Heavy bloke needs Help

Patslimboyfat

Hi there,

I been searching the forums for an answer and I dont think I found one.

I am 20st (280lbs) and in dire need to lose some weight. Now the wife has pinched my old Gary Fisher to go to the gym on (frame to small for me now) My trouble years ago was I was going through rear rims like no tomorrow till I bought an anti buckle one. Or so the guy said. Until this day the bike still has it and not failed me.

Anyway, I would love to go out with the wife for a ride. I have a limit of about £300-400

Please tell me what are my chances of getting a heavy duty bike that I aint going to break in 10 mins. I dont want the embarrasment of blowing tyres due to my weight. To embarrased to ask instore for a fat bar steward bike so thought I would ask on here.

Links and models and what I should be looking for would be much appreciated. Not going to be going up and down mountains mostly roads and promenades.

Thank you all for looking and hopefully HELP ME!

Cheers Pat

supersonic

As with any bike, care and maintenance is essential, so if you keep on top of that and check regular you shouldn't have too many problems.

I'd try Halfords and the Carrera Kraken. Do discuss with the staff, as you many need harder suspension spring and always make sure they tension the wheels.

But is a good, tough bike for the money, as is the GT Avalanche and Aggressor series.

ShadowK

I'm in the same position mate and can tell you, atleast in my case, Halfords were pretty useless.

I'm in a bit tougher of a situation as I'm 26 stone and about 6'2. I called up halfords and they told me about how I need more spokes, strong frame and no suspension (only for riding to work so not bothered about that) but could not give me any ideas of 'where' to go.

I'd be interested if anyone on here can point us both in a direction. I'm looking to spend around £300 but think I may be sore out of luck at that range.

I even tried googling 'bikes for fat people' and found loads of info but no where that will actually 'sell' them.

supersonic

Halfords were generally correct in what they say - but generally tougher components do cost more.

It sounds like a MTB would be sturdier for you - the Saracen Mantra is a tough bike. You can always swap the fork out for a rigid one.

freeride-mike

ShadowK wrote:

I called up halfords and they told me about how I need more spokes, strong frame and no suspension

typical halfords answer!! :roll:

admittidley stronger wheels may be a good idea if u intend on goin off road or doin some DH but most mtb wheels on £300 - £400 mtb's are of reasonable quality and strength the same go's for the frame. i would think having suspension will lesson the stress on the frame and wheels (thats partly what its for) im 21 stone and ride a hardtail with 100mm forks and the only issue i have ever had is pinch flats but thicker inner tubes and wider tyres solved that.

had GT's in the past and loved there robustness so i'd check out the aggressor models


mike

Patslimboyfat

You say stronger wheels?

I dont know what im looking for tho im a complete noob when it comes to it. Is there a specific company website I can look at?

All this new terminology has baffled me, give me a week of looking and im sure I will be ok.

I just didnt want to blow tyres or buckle wheels because of my weight thats all. Something strong enough to help me lose weight is all im looking for.

But thanks for the answers so far it means I can start doing the best bit, looking at them!

Any more responses welcomed!

And PS I also googled fat people on bikes!

supersonic

You won't blow the tyres if inflated correctly.

Standard wheels are often machine built and don't last long - ask the mechanic to stress relieve and tension them. This will make them far more durable.

ShadowK

Cool; it's nice to actually get some models chucked at me that I can look at.

Have looked at the Saracen and GTs and found that some are within my budget of around £300 but I'm just wondering if there are any particular models you can recommend? i.e. there seems to be different GTs and Saracens. A link to somewhere it can be ordered would also be deeply appreciated

Like I said, I'm just likely to use it for riding to work, maybe the occasional bike ride in the countryside (but nothing too stressful).

Thanks to all for the info so far. Patslimboyfat; sorry if I've stole your thread! Figure the info is likely to be the same in either case so decided not to duplicate it with my own. Hope you don't mind.

Patslimboyfat

Not at all mate not at all! We are both after the same thing!

CraigXXL

Have a look on Pauls Cycles for some of last years models at reduced prices. I have the GT Avalanche and I can't praise it enough, any of the versions 1,2 or 3 will do you nicely.

supersonic

Here is the Kraken

And one of the older, better saracens:

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2008

I'd also ask about seatposts - above 20 stone and you can risk bending standard ones.

Tyneamite

18 stone guy here, I have peddled my GT Outpost 09 for miles and miles, with panieer on too and have never had a problem, I can honestly reccommend the GT's I think it has Xlex rims or such.....never had any probs what soever, still looking as good and sturdy as day 1 of purchase

freeride-mike

supersonic wrote:

I'd also ask about seatposts - above 20 stone and you can risk bending standard ones.

:? never seen this happen but i supose it depends on the amount of post out the frame, a slightly bigger frame = lower seatpost mite work??

Patslimboyfat

Well im all excited now that this may actually work!!

Cheers guys will look into all you have said.

Is it easier to buy off the peg or could I build one with better components for the same price.

I build computers you see and the theory is if you build yourself you get a better end product than mass produced.

freeride-mike

building your own WILL cost more so as your 1st bike i would advise against it and buy "off the peg" that way u can upgrade as/when u want too

ShadowK

So you reckon something like this would do?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?show=2234&z=2592

Without the need for me to add different wheels, front fork, etc.

