£500 bike for Heavy Rider

davethedoo

Hi

My mate is going to purchase a hardtail through his bike to work scheme which is run by Halfords. The monetary limit is £500.

The main issue is that he is 19 stone so will need to get a bike that will take his weight. He will mainly be riding trail centres and blue/red graded xc trails.

He likes the 2011 Hardrock Disc but the most important issue is the weight.

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

jimexbox

The main issue will be forks, most will have springs that are rated for the average rider. Medium springs last time I looked at some Rockshox I had were rated 140 - 160 lbs. Your mate is around 266. Its no big deal getting a stiffer spring, just factor that into any budget, as I doubt you will get air forks at that budget.

davethedoo

Thanks for the reply

I think the majority of the forks that come on the budget are Suntour. Can they be easily altered for a stiffer spring

Dave

jimexbox

I would speak to Halfords first and explain what is required, or ring TF Tuned and see if they can source the springs before they buy. I've rang them before and they are very helpful. Don't get stuck with a bike with forks which are totally unsuitable for the rider, where the only option is to buy some new ones.

davethedoo

Just a thought but what about a 29er with rigid forks

Long_Time_Lurker

Rigid forks would be painful on rougher terrain.
I would rather put up with poorer suspension forks. My friend is around 18.5 stone and has Suntour XCRs - they don't bottom out on our regular runs.