Please help a big man in need.
 

Hi all, complete newbie so hopefully someone can help me out?


I'm 6'4 and 310lbs and have bought my first road bike which will be arriving sometime next week. A CAAD optimo tiagra - I've tried a friend's recently and pretty happy and comfortable on it.


I've read that ideally I need at least 32 spokes due to my weight but the bike comes with 28 rear and 24 front. With a weight limit of around 280 lbs (can't find an actual number but this seems to be the online consensus).


I'm just wondering how accurate this limit is? I've lost over 100lbs and lose around 5lbs a week so shouldn't be far off this weight in just over a month. Would it be advisible to buy a cheap set of rims until I reach that weight - would it even be worth it if all I need to do is replace a few spokes?, Would it even be possible to ruin a set of wheels? What would I even look for when looking for new wheels? Are they universal? Do they have to match tiagra? Sorry for the stupid questions, but I'm completely clueless!!


Although I'm big I'm physically fit, play rugby regularly and squat around 230kg and would be hoping to spend a few hours on the bike at a time.


Rims - Rs 2.0 24h front 28h rear

Front hub - formula rb 31

Rear hub - formula rb 32

Tyres - vittoira zaffiro 700x25c


Any advice is extremely welcome.


Thank you for your time.

First of all, congratulations on your progress so far. Well done!

As to the wheels, it’s a legitimate concern. The posted limits are conservative, but you’ll be exceeding them by a fair amount, at least for now. They do make tougher wheels for heavier riders, but also for tourists, crossers, gravel riders, etc.

Something like this: Black Heavy Duty Velocity Dyad 700c Shimano 5800 Hubs 36h Sapim [741448] - $299.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

You may want to look around in the Clydesdale forum. It's dedicated for larger guys and gals.

https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdal...-200-lb-91-kg/

I am a super-clyde and I have been using low-spoke-count wheels for a while on a few different bikes without much problem. However ... you have a few pounds on me.

If I were you I might consider a set of stronger wheels just until you drop another 30 pounds ... unless you are a careful rider. if you like to hop off curbs and sit planted in the saddle over bumps, you might have issues. I have broken a couple spokes form hitting hard into potholes (could happen to anyone anytime, but a lot more likely when the spokes are carrying my mass.)

I like Vuelta for inexpensive wheels ... you might get a set for $150--$200 with a lot of spokes ... I wouldn't spend $300 for wheels I only planned to used for one season---but I am not you and you know your situation better.

Honestly the stock wheels are probably okay ... but if you want a little extra reassurance go for 32- or 36-spoke.

Ride it until you pop spokes, then make the decision on whether or not you upgrade. You might find you lose the weight quick enough for it to not matter.

Nice strong wheels for $300!

Indeed, I just recommended a similar, not quite as heavy duty, set with H plus son rims in response to OPs other post. Also available on velomine for under $300.

Cheers
 

Thank you so much for all of your help, really appreciate it. Loving the bike :)