New road bike for a big guy

[deptfordmarmoset]

Side issue maybe but it might be worth bearing in mind that you can lessen the strain on the frame and wheels by ''riding light.'' If you see a pothole in front of you and you can't go round it, it will help if you lift the weight off the front wheel and get your arse weight off the saddle so that your legs absorb the jolt. (Clipped in I can lift the rear wheel into the air - some of those trial bike riders don't even seem to need to be clipped on to get the back of the bike in the air.) Don't think of your weight as a deadweight.

 

[ThinAir]

I want to get more onto road use, but I have a big issue at 23 plus stone I'm being put of big time from Evans , every time I talk to them it's said in not to many words, your to big sir don't bother, I understand with my weight I'm going to put more pressure on the components but what's your thoughts, I want to get more into it, but it seems I'm being out off!!! What would you guys do??

Hi @Hunterforce . Hope you're having some better luck with finding a ride. I know how it can be when you're a big guy; however, I'm currently tipping the scales at a cool 21st (133.155 KG for those who are into new fan dangled weights).

I have two bikes... A specialized Allez comp 2013 roadie and a Felt nine70 MTB.

I've had zero issues with my weight and the specialized, and im slowly getting back into the saddle and building up the miles. I've been heavier than this and have still been riding the same bike. My weight fluctuates a lot, but after a recent visit to the docs and being told that my bad knee is a result of my weight, I've really started to ride a lot more again.

Hope this helps/encourages/whatever a bit, good luck and keep us posted

 

[User6179]

Imo a touring bike would suit the OP better as it will already come with appropriate wheels for his weight , cant see any of the stock wheels on racers lasting to long for 20st plus riders, even the CX bikes seem to have cheap wheels made of cheese.

 

[Jjbenton]

Hi there. I signed up to cyclechat specifically to respond to the opening post.
I was in very much the same boat as you, heavy (22 stone) and worried that I'd spend loads of money on a bike just to break it...

I bit the bullet and went for my first bike, the 2012 specialized allez compact which was £500 at the time.
The first time I rode this bike, it was the most uncomfortable, unforgiving 2 hours of my life.
A couple of days and adjustments later, I couldn't get off the thing.
I've used it regularly for the last 2 years and absolutely love it. Done a couple of 100+ mile rides on it.
Weight has not been an issue and have not needed to upgrade/replace wheels.
The only upgrade I did was to replace the stock tyres with continental 2000's as I kept getting punctures. Not had a puncture since.
My recommendation, if you've not bought a bike already, would be to get the Allez for £500-£600, get a joe blow pump for £30, pedals and shoes £80 and some padded shorts. You'll still have money left over for any other extras/essentials you require.

 

[Hunterforce]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-disc-5-105-2014-road-bike-ec054416#features

OR
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/secteur-sport-disc-c2-2014-road-bike-ec053050

 

[vickster]

Which one felt best when you rode them?

For me, the Cannondale (with a respray ), much better spec, 2 rungs up the Shimano groupset ladder for £99, no brainer (buy through quidco for 4% cashback)

 

[Hunterforce]

Not tried them yet, but im going on spec really
is 105 that much better, would i notice the differance??

 

[vickster]

I've not ridden Sora, but 105 is certainly an improvement on Tiagra from my experience of both, so yes, I'd say for sure as Tiagra is better than Sora

(oh and I don't like Specialized bikes myself, overpriced even if they claim the frame is better which I doubt versus Cannondale who make excellent alu frames )

Both companies have lifetime frame warranties for the original owner which is an argument often given for Specialized

 

[Hunterforce]

you think the frame and the wheels is ok for the heavier rider?

 

[vickster]

I couldn't say, how many spokes? What do the C'Dale and Specialized sites say about rider weights (this may/may not affect any warranty claim I guess, so check)...being American brands, I'd expect a decent level of sturdiness

 

[Hunterforce]

28 cannondale/ 32 specialized

 

[vickster]

Rider weights?

 

[Hunterforce]

im about 23st

 

[vickster]

No, what is the max rider weight for the bikes according to the manufacturers?

 

[Hunterforce]

Been and done it now!!!!