Big bloke needs a big bike!!!

coina1971

Hi all......new to the forum.

I'm a bloke of 37 6'8" and 21 stone been back int he saddle now for 2 years on a specialized crossroad comp, mainly for commuting and dogwalking.

I really fancy a hardtail and haven't a clue which one would suit my "frame and forks" even though i've read every magazine for the last 6 months or so trying to decide.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and my budget's between £600 andd £1000

Cheers Coina

Anonymous

There are some bikes made for larger riders, generally referred to humorously as "Clydesdale" bikes.
They are generally specced with stronger components, and heavier-built frames to handle the additional forces of carrying around a larger rider.

The only one I can think of off the top of my head is the Kona Hoss, which is a great bike - but I'm sure others will chime in with alternatives to look at as well.

The main thing to look out for would be stronger wheels and cranks, as these would take a much greater battering than most other components.
Most forks can be specced with stronger springs to suit your weight, so they shouldn;t be an issue, although, obviously, you'd be best to avoid the super-lightweight offers!

Splasher

Is the hardtail still for commuting and dogwalking or do you want to hit the trails a bit more?

coina1971

HI....thanx for the advice.

It's goona be for a bit of lightweight trail riding and the commute.

Cheers Coina

Splasher

Hi Coina,

yeehaamcgee is right about the Kona Hoss being designed for the bigger ridier, but I think you can get a much better bike for your budget if you spec one yourself. Here's another option.

First you need a bombproof frame - short travel for lightweight trails and commuting but mudguard eyes and the likes would be useful for winter commuting.

On-One Inbred £125 http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/O ... ut_31.html

Next a 100mm heavy duty fork - Rockshox Argyle 318 £270 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13129

XT Groupset (6 bolt brakes) from Merlin for the transmission £347
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=83

Hope ProII 20mm/ACI BD/EN321 front wheel £77 http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=97

XT six bolt/ACI DB/EN321 rear wheel £63 http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=97

Holzfeller Bar and Stem £30 http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=74

Evolve 06 seatpost £18 http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=55

SDG Cro Mo saddle £18 http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=41

Odi lock-on grips £15 anywhere

Total £963. For that price, you won't get a bike more tailored to a 20 stone commuter and trail rider.

Anonymous

that's a pretty sweet setup, splasher.

I just realised I might need a clydesdale bike myself - even though I'm obviously leaner than I was three months ago, I've gone from just under 14 stone to over 15 and a half :shock:

coina1971

Some great advice there guys.

Really like the look of the rocky ridge after reading the reviews.

There's also a chance my budget could almost double after finding out work has just started the cycle to work scheme.

BlackSpur

You will get a VERY nice Hardtail for 2K! You would also get a great full susser though. Is your heart set on a hardtail or are you open to FS suggestions?

coina1971

I'd sort of fhought a hardtail would suit my frame a lot better.

I'm open to suggestions though.

Just remember i'm getting on for 22 stone.

Cheers coina

Cunobelin

There is a company called Thorn who make bikes of steel for expeditions which are bombproof and they have some large sizes.

http://www.thorncycles.co.uk