|   New bike for 250# Rider - Ideas? | Robert M
Jun 10, 2003 7:53 PM | | I'm about 5'11, 250lbs. I want to get a good mtb, for enjoyment and exercise. I plan to ride trails (not extremely difficult) when out camping, etc. Could you make some recommendations on a good setup? I would like to stay at or around $1,000 for the bike. I've looked at Cannondale (F600), Jamis, Giant, and Gary Fisher (Big Sur). I'm not real sure what I should go for. I want something that is going to be STURDY and not fall apart on me. Are some known for being stronger than the others? Should I look for steel over aluminum? ANY help is appreciated. |
| it depends...... | dirttorpedo
Jun 11, 2003 7:58 AM | | Firstly all of those bike companies make good bikes and should be able to find one that meets your needs. One of the keys to finding a good bike is to look for a bike that "fits" and a reputable bike shop. See coloradocyclist website for information on bike fit.
I used to weigh in around 250 last year when I purchased my new bike so I'll share my experience/opinions. My last bike was and XC hardtail with a cro mo (steel) frame and my current bike is FR Hard Tail with an aluminum frame. I liked the steel bike because it was more compliant (natural shock absorbing capability). Some aluminum frames don't. Another thing to consider is that steel frames generally come with a lifetime warranty and aluminum only come with a 5 year due to differences in how the materials wear over time. I found that my new aluminum bike isn't as harsh as I thought it might be, but that is partly because I run DH tires at low pressure now.
From your description I suspect you would be happy with a good quality XC hardtail. The Giant Rainer is considered to be a good benchmark for value for quality comparison in entry level trail bikes.
What I experienced with my XC bike was that the components weren't able to handle the pounding that a heavy rider, riding rough trails with spirit will dish out. On my last bike I broke the headset, the seat post, the bottom bracket, two rear wheels, one front wheel, and two left side crank arms. So I bought the FR hardtail because it comes with a beefier component/frame build, but there is a penalty. This bike frame is heavier and designed for descending so its a less efficient climber. The wheels and cranks are stronger, but they take more effort to spin, etc., etc.
If you buy a reasonable quality xc bike and ride easy trails and don't pound it the bike should hold up ok, but if you do ride hard you will replace parts. things to consider are upgrades of wheels to sun rhyno light quality rims, splined BB/Crank systems, and beefier headsets, and seat posts.
If you want full suspension consider getting an all mountain bike design like the specialized enduro or the Kona Dawg.
Sorry for blathering on so long. Hope that helps. |
| it depends...... | Robert M
Jun 11, 2003 9:24 AM | | Thanks for the reply. I'm looking for a XC bike. I'm not planning anything nuts - just want something that is capable for harder trail riding - and my weight won't destroy. I imagine I will be hard on a bike @ 250 - but am hoping the bike will help me drop a few lbs.
Are certain manufacturers known for really strong frames? Or, are they all pretty good? Is there a baseline on components I should consider b/c of my weight?
How about front shocks? Am I going to have to upgrade the springs in them? Is there a 'good shock' for heavier riders?
I've heard that steel frames have rust problems - is this true? Keep it painted it'll be fine? I just want strength, I'm so worried about spending $1000+ on a bike and snapping it like a twig! ;-) |
| it depends...... | fattirewilly
Jun 11, 2003 9:42 AM | | Wheels: Don't get a bike with reduced spoke count. Stick w/ 32 or 36 per wheel.
Fork: Avoid light weight race forks like the RockShox SID. You will likely have to get a firmer spring. If its an air fork, make sure it's speced to hold enough air pressure for you. Your shop should do this for you when setting up your bike before you roll out the door. Marzocchi and Fox make good big boy forks.
At your price, you are dealing primarily with aluminum frames, but don't make a big deal out of frame material. Cheap bikes are often made of heavy steel. Light weight, quality steel will cost a little more and likely be speced with light weight race wheels and SID. |
| re: New bike for 250# Rider - Ideas? | bikebrain
Jun 13, 2003 10:14 AM | | I used to weigh 250 as well, but I ride Aggresive XC, and Light DH.
Please answer the follwing questions, and I'll give you some suggestions.
1. Full suspension or Front only, which do you want?
2. What region do you live in.
3. Do you plan to ride in a Flat area or an area with lots of climbs.
4. Is your riding stylse aggressive or mild.
5. How often do you plan to ride per week.
6. Are there any brands that you do not like.
BB |
| re: New bike for 250# Rider - Ideas? | Robert M
Jun 15, 2003 5:57 AM | | 1. Full suspension or Front only, which do you want?
Front only, I don't think I need full susp, nor can I afford it! ;-)
2. What region do you live in.
Colorado... ;-)
3. Do you plan to ride in a Flat area or an area with lots of climbs.
Climbs - I'll be riding in the mountains mostly
4. Is your riding stylse aggressive or mild.
How about moderate? I don't see myself doing crazy stuff - but want a bike that can handle semi wild stuff (probably not wild on your scale?)
5. How often do you plan to ride per week.
5-days a week - on trails around here. Another 2-3 days a month in the mountains.
6. Are there any brands that you do not like.
Not really. I've looked @ Jamis, Giant, Cannondale, and Gary Fisher. I like the F600 from Cannondale and the Big Sur from Fisher. But, I've not heard real great things about the headshock on the cannondale. That's the *only* thing holding me back on that one. I'm going to ride a few today. |
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