First bike.. Heavy rider.

[Billy213]

Okay so not my first bike, but the first one I've had since I was like 12...

Basically, I'm a big bloke, 21 1/2st and 6ft 2". I've been reading things about wheels and tyres being the biggest problem due to the load which is understandable. It'll be for road use.

If anyone has some recommendations to get me on my way I'd appreciate it. Budget of about £500 plus must have accessories etc. I'm not sure if any more information is needed.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Have a look at the Triban 3, I'm pretty sure that we have riders on here of your size on them.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Have a look at the Triban 3, I'm pretty sure that we have riders on here of your size on them.

The wheels on the Triban would not last 2 minutes. For £500 you should be able to find something better. Alternatively, you can buy the cheap Triban (good value for money as people say but awful wheels and get a set of wheel separately. Maybe the best solution all round.) I built a set of 36 spokes Ambrosio Evolution / Shimano 105 hubs for a heavy bloke a few months ago and they are still going without any issues. I think the total cost was under £130.

 

[smokeysmoo]

+1 for 36 spoke wheels. An LBS would probably be charging around the £200 mark for a custom wheelset with Mavic rims and Shimano hubs IMO.

Or, as a 'heavy rider' myself I can fully endorse Halo Aerorage wheels.

OK so they are 'only' 32 spokes on the rear but they are bombproof and strong as houses. I've had a pair on various bikes for a few years now and have never had a problem with them what so ever.

 

[Billy213]

Well the Triban is well within budget so buying a set of wheels would be no problem.. But I really don't understand sizing etc. On Decathlon it says 60/23,62IN which means nothing to me but says for my height. What size wheels would be needed if I'm going to replace them?

 

[Spoked Wheels]

You will need 700c wheels.

 

[Billy213]

Okay so for example.. <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Handbuilt...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item257fe59958">THIS</a> would be the sort of thing I'd need?

I'd rather pay a bit more for something that's going to suit me and last a reasonable length of time, the money aspect of things isn't really an issue and I don't want to be constrained by budgets too much. Obviously I'd rather buy a bike as a complete package but if this is the best route for me then so be it.

Cheers.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Handbuilt...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item257fe59958

 

[vickster]

Why not ask your local bike shop for advice?

 

[Billy213]

That's my plan for tomorrow, I just needed a better idea of what I was looking at. I'd rather not be fobbed off with something completely unsuitable.

 

[mr_hippo]

I am about the same size as the OP and run my road bike on 700x23 inflated to 120 lubs per squinch.
If you are on a tight budget, consider getting the wheels re-spoked with better spokes as an alternative to new wheels. You can upgrade to better wheels later and you will still have a serviceable set of wheels,
Make use of your own suspension system - your knees! On a rough patch of road, use your knees to raise your butt off the saddle and allow your now weightless rear wheel to float over the obstruction..

.

 

[smokeysmoo]

would that be the sort of thing I'd need?

Yup, but as vickster says, your LBS is your best source of advice. Ebay is good for many things, but some things need to be considered, in other words, what happens if the ebay wheels go wrong, you need to consider the aftersales support, (and the hassle of possibly having to return a wheel to the ebay seller).

I know your not necessarily thinking of buying the ebay wheels, but yes that's the sort of thing you want to be asking your LBS to price for you.

FYI, the hierarchy of Shimano components, (in case you don't know), from top to bottom in terms of hubs is,

Dura Ace
Ultegra
105
Tiagra
Sora

There are a couple of real low end ones as well, but IMO I'd stick to Tiagra or higher. The price only really leap when you look at Dura Ace, but for the average rider Tiagra/105 is the perfect middle ground.

 

[Raging Squirrel]

I'm 6'3 and 23st 10lb and I have the triban3 with original wheels in a 62cm frame. No issues with frame, wheels or tyres. I was told most bikes will take 150kg plus luggage

 

[Raging Squirrel]

And ribble cycles are doing Shimano R500's for £67 a set

 

[smokeysmoo]

I'm 6'3 and 23st 10lb and I have the triban3 with original wheels in a 62cm frame. No issues with frame, wheels or tyres. I was told most bikes will take 150kg plus luggage

I believe a lot of T3 wheels are shipped with minimal grease in the hub bearings, and subsequently they fail quite quickly. There have been loads of reported issues but is sounds like you've got a good 'un.

TBH virtually all bikes have low end wheels on them when they are new. They improve as you spend more but they still scrimp on them in relation to the bike cost IME. The standard advice for first upgrade seems to be wheels regardless of bike TBH.

To the OP, you could of course just get the stock T3, (if that floats your boat), and ride the wheels to destruction whilst saving for a new pair.

 

[smokeysmoo]

And ribble cycles are doing Shimano R500's for £67 a set

Jeez that's less than a pair of tyres! Only 24 spokes on the rear though.

The only spoke I've ever snapped was on a DT Swiss R1900 wheel with 24 spokes, but at that price you can just whack a new set of wheels on I suppose.