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weight limits?

Old 04-20-07, 09:23 PM
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weight limits?

So I was just curious, do road cycles have any sort of rider weight limit? I weigh about 240 lbs (I plan on dropping 40 lbs this summer with a combination of intense cycling/dieting/other excersize, but cycling for the most part)
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Old 04-20-07, 09:40 PM
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Yes, some do. generally I've seen them posted for very lightweight aluminum frames, but some carbon frames may have limits, too. Some times these frames will only be made in smaller sizes, say up to 56cm, but not larger. Any particular model you're inquiring about?
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Old 04-20-07, 09:45 PM
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I've seen narratives written by folks who were 400+ pounds when they began a riding program to increase their fitness levels.
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Old 04-20-07, 09:53 PM
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Some do...this forum is a great place to ask about that sort of stuff....

For someone looking for strength in there ride it is my opinion to start with the wheels....get a nice strong set of wheels...there are many out there....some are even pretty lite...next seat post....get a nice double clamp style....Thompson is a great manf...still pretty lite as well..pedals...no TI shafts!!!

Everything else you will probably be good on....I would stay away from the uber lite frames but I bet most everything else would be fine...
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Old 04-20-07, 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by vpiuva
Yes, some do. generally I've seen them posted for very lightweight aluminum frames, but some carbon frames may have limits, too. Some times these frames will only be made in smaller sizes, say up to 56cm, but not larger. Any particular model you're inquiring about?
I was looking at the Trek 1000, 1500, or something from Giant. Im about 5'6, so id probably be around the smaller size frames
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Old 04-27-07, 10:25 AM
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I had the same questions about 45 lbs ago. I started riding a '90 Trek 1000 with Suntour components. It worked but was not fun to ride. I kept breaking spokes like every third ride. Was really a PITA. So, I upgraded. I asked my LBS about the weight issues because I didn't want my new bike to have the same problems as my old one. They told me that weight is not a problem at the performance level I was comparing.

So, last year, I bought a medium sized Giant OCR CF and have been happy everytime I ride it. After I bought the OCR, I weighed about 285 lbs. Now after 1500 miles, I'm down to 240 and feeling great. The bike is not showing any problems due to overload.
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Old 04-27-07, 10:35 AM
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I don't think you need to worry about the bikes you are talking about. The thing to be most concerned about is wheels. Stay away from any bikes that have fewer than 24 spokes in the back. 32 spoke wheels would be even better. Even then, you are not looking at catastrophic failure. The wheels may just have a problem staying true. I would make a point of asking the salesman if the wheels can handle your weight. If it turns out they can't, then you have a better case when you ask the lbs to replace them.
Pedals might also be a minor concern. Stay away from titanium.
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Old 04-27-07, 10:56 AM
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i would say use a 32 spoke front and a 32 spoke rear wheel, with strong spokes laced 3x in the front and rear, and you'll be fine the way you are now...

when you drop down the <200# range, you will have more options like using 24/28 wheels and a bit of carbon here and there, but until then think stronger is better and enjoy the ride...
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Old 04-27-07, 11:05 AM
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Some pedals have a weight limit so I'd be sure to check that out as well.
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Old 04-27-07, 11:12 AM
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Ever see one of those Chinese Acrobat shows with 10-15 people riding one one bike? maybe solid tires and heavy tubing but still. Yes, strong wheels and fatter tires. Any good bike should do you, just start with rims that can take from 1" to 1.25" tires and start with the larger tires.
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Old 04-27-07, 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Blue Jays
I've seen narratives written by folks who were 400+ pounds when they began a riding program to increase their fitness levels.
A stationary bike might be a safer place to start when you are unfit and at 400+.
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