Also; is having front suspension ok with my weight? Have heard some people say I should avoid it but others say it's better to have as it decreases the stress on the bike.

supersonic

The problem is it will be too softly sprung for your weight - you may need a harder spring.

The Avalanche 2.0 is a decent machine, but widely stocked - see if you can find one locally to try out and discuss with the shop.

CraigXXL

It will be ideal for you but try one for fit if you can first. You can adjust the forks for lockout or partial lockout, they aren't the best forks on the market but they'll do what you want.

Patslimboyfat

should I be looking at for upgrading the rims for stronger ones? Can you point me in the right direction?

saracen fan

I too am a fat bars*ard.......I went with a saracen trace 1
Its very well built and has taken a hard ridden 300 miles in 5 months with out any problems apart from punchtures (thorns) and a crank arm wearing out (square taper, pretty common fault)
I upgrade things as they wear out, seems most cost effective if your on a budget.
I understand your worry of buckled wheels and punchtures cos of your weight but like SS said, if your tyres are inflated properly (mine are 55psi) you will be fine.
also wheels buckle over time anway....just get them true'd up and your laughing.

supersonic

Patslimboyfat wrote:

should I be looking at for upgrading the rims for stronger ones? Can you point me in the right direction?

Maybe in the future - but if the mechanic sorts them as I mentioned earlier they should last well.

Don't get me wrong, these bikes aren't foolproof and you may wear parts out quicker - but you are getting a lot for your money!

Ryan Jones

having ridden the gt, carrera and saracen, the mantra is definitely a more sturdyframe than the others mentioned, fitted out with bmx type rims too. Interestingly i'd have a look at the land rover series of bikes owned one before and that was a solid piece of kit for what is supposedly a cross country hardtail, though i dunno what the latest ones are like but the 07's were tough as nails

ShadowK

I'll drop them an email and see what they can suggest. How easy is it lockout the suspension or replace the spring? I'm not much of a 'hands on' person unless it comes to circuitry and computers in which case I'm pretty good

Patslimboyfat

saracen fan wrote:

I too am a fat bars*ard.......I went with a saracen trace 1
Its very well built and has taken a hard ridden 300 miles in 5 months with out any problems apart from punchtures (thorns) and a crank arm wearing out (square taper, pretty common fault)
I upgrade things as they wear out, seems most cost effective if your on a budget.
I understand your worry of buckled wheels and punchtures cos of your weight but like SS said, if your tyres are inflated properly (mine are 55psi) you will be fine.
also wheels buckle over time anway....just get them true'd up and your laughing.

Thanks fella!

CraigXXL

ShadowK wrote:

I'll drop them an email and see what they can suggest. How easy is it lockout the suspension or replace the spring? I'm not much of a 'hands on' person unless it comes to circuitry and computers in which case I'm pretty good

Use them till they're knackered then replace with some air suspended forks which will be more suitable but don't come as standard on mid range bikes.

Patslimboyfat

Look I know your going to hate me for this but I love making spreadsheets and researching stuff, im so materialistic its untrue, but can you tell me what I need to build a bike from scratch so I can price one up for a laugh

saracen fan

supersonic is the man for bike builds.....he has done loads on here.
if i were a betting man id say £500 for what you need minimum

cavegiant

The racing catagory for a heavy rider is a Clydesdale or Clyde for short.

That advice you will need is very specialised, most bikers will unintentionally missadvise.

Search online for a forum, I don't think I am allowed to link.

but it is a site that does MounTain Bike Reviews and has a.com

I used to literally break on average 1 component a ride until I got their advice.

Now I barely break anything (looks forlornly at plaster cast on right wrist, sigh).

nickrh

Patslimboyfat wrote:

Look I know your going to hate me for this but I love making spreadsheets and researching stuff, im so materialistic its untrue, but can you tell me what I need to build a bike from scratch so I can price one up for a laugh

I just finished a bike build using a donor bike and a new frame from Merlin. Cost me about £400 all in. You'll find a decent 2 or 3 year old bike donor much better value than buying the parts separately. (Is it just me or are there never any deals on eBay any more?).

If you're not on a budget then go for it! Get a spec list from an existing bike that you like and spreadsheet away!

freeride-mike

Patslimboyfat wrote:

but can you tell me what I need to build a bike from scratch so I can price one up for a laugh

I built my giant from 50% new + 50% used parts and im upto £350ish and i dont even run disc's!!! much MUCH more for your money in off the shelf bikes


frame
headset
stem
handlebars
grips
gear shifters
brake levers
cables
forks
wheels
tyres
inner tubes
cranks
pedals
front/rear derailleurs
chain
brakes/discs
cassette
seatpost/clamp
saddle
bottom bracket
and a few other small bits n bobs

hope that helps a bit....

Patslimboyfat

freeride-mike wrote:

Patslimboyfat wrote:

but can you tell me what I need to build a bike from scratch so I can price one up for a laugh

I built my giant from 50% new + 50% used parts and im upto £350ish and i dont even run disc's!!! much MUCH more for your money in off the shelf bikes


frame
headset
stem
handlebars
grips
gear shifters
brake levers
cables
forks
wheels
tyres
inner tubes
cranks
pedals
front/rear derailleurs
chain
brakes/discs
cassette
seatpost/clamp
saddle
bottom bracket
and a few other small bits n bobs

hope that helps a bit....

Perfect Now to scour the net! They should do like a screwfix catologue for this type of thing!