Carbon Frame Question

Blacktemplar

Hoping someone can offer some advice.....I have a couple of noob questions....

My brother-in-law is a serial tyre-kicker, but has convinced himself he "needs" a shiny new carbon-framed bike to replace his ageing Dawes Galaxy. So far so good.

Trouble is, he's 6'5" and over 20 stone :oops: , and I think he's chancing it weight-wise. The guy at Evans also suggested as much even though B-in-L took about 2 stone off his real weight when asked.

I know carbon frames are pretty strong, but at that weight is there any risk, particularly to a carbon seatpost? I don't want him forking out loadsamoney on a new toy only to find he breaks it. I thought he might be better with a top end Alu frame like my CAAD9 or even a Ti model. I think his budget is anywhere up to £1800.

The other thing I wondered about was longevity. Somewhere else in here someone said "carbon frames will last for years in a mild dry climate" Which Scotland clearly is not. Not even in summer.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

Oh, and before anyone smirks, this is not me asking - I am a lurvely svelte 12-stoner - the B-in-L is a pig-headed ass, and won't listen to advice unless force fed it!! :twisted:

Veronica Bottoms

I'm not sure precisely what the weight limits are but there are definitely recommended weights which may differ between manufacturers.

When I bought my bike it did say there was a certain maximum weight in the manual. Just ask the lbs.

It must be humiliating to be turned away from a bike shop for being too big though and I don't blame him for taking 2 stone off his weight. At least he can leave the shop with some dignity

Weejie54

Take him to see George McGregor at West End Cycles. George has been riding carbon frames for years and he doesn't beat about the bush. If your brother-in-law is too heavy, George will tell him so.

Veronica Bottoms

Weejie54 wrote:

Take him to see George McGregor at West End Cycles. George has been riding carbon frames for years and he doesn't beat about the bush. If your brother-in-law is too heavy, George will tell him so.

Is that a bike guy who speciliases for the bigger "boned" like you get those clothes shops that cater for 40" waists and over?

Weejie54

Is that a bike guy who speciliases for the bigger "boned" like you get those clothes shops that cater for 40" waists and over?

Nope. Just an honest type - with a few years of experience in the bike business!

Blacktemplar

Weejie54 wrote:

Take him to see George McGregor at West End Cycles. George has been riding carbon frames for years and he doesn't beat about the bush. If your brother-in-law is too heavy, George will tell him so.

Thanks Weejie, might just "happen" to drift by West End Cycles at some point - BinL can never resist the opportunity to kick more tyres - one day he may even buy something :shock:

As for "big boned" seeing him on a bike (albeit a 61cm monster) reminds me of the description of Lawrence Dallaglio when he did his Cycle Slam - "he looked like a circus bear on a bike"

cougie

I wouldnt worry so much about the frame - its the wheels that would take most of the impact. And seatposts do break. I've bust 2 alloy ones and I weighed 12st at the time, and a mate snapped a cheap carbon post - but I think hed overtightened it and then raised it.

Make sure the saddle isnt set too far back on the post - less forces applied to the post that way I reckon.

Monty Dog

I agree - durability of wheels is probably more important - not insurmountable, just don't go for a pair of lightweight 24-spokers. Something from a reputable builder using something like a DT1850 rim. Likewise, go for a frame with horizontal toptube to minimise seatpost 'exposure' and avoid the temptation to go for an 'undersize' frame.

Nerrep

Even wheels might not be as fragile as you think. The 18/22 paired spoke wheels on my Trek are still true 500 miles later despite me being a 95kg fatty.