Best bikes for (very) big blokes

shinobishoryuken

Hi all, it's come to that time where I am looking for a new / second road bike but I am unsure of the market as I am 6'5" and weigh 130kg (20.4 stone) with intention on losing 20kg through more cycling.

I currently have a Giant TCR2 which has held up well.
I'd like a better bike rather than upgrade parts ideally as it makes more sense cost-wise.

Would spending more (e.g. £1500+) be wise considering the price goes up for lighter parts- and will this mean 'weaker parts'?
Am I destined to rely on cheaper heavier entry level bikes due to my current weight?
I've looked at related threads but doesn't seem to be too many people my size or weight.

I do quite like my TCR so could stick with a Giant, maybe a new Defy, although I am keen to check out Planet X or Ribble for their value.

I've also thought about a specific TT bike as I'd like to get into that and then I would obviously tart up the current TCR. any suggestions on very strong TT bikes would also be greatly appreciated.

If it helps I currently ride 2-3 times a week varying from 20-55 miles. Road riding for 2 yrs

ugo.santalucia

You are set on a road bike and I would go for a cross bike instead... something like the Planet X kaffenback... solid frame, disc brakes, well engineered components and robust wheels...
If you go for a road bike instead, check out the weight limits, as they can use it against you for a warranty claim (that not to mention the danger of going over it, of course)

bmxboy10

Agree with Ugo on the cross bike idea. I would also look at other frames that are ti or steel. Some of the Genesis bikes are worth looking at but IMO at the £1500ish price point this is a good bet.

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/570046/produc ... descAnchor

Fat birds will allow you to trade up on the group set if you don't like SRAM and will allow you to trade up on wheels to or you could sell the wheels that come on the bike and get someone to build you some Mavic Open Pros on Ultegra Hubs. This will be a good upgrade to your current bike. I have had a Mistral in the past and know you could get 28mm tyres on that so assume you can do this on the Ventus too. This will make the bike much more comfortable and complaint for your size.

springtide9

I have a very tall friend and it's the size that determines what bike he ends up buying.

This could be an option if you believe a 59cm would be large enough (I believe the frame is more like a 58cm in size)

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBP ... cross_bike

Frame options seems to be more limited if you require over a 58cm / XL Frame.

Its my understanding (from asking the question on here), that a number of the "Cross Frames" are designed as "commuters" or "fun cross bikes", hence have 'slack angles' making the bikes ride more upright, so that they are more comfortable and less scary offroad.

This obviously may or may not be what you are looking for. If you don't want a "slack" then look for the more race orientated cross frames (search for the "Slack Angle" thread where I asked this question). By their nature (as need to be ridden offroad), I would expect that a "race orientated cross frame" would be similar to a sportive type frame in terms of "uprightness".
I believe the XLS is more designed as a Cross Race bike, so will ride closer to a normal road bike.

loismustdie

BMC do a 61cm frame - I'm 6'3" and only needed the 58cm. Maybe check out their CX bike, the Gran Fondo:

http://www.bmc-racing.com/us-en/bikes/road/endurance/granfondo/gf02_disc/105.html

Not sure about weight limits though.