What should a 270lb person look for in a bicycle?

Question

Will aluminum frames hold him? What about spokes, tires, etc? Can we just buy a standard mountain bike? Would that work?

Answer 1

there are 3 frames of bikes. the standard mountain bike frame, the road bike frame and the liedown frame. The bikes are pretty sturdy in that I have fallen down half of a mountain before as my bike hit a tree and a rock and a nest of hornets and a small Puppy (just kidding about the puppy). Most of these mountai biking companies like Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized and Kona are tested to have alot of impacts. The frames are welded professionally as well as tested professionally before they are shipped.
I would recomend deflating the tires 5-10 psi to compinsate for the weight...Be careful tho if you are planning to take this offroad inflate the tire to normal psi. Alluminum tires and spokes should work just fine since all the weight is displaced between the frame and the fork (what holds the tires on) of the bike.
I would recommend buying a name brand bike like the abouve mentioned and only because a bike from walmart will not hold up...i.e you get what you pay for.

Answer 2

I weigh about 245, so I understand your dilemma. The bike you buy doesn't neccesarily need to be some kinda tank, but you want 36 spoke wheels (good ones) and VERY tough cranks(Freeride or Downhill) and bottom bracket. The new EXO style bottom brackets with BIG outboard bearings would probably be a good choice. As far as the frame, there are aluminum frames tough enough for anyone, but chromoly steel is the best choice for big men. Smoother ride than aluminum, and more durable. A lot of bike companies make heavier duty bicycles for us big guys (normally referred to as clydesdales). I ride a Kona Unit singlespeed converted to fixed gear, and it's not some "fat guy bike". A lot of it depends on how "light" you are on the bike, meaning, how well you shift your weight, and pick a good line when riding. Good luck, e-mail me if you need any further advice on what to get. Oh, and to the smarty pants who posted an answer to this question before me (John S), why would you say something like that? Maybe this dude who is looking for a bike wants to get in shape? Maybe he's already in shape, and BIG. I might weigh 245-250, but I bet you couldn't keep up with me. You sound insecure and weak. You should try acting like a grownup.

Answer 3

If you don't plan to go off road there are better choices than a Mtn bike. Mtn bikes leave a lot to be desired in the comfort area. Perhaps you would be content with a cruiser they are usually pretty solid and built more for comfort. A steel frame gives a little better ride in most cases than aluminum and the weight shouldn't matter much.

Answer 4

A mountain bikes will hold ok. Look for wheels with 32 or 36 spokes (which are pretty standard). Look for a hardtail (bikes with only front suspension).

Aluminium is sure ok, don't worry. Just don't go for the lightest bike you can find.

The most important parts for a clydesdale (yep, that's heavy riders) in a bike is the frame, wheel and fork.

Answer 5

The frames should be okay, you may want to invest in wheels with more spokes than normal, however.

Also, what kind of rides will they be doing? If they are riding on the streets, replace the stubby mountain bike tires with road slicks.

Answer 6

If you're not looking for a light road bike you pretty much can get what you want if you're doing street rides.

MTB bike are very strong all-around. My weight varies greatly and I have several bikes. Road my super light road bike at 235lbs without a problem. Like others have said wheels/tires are the weak point of any bike. MTB wheels are strong come with big knobby tires they can certainly handle your weight.

Look for what you want and you comfort the bike will be OK.

Answer 7

i dont know but they sure would be good entertainment at the local park. i am not sure bikes were made to hold such weight and would be very embarrasing. if i weighed that much i would just get a very big suv.