Old Mountain Goat Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 So, firstly, hello. This is my first posting here, though I've been in the background for a while.... I have tried to search for this topic with no success, so forgive me if its already been tackled? Basically, I am a 40 year old 120kg 6'2" Tall oke who is getting back in the saddle after many years of injury (not bike related). I have seen a number of great bikes available, one of which is the Specialized Rockhopper 29er, which I know is a great bike, but I have seen a few used bikes for similar prices which utilise either a full carbon frame, or a partial carbon frame, including an S-Works. So my question is, as a heavy big oke, would it be inadvisable to get a bike with a Carbon frame? Or can a Carbon frame withstand the same weight baring properties as an Alu bike? The reason for this question is that some people have suggested that they should not be considered, where others say its all good? Many thanks in advance.....RegardsG!
Erroli8a8 Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 As far as frames go I am not aware on any weight limits for the mid to high end bikes. I do know that there are wheels with weight limits.
Paul Ruinaard Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 Yes there are limits for some - ask the manufacturer. I am not a small guy and have a lot of rims etc that have over time become victims of, how should i say, my corpulence and lack of finesse when riding. So pay attention to these things. One of my (and in fact my only) carbon rim is in for repair which i think is related to the above. Thing is manufacturers make the weight weenie frames for race snakes who weigh 70kgs. Then they make the garden gate for the guys in the Buffalo class. So dont buy top end weight weenie stuff. Remember the maxim, - weight, cost and strength. Pick two. So if weight is low and its strong then price is high. And if its heavy and strong its probably cheap. But at 120kgs I would look at starting with some strong stuff until I am more fit. The weight of the bike wont matter much, as the heaviest to the lightest is about 3 to 4 kgs difference in a given category. Rather dont have the components collapse on you - especially the wheels or the fork....
velomonatiCT Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 As far as frames go I am not aware on any weight limits for the mid to high end bikes. I do know that there are wheels with weight limits. Agree wheels have weight limits never seen an official frame one but the retailer/manufacturer will declare it on the warranty before purchase if it in fact exists go to a reputable retailer they'll tell you what you want to know about frames
Falco Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 As far as frames go I am not aware on any weight limits for the mid to high end bikes. This is probably true, but is it not perhaps because manufacturers expect to sell their high end frames to experienced (ie probably fit and lean) cyclists? Everything made by man has design limits, bike frames will be no exception. If that wasn't the case, there would be a lot of unemployed engineers. I would speak directly to the manufacturer before buying.
Old Mountain Goat Posted September 1, 2015 Author Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks guys. Great advice there. I had happened across a link for a 2013 S-works epic, which stated the frame load rating at 240lbs, Which is roughly 100kgs, including any 'luggage' allowance too (not that I tend to ride with luggage! ) so I guess that rules the S-works out for me, and probably any carbon frame for the time being. As for being a 70kg race snake, I'll be happy if I get down to 90kgs! I think I'd end up on a drip in hospital if I ended up at 70kg's! Many regardsG!
Shebeen Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 don't want you to read too much into this, but here is Robbie K doing the epic on what looks like a stock giant. http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000R7OAd3O1Ibo/fit=1000x750/ACE08-STG1-SMCE08-STG1-00232-SM.jpg
Paul Ruinaard Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks guys. Great advice there. I had happened across a link for a 2013 S-works epic, which stated the frame load rating at 240lbs, Which is roughly 100kgs, including any 'luggage' allowance too (not that I tend to ride with luggage! ) so I guess that rules the S-works out for me, and probably any carbon frame for the time being. As for being a 70kg race snake, I'll be happy if I get down to 90kgs! I think I'd end up on a drip in hospital if I ended up at 70kg's! Many regardsG!Hmm, Dont assume that I am at 111 kgs (hopefully getting less with the diet I am on) and have a 2013 S Works Epic frame which i ride like a complete nutter and its holding up well. My previous was a Carbon Epic from Specialized - so I have ridden them for 4 to 5 years and have had no issues wrt the frames. Given that i dont ride carbon Roval rims and the like. The frame can always break and be an issues but its more the wheels etc you need to worry about. I have as I said done it a set of ZTR