Help!!! When can I get a road bike??

[Chaddie]

This is probably a strange question but I'm new to the world of cycling and rather big. I have been riding a MTB with road tyres on. I just want to upgrade to something faster. Weight is a big issue for me as I'm probably the wrong side of 20st (to scared to get on scales). I have been riding for a little while now. My first ride was 3 miles and I have progressed up to 45 miles now on Sunday morning rides. I go in shops looking a road bikes and just wonder if they would collapse under my weight? Any advice would be appreciated (other than loss some weight you fat git!!! I am trying) sorry this is a bit long winded

 

[Sittingduck]

Road bikes will be fine. The only issue you may have is pinging spokes on the back wheel. But do weigh yourself and at least take the first step in knowing what you're up against. I would probably avoid particularly exotic or lightweight components or frames and certainly wheels. When you have a few bikes in mind, perhaps post them up here for opinions?

 

[Nigelnaturist]

As sittingduck says avoid wheels with low spoke counts just yet. There are plenty of riders of larger sizes, riding road bikes, and I am sure a few will come along shortly and advise you better.

 

[Andrew_P]

I was quire surprised that Specialized have the disclaimer in all their manuals that all their bikes are tested for a combined all in weight of rider plus cargo plus bike of 100kg!

I have ridden my Carbon Roubaix above that weight!!

 

[Dan B]

Stay out of potholes and don't ride up and down kerbs, you should be fine. Maybe avoid the fancy low-spoke wheels and exotic materials just yet, as previous posters have advised

 

[Dan B]

P.S. 3 miles to 45 miles is pretty good progress, keep it up!

 

[Peteaud]

Any idea of what bike you want?

As others have said,avoid fancy wheels with low spoke count.

45 miles, well done.

 

[HLaB]

When can I get a road bike??

When you can afford it.

 

[tadpole]

I started my journey the wrong side of 24 stone, so weight was a consideration for me, I went for a BSO from ebay, (see my avatar) which did me for over a year, never broke spokes in the 3200 miles I rode it last year. I've lost a lot in the past 31/2 years I've been cycling regularly. It's easier and more fun that any kind of diet/gym.
One thing I'll say, a fast bike will not make you faster, only you can do that. I've gone from 55 minutes to do 8.5 miles to 28 minutes to do 9 miles all on heavy cheap MTBs and even cheaper hybrid. Only the motor, (me) has changed

 

[Chaddie]

Thanks for the advice. I would just like to start on an entry level road bike. Maybe a specialised allez or specteur. I can afford it now, I just didn't want to walk into a bike shop and be laughed at. I'm really enjoying the exercise and feel a lot better for it already.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Thanks for the advice. I would just like to start on an entry level road bike. Maybe a specialised allez or specteur. I can afford it now, I just didn't want to walk into a bike shop and be laughed at. I'm really enjoying the exercise and feel a lot better for it already.

Tbh I'd stop worrying - I can't imagine anyone laughing at you but if they did they would be a sad person indeed.

Both those bikes are nice. To me the Secteur is the better bike - bit more comfy and relaxed.

45 miles is really good going btw. Keep at it!

 

[Kins]

Can't see you having a problem with a 32 or 36 spoked back wheel unless you like to jump off curbs or live in a pothole infested area. Long as the rims will take them you can stick some bigger/wider tyres on for when you start anyway which will help a bit. Don't know how narrow rims and 23c tyres do for larger/heavier peeps?

 

[Peteaud]

Thanks for the advice. I would just like to start on an entry level road bike. Maybe a specialised allez or specteur. I can afford it now, I just didn't want to walk into a bike shop and be laughed at. I'm really enjoying the exercise and feel a lot better for it already.

If you walk into a bike shop and they laugh, just tell them they have just lost the sale and go elsewhere.

Both nice bikes as well.

Are you any where near a Spesh concept store?

 

[MaxInc]

or specteur. .

I just got inspired The Secteur Sport Disc Compact looks amazing ...

 

[Chaddie]

I hadn't heard of the concept store before but I think I might go there and have a look. I also think the secteur has 32 spoke rims, I'm not sure about the allez.