Heya,

I figured it getting nice out and i saw my neighbor with his bike on the back of his truck and I really want to start riding...

I am 6 feet tall.. And 240 lbs

I was hoping i could get some reccomendations for a bike with a strong frame for someone my size. Price range under $1000, I would like to keep it under the $500 area if possible ( but i am unsure b/c of my needs)

Most of the riding will be trail riding..

My neighbor reccomended the GT XL series?

Anyways.. All help is much appreciated...

Thank ya

I am 6'4" and before losing weight, when I bought my bike I was 244 pounds. I bought a Diamondback Response in the XL 22" Frame. It lists I believe for $350 if I remember correctly. I really like the bike. It has a very strong aluminum frame and takes a beating. I'm still relatively new to the sport so I tend to flip the bikeonce per ride, more than that the first few rides. It has a couple scrtches but nothing more. I find it comfortable for my size. The front fork is decent, better for drops than taking the edge off of riding over roots. Uses decent Shimano components which have been holding up well. Due to the falls I have taken, I did need to replace the wheel sets. After twisting a wheel I upgraded to Rhino Lites with Deore hubs. The rear wheel would go out of true often, but not enough to be a problem. Personally I'm very happy with the bike, and figure it's a solid bike to upgrade as things wear out and need replacing. I plan to keep it awhile and turn it into a more expensive bike as time goes on figuring it will hold up for years to come. Go to www.diamondback.com if interested. I also really like the black/silver color option I went with.

Thanks.. I am going to look into that one!...

Welcome to the sport! You're 6ft and 240lbs...welcome to what's known as the "clydesdale class"....

It's hard to find a really solid bike for your size for your budget. You certainly can't deny Sebring's recommendation though. Your biggest concern as pointed out will definitely be the wheels. The Rhino Lites are very sturdy and rather inexpensive options for you.

I also look at some of the Giant models in your price range. They've got fantastic warranties and service if you happen to break the frame.

I would like to least start with a somewhat solid frame.. then upgrade as i go along like sebring has been doing... besides that diamondback what would be the best solid frame around the 500 area? Thanks for everyone's help!

For a big guy like yourself who will be riding primarily offroad, I would look at something a bit higher end than the Diamondback above. $1000 will buy a lot of bike these days. Check out the Kona bikes, their cross country hardtails or the Out of Bounds series. For the price range you are looking at you will get a Marzocchi fork (good for big guys, very reliable) and disc brakes as well as a frame that has a solid reputation for taking abuse. Konas tend to offer a good bike for the money.
https://www.konaworld.com

Hey, from another Clydesdale Rider. I'm also 6', and vary from anywhere around 225 to a high of 240 lbs.

Wheels will be your nemisis. I've gone through so many I can't even count!

For $1,000 you could buy a lot of bike.

I would suggest you stay away from full suspension bikes. I know the temptation is great, but as a newbie and your budget, you'll get a better bike if you stick to a hardtail (front suspn only).

There are a lot of bikes we could suggest for you, but it won't make a hill of beans difference until you go test ride some. Visit ALL your local bike shops (LBS) and ride as many different bikes as you can.

I would suggest a beefier hardtail vs. a lighter weight XC bike. Something like a Specialized P.2, or a Haro Escape 8.3, or a lot of Kona's bikes. K2's got some decent bikes this year, and KHS has got some sweet beefy bikes.

As a newbie, I'd stay away from buying online. You really need help from you LBS when you're getting started and don't really know what to look for. Plus, they could hook you up with some local trails and perhaps a group ride. A great way to get involved in the cycling "community".

I hate to disagree (well, not really). Actually, it is more of a comment than a disagreement.

I don't see anywhere that you mentioned the type of riding you want to do.

If you want to just ride easy trails, bike paths and general road riding, then I wouldn't worry so much.

I am 6' and weigh between 220-230 (ok, I was up to 240 lbs a while back), and have used a standard $300 Specialized Hardrock (no suspension) for 4.5 years and 7,000+ miles.

Never touched a wheel, they are stock and 32 spoke. They are perfectlly true and work just great.

However, if you do plan on jumping around from rock to rock on your bike, than I would agree with the folks who have previously posted. As I recall, they are all pretty hard core technical types of mtn bikers.

So, take your choice, depending on what you want to do in riding.

