist

My OCR-3 takes my 300 pounds ass for 10 miles without complaining. Suggestion: forget about upgrades until you break something. Bikes are very strong. BTW: how do you know that you want a hybrid/cruiser? Until you get to the bike shop, you shouldn't know what you want to get. Maybe you'll find a road bike setup, that has you leaning forward alot more, really comfortable? This is what I mean by waiting. Don't go shopping on the net until you find what is comfortable at the shop, on the street outside.

toolbox63

Good for you. My next choice as well.