29er hardtail for the larger chap

Pugwash4x4

Hi All

First post so please be nice

Looking to start biking again after a couple of years off- previous bike was a Marin muirwoods which I loved riding.

Have tried a couple of 29ers and really like their larger size.

BUT

Frankly I need a strong strong frame as I'm 6ft2 and a rather lady 150kg (I do run a couple if times per week, but cycling would give me a better choice in terms of low impact!).

have up to 800 quid and it will be used on a lot of rough and muddy tracks- but mostly fast stuff.

Weight of frame doesn't worry me, nor does name.

Strength of frame, reliability, value for money and excellent brakes are what I really want.

Currently leaning towards a specialized carve expert which I enjoyed the ride but not sure on the strength or bivalve fr money thing.....

Thoughts?

mattv

Spesh rockhopper comp? Really good frame.

supersonic

6ft 2 is barely above average. 150kg is a little more - I wouldn't rule out 26ers, as you'll get stiffer wheels and forks and generally a better spec.

For £500 this is a very good buy:

http://www.biker-boarder.de/shopware/GT ... ntain-Bike


Some stout components but still decent weight.

mcnultycop

I got back into mountain biking when I was more than 150kg and nothing broke on my Trek 4500. I think being heavier a 26" bike may flex less in the wheels and fork, but I nothing should break.

rockmonkeysc

I'm 16 stone (100kg ish I think).
Most important thing I have found is that I can't use QR front wheels, the flex is terrible. Even a 15mm axle really stiffens things up. If you want full suspension you will need to find a design which has a lower linkage rate so that you can get enough air in the shock. I had my Giant Trance X rear shock at near max pressure when I was 17 stone so avoid full sus Giants.
Good wheels are worth having but they will only cost an extra £200

Levi_501

As above, the good side of 6 foot does not mean 29" wheels only.

I ride 26" wheeled MTBs and I am 6'4".

I would recommend a frame with a long TT though, and some decent rims. I like Mavic EX721, but would like to give the 823 a shot, according to the Mavic website this is the storingest rim.

Decent brakes are also a must; good performers but with good hear dissipation. Hope V2s work well for me.

From talking to bigger ridders over the years, I have found chains and cassetts are the first thing to go; worth considering!!!

lostboysaint

I'm 6'4" and 98kg. When I started riding again I was 115kg. I ride 26ers (as Levi suggests, mine are built carefully) but I can also tell you that the Inbred 29er XL is a good size for the taller/larger chap as I've pedalled a mates around quite a bit. Worth speaking to On One about how they'd spec it but the basic one is £800.

Not ridden Spec hardtails but rode the Camber 26 full sus when replacing my Yeti ASR and it was somewhat less than stiff so worth having a test ride I suspect!

rockmonkeysc

I would recommend a frame with a long TT though, and some decent rims. I like Mavic EX721, but would like to give the 823 a shot, according to the Mavic website this is the storingest rim.

A well built EX721 should be more than strong enough. Even with 16 stone on board my EX721's are fine for downhill racing. I have even used my XM719's for downhill. I think the EX823 is just the tubeless equivilent to the EX721.
It's more about the build than the rim for strength.

poppit

Pugwash4x4 wrote:

Hi All

First post so please be nice

Looking to start biking again after a couple of years off- previous bike was a Marin muirwoods which I loved riding.

Have tried a couple of 29ers and really like their larger size.

BUT

Frankly I need a strong strong frame as I'm 6ft2 and a rather lady 150kg (I do run a couple if times per week, but cycling would give me a better choice in terms of low impact!).

have up to 800 quid and it will be used on a lot of rough and muddy tracks- but mostly fast stuff.

Weight of frame doesn't worry me, nor does name.

Strength of frame, reliability, value for money and excellent brakes are what I really want.

Currently leaning towards a specialized carve expert which I enjoyed the ride but not sure on the strength or bivalve fr money thing.....

Thoughts?

You're pretty brave to do a couple of runs a week at 23 stone, not the best thing though for the joints especially the knees, I know how mine feel at 16 stone!

Pugwash4x4

poppit wrote:

Pugwash4x4 wrote:

Hi All

First post so please be nice

Looking to start biking again after a couple of years off- previous bike was a Marin muirwoods which I loved riding.

Have tried a couple of 29ers and really like their larger size.

BUT

Frankly I need a strong strong frame as I'm 6ft2 and a rather lady 150kg (I do run a couple if times per week, but cycling would give me a better choice in terms of low impact!).

have up to 800 quid and it will be used on a lot of rough and muddy tracks- but mostly fast stuff.

Weight of frame doesn't worry me, nor does name.

Strength of frame, reliability, value for money and excellent brakes are what I really want.

Currently leaning towards a specialized carve expert which I enjoyed the ride but not sure on the strength or bivalve fr money thing.....

Thoughts?

You're pretty brave to do a couple of runs a week at 23 stone, not the best thing though for the joints especially the knees, I know how mine feel at 16 stone!

Hence the return to cycling- used to be 4 or stone lighter and trained 4-5 times per week- now at 32 I don't have any joint problems but do need to start taking care.

Don't fancy buying a snazzy bike and breaking it 6 months later.

Thanks for all the advice guys, have got some excellent leads.

Bishbosh10

There can only be one Pugwash 4x4 who is "a bit lady"..... can't there....?

Pugwash4x4

Charles i have no idea who you are talking about (hope you're well- been ages since w last saw each other )

As you say- 4x4 all well and good, but it doesn't help with the fitness

Bishbosh10

Good to hear you are alive and well Jim. Bring your new steed down west and we'll go for a wheeze around the block together!