Anyway, be sure to have fun.

One note though... since you are six foot you're not going to need a 22" frame! You'll be looking at something a bit smaller. Especially if you are going to be getting into any rough trail riding(anything will ruts, logs...and some things you'd find on...say a hiking trail) I'm 6' and ride a 19inch HT.... I also ride an 18inch for the more urban/tech stuff.

Oh if you're lookin for a good bike cheap I have two of this bike at my shop(2002 Specialized Rockhopper)... Private Message me if you're interested! Look for the PM at the bottome of my post that's how you'd PM me. I'll sell it extrememly cheap! ANd it's never been riden.

https://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...bl=top&my=2002

and it's the black one

I would suggest the new Specialized rockhopper. It has an almost freeride hardtail frame beefed up . I ride one myself for the last six months for aggresive xc. The frame itself is worth the cash for upgrades. My rig now is upgraded to full XT with XT discs and raceface accesories. Great buy if you want my advice.

Frames are rarely a weak point on bikes, esp mid-range MTBs. The usual point of failure is wheels. Most MTBs seem to have standardised on 32spoke wheels, but a 36 spoke wheel is a whole lot stronger for very little extra weight. Buy your bike from a descent bike shop, who can check and tune the spoke tension if neccessary. Pick your shop before your bike brand.

Specialized Hardrock and Stumpjumper seem to be the most popular base-level for serious riding, but Giant, GT, Trek etc all make fine mid-range models.

Im 6'4 and recently bought the giant iguana in a 23" size frame. giant packs alot of punch for the price.. cost was $580 I think

Agree w/ some of the other posters Giant gives a lot of bike for the buck. Specialized does pretty good too.

that Specialized rockhopper looks interesting... Was reading a lot of reviews on it today... Seems like people love the bike.. Anyone know what the differences are from 2002 to 2003 ?

thanks guys

I haven't been there in about a week or so but I think the 2002 info is still available on specialized.com

Yea I saw that but is the only diff the fork and tires?

2003:

THE FEATURES
A true performance frame, the A1 Premium Aluminum chassis features a double-butted front triangle, disc mounts and a replaceable derailleur hanger.
Kevlar beaded Roll-X tires are light, high traction, low rolling resistance wonders.
Manitou Axel Super fork with 80mm of coil sprung, adjustable rebound travel and an alloy steerer.
Trail-ready spec everywhere from Mavic rims to Shimano "V" brakes to less obvious specs like the Shimano BB, cassette and chain.

2002:
THE FEATURES
New, A1-X Premium Aluminum frame with double-butted downtube and seattube
Manitou Six Elite 100mm fork with alloy steerer
New Shimano 505 clipless pedals
Rockster Pro 120TPI tires with Kevlar bead



Same frame i think...

I just gotta ask. I am 6'5 and have a longinseam...you have mentioned the size a few times now and that worries my dangly bits...I ride a 19" and think that is too big for agressive riding.

heh

Pretty much covers it Funbags I think the disc brake mounts are new this year. The Roll-X tires are good for trail use (limit your road use) they use a softer rubber compound that gives pretty good traction on rocks and roots but they are hampered by mud. In essence dry trails- good mud- bad.

Hey Mael I'm 6'4" and my commuter bike is a 21" frame. (That USED to be my trail bike)

The 2003 and 2002 rockhoppers have completely different frames , All of the 2003 model frames are fullly butted (2002 had only the pro model fully butted). Plus the 2003 model has more gussets around the tubes up front. The downtube on 2003 is bioval and the toptupe is round gauge rather than square tapered. As for the specs...i dont know...i live in Europe. US specialized bikes are different. But the new frame is a big improvement over last year.

Thats the way Iwas..my commuter was 22" but I couldn't imagine riding that beast on the trails...ouch...and holy tipping over batman

i have reaaly long legs
with a short upper body

I hope so Whats you inseam 38"?

I am 41 years old, 6' and 275#, I have a Giant Cypress DX and it feels perfect for a big guy like me. I have ridden it for the last 2 summers here in New England. I ride to and from work weedays, 14 miles round trip, and a nice long 25 mile round trip on the weekends. I also have a pannier rack and bag on the back and often make a trip to the grocery store for a few groceries. I think it cost about $450.00. I think this bike is awesome. This is a Hybrid/Cross Comfort type bike.