Very Big Guy needs an MTB
Hi All,
I'm new here and hope you can help me. As stated, I am a very big guy (6'2" and 350 lbs) and I am looking for an MTB. I live in the San Bernardino Mountains and camp a lot with my family. I was riding my daughter’s bike on our last trip and just enjoyed the feeling again of being on a bike (it's been years since I've been riding). I used to ride my bike to work every day in the USMC.Anyway - I was amazed at all the different manufacturers and styles now available. My daughter’s bike is a 26" and I felt like my knees were in my chest. It was too small for my size so I probably need a 28". I probably need some oversized tires too to handle my weight. So, that's my story - Any help, direction and positive info you can provide would be great. Thanks
Posted by Dkling1263  a 41 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Looking to Buy from Crestline on 05/13/05
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- Re: Very Big Guy needs an MTB
No bike will stand much abuse from someone 350lbs. Check out the Kona Stinky, it's as solid as they come.
Posted by ZG a 35 year old from Studio City on 05/13/05
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- Re: Very Big Guy needs an MTB
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Well, don't get caught up in the whole 24", 26" etc. sizing that you find with department store bikes. You don't size a bike by the wheel size unless you're buying a POS WalMart bike. Mountain bikes use a standard 26" wheel, except for the few models out there with a 29", but that's not a bike size issue...the frames on those bikes fit the same size riders as the 26" ones. Your daughter's bike frame is too small for you. Here's what you'll need to handle your size: A sturdy bike frame in large to XL (around 21" FRAME size, it'll still be a 26" wheeled bike)
A very sturdy wheelset
Heavy duty components
A suspension (whether front only or front and rear) that has been setup for your weight
Basically,WalMart, Target, and other $150-250 bikes aren't going to cut it. Even just riding along smooth dirt paths, the cheapo bikes are going to break. I've seen the cheap wheelsets fold under someone less than half your weight from just rolling off a curb. You don't have to spend thousands on the bike, but take the time to find a sturdy ride for yourself. I'd suggest a dirt jump style bike like the Specialized "P" series. The frames and wheels are burly, and the price point is very reasonable.
Good luck.
Posted by El Jefe a 35 year old riding a V10, Blur Roadster and a CR125 from Trabuco Canyon on 05/16/05
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- Re: Very Big Guy needs an MTB
"Basically,WalMart, Target, and other $150-250 bikes aren't going to cut it."
Elitist snob!
Posted by GhostRider a 31 year old Downhiller on 05/16/05
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- Re: Very Big Guy needs an MTB
Well, yes I am, but my answer was not indicative of that. Those bikes aren't made to be ridden off road by even a 175lbs person, let alone a 350lbs person. In fact I think on some of the bikes they post a weight limit and "not for off-road use" on the sticker.
Posted by El Jefe a 35 year old riding a V10, Blur Roadster and a CR125 from Trabuco Canyon on 05/16/05
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- Re: Very Big Guy needs an MTB
You're right about the dept store bikes. I sat on one of those Costco "Full Suspension" bikes yesterday , just sitting on the bike bottoms out the rear shock. Not even worth the $230.00 sticker.
Posted by JasonLee a 28 year old Weekend Warrior from Chatsworth on 05/17/05
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- Re: Very Big Guy needs an MTB
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350 lbs? what the hell? u gotta lose some weight. meanwhile here's a good bike for someone who's only 300 lbs
or KONA STINKY or SPECIALIZED BIG HIT
Posted by Diamondback a Cross-Country Rider riding a Intense Spider from LaCanada on 05/25/05
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