New MTB for heavy rider
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New MTB for heavy rider
Postby Big Jase » Mon Feb 29, 2016 7:28 pm
I posted a similar post in the buying forum. I've narrowed a new bike down to a mtb as I'm rather a large bloke and it would better suit my needs. I'm 6'5, 170kgs, and I want to get fit and lose weight. I went into my LBS today, had a chat to the salesperson, she hinted at the fact that finding a bike might be difficult, however with the right combination of parts, any bike would work well. I was told that air shocks on the front would be beneficial, as it can be strengthened to my weight. Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for on a bike, and any recommendations as to what bike/frame/components would be beneficial to me in this. Thanks for the help guys, muchly appreciated. Also if someone knows any LBS on the Gold Coast who are reliable and helpful.
Jason
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby toolonglegs » Mon Feb 29, 2016 9:28 pm
Get big arse tyres as they will take a lot of the impact forces off the components.
I don't know your budget but personally I would be going a hardtail ... no matter how hard you pumped up a rear shock you would still be getting "bob" which is just wasted energy.
Also a steel frame would be the go... if you go alloy frame go for a solid one. Carbon while great is usually built as light as possible... it's a pity "heavy" but strong carbon frames are hard to find.
Probably look at getting some strong wheels / rims.
Air fork... meh, my spring fork is bloody solid and adjustable, certainly more adjustable at the heavy end of things ... but that really dépends where you are riding.
Ride on!
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby Fetseun » Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:42 am
inwould just buy a bike within your budget and focus on the bike with the best wheel set. So possibly a bike trail bike as appears to a xc bike. The more relaxed position and stronger build will help.
I'm 106 and I generally destroy a standard rear wheel pretty sharpish. So I have a higher quality wheel set that I normally swap out to any new bike I buy. But then again, if your just looking to get out and ride fire roads and get fitness in, you should be fine. You won't be abusing the bikes like somebody that's been riding for a while. Even though you weigh more. Just keep then maintained and you'll be fine. And any half decent trail bike is pretty strong these days.
So as you improve you can improve on components.
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby Big Jase » Wed Mar 02, 2016 10:10 pm
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby eldavo » Thu Mar 03, 2016 12:08 am
Fat bikes have exploded, quality options are plentiful and cheap if you can resist the goodies, everything about the wheel size, low pressure comfort and ease on wheels, bonus opening the door to short distance high workout beach/river sand riding ticks boxes for you.
I consider them a great beginner MTB. You can go skinnier and faster in time as you drop riding weight if the n+1 bike bug bites, but fast light mass produced XC bikes meet joe average needs to a price, and the advice given by sales is right within the conventional box of typucal MTB. Fatbikes smahes that box like a monster truck shooting NOS flames.
If you're on FB check out fatbikesdownunder and post same original query.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/252879411466001" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby mikgit » Thu Mar 03, 2016 4:13 pm
As others said, steel hard tail is the way to go.
As to forks, I'm ~105 depending, and on every fork I have, the weight ranges go up to like 95 or 100kg, then once its to that limit, every thing above is the same pressure for air forks. You can't pump them up infinately for your weight, they'll fail at a seal. So I'd say better ioff with a coil spring fork and put in the strongest spring you can...or go full rigid. If you are mostly riding easy stuff to start, a rigid will do you fine (and is also a lot of fun sometimes).
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby eldavo » Thu Mar 03, 2016 4:20 pm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... trick.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby koshari » Thu Mar 03, 2016 4:36 pm
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby eldavo » Thu Mar 03, 2016 4:40 pm
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby Big Jase » Fri Mar 04, 2016 8:08 am
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby ianganderton » Fri Mar 04, 2016 9:11 am
I'm a big fan of fatbikes but I'd consider one with caution for you. The resistance and extra work they will give will sure increase the exercise but could reduce the fun too. I'd suggest cycling is much more efficient as an exercise when it's fun because you'll do a lot more of it. This is certainly true for me. I don't go to the gym, too lazy, no fun. I can spend hours a week cycling though, loads of fun.
Look at the Surly mountain bike (and fat bike) options. They only use steel in their frames and are built to last.
I wouldn't bother with a suspension fork if you are using it on the road. Waste of money and weight plus difficult to tune correctly for a big lad. Surly have rigid forks to suit.
Being a big lad you are going to have plenty of pressure on your contact points (saddle and grips). Make sure you try plenty of bikes around the car park to find the right fit for you.
If I was recommending you a bike to get you started I'd suggest a surly 29er steel fully rigid mountain bike or touring bike (designed to carry weight) with 2 inch (or bigger) slick tyres. Quality big disc brakes (there is plenty needs stopping). Good saddle, ergon grips.
Double chain ring mountain bike groupset (36/22 at front and 11-36 rear)
If you wanted a fatbikes look at the 4 inch wheel sets on either a pugsly or ICT. Bear in mind that unusual tyres are more difficult to get and are expensive.
Lastly build a bike you'll love. You'll spend a lot more time riding it
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby koshari » Fri Mar 04, 2016 9:20 am
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby Howzat » Fri Mar 04, 2016 11:07 am
The speed and handling difference between a steel tourer and a whiz-bang carbon-framed bike is actually pretty marginal, certainly so for bigger riders. It's the faster guys in the social bunch I ride with who bring out the steelies for a bit of fun.
Tourers also tend to hold their value, which you'll see you try to buy one second hand. Plus it won't look out of place on the road, in the park, or at the cafe.
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby Big Jase » Sat Mar 05, 2016 12:20 am
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Re: New MTB for heavy rider
Postby anthbear » Thu Oct 25, 2018 9:44 pm
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