recommendation for heavy cyclist

[ben rabin]

I've ordered custom wheelset to accomodate 350+ lb. friend who is getting back into cycling after many years. Because the wheelset is being built on Phil Wood hubs, the rear spacing must be 135. He is looking for a road bike configuration, something short of custom at this point in time. Any recommendations? He heard that the cyclocross frames are supposed to be heartier in construction. I said go with lugged steel (I'm sure we could find a used CSI or even a Rivendell Atlantis or similar model) but he is strong on the new Cannondale and Specialized cyclocross bikes. He's probably a 52cm frame and the wheelset is being built on 700c rims as the smaller wheelsets are of no interest to him. How important is a beefy fork? I've got a beefy wound-up carbon fork on our tandem. Should I be looking at a beefier fork for him as well?

Any meaningful input on this would be helpful. He is a good friend and I'd like him to fit comfortably and safely on the bike, so he can get back into it.

Thanks for any input.

[Smiley]

Go and use a Surly Cross Check , the drop outs are 132.5 and will take either MTB or road hubs, No worries about the fork either its steel. This is a Touring / cross frame and a size 50 with a 52.5 TT length will do as it has a sloping TT . Go to www.surlybikes.com and check out the geo's , my wife commutes to work on one and we use Speed City wheels from Mavic, Bullet Proof . No need to build up custom wheels.

[Peter P.]

Someone that heavy is not going to be comfortable on a road bike, and they will destroy wheels. Nix the idea.

This in not meant to be derisive of your friend's size.

They should start with a bicycle that can get them out doing general exercise, then when they reach a point where riding a road bike might more be in line with their physique, go for it.

Co-motion has designed a bicycle specifically for larger riders after the genesis of the idea came from Grant Petersen of Rivendell Bicycle Works.

If you think outside the box, you could equip the Mazama with a lower handlebar position and barends and slightly narrower tires for a bike that would be faster and give your friend the "feel" of a road bike while providing the strength and features a larger rider requires.

http://www.co-motion.com/mazama.html

[ben rabin]

thank you for the input

[Bradford]

Co-motion has designed a bicycle specifically for larger riders after the genesis of the idea came from Grant Petersen of Rivendell Bicycle Works.
http://www.co-motion.com/mazama.html

That is exactly what I would have recommended. Co-Motion can use tandem parts, so weight won't be an issue.

Phil hubs are the right choice for a big dude. They are the best hubs on the planet if weight and price are not a concern. I think that 135 spacing also makes sense for that much weight. I have it on my touring bike for the same reason.

[vaxn8r]

Someone that heavy is not going to be comfortable on a road bike, and they will destroy wheels. Nix the idea.

This in not meant to be derisive of your friend's size.

They should start with a bicycle that can get them out doing general exercise, then when they reach a point where riding a road bike might more be in line with their physique, go for it.

Co-motion has designed a bicycle specifically for larger riders after the genesis of the idea came from Grant Petersen of Rivendell Bicycle Works.

If you think outside the box, you could equip the Mazama with a lower handlebar position and barends and slightly narrower tires for a bike that would be faster and give your friend the "feel" of a road bike while providing the strength and features a larger rider requires.

http://www.co-motion.com/mazama.html
Second on Co-Motion. It'll easily hold up to 350lbs.

[Serpico]

surly (http://www.surlybikes.com)

kona (http://www.konaworld.com)

[Kirk Pacenti]

http://www.co-motion.com/mazama.html

[Needs Help]

Where is a 350 lbs, 52cm guy going to ride? Take him to a doctor and get him checked out first. I bet the doctor is not going to let him ride a bike. More like walking for 6 months until he gets down to 300 lbs and develops some fitness.

[Dekonick]

Where is a 350 lbs, 52cm guy going to ride? Take him to a doctor and get him checked out first. I bet the doctor is not going to let him ride a bike. More like walking for 6 months until he gets down to 300 lbs and develops some fitness.

Why? A bike is non-impact, and he can ride as slow as he wants. 7mph on a flat bike path....

I agree with getting a basic check up tho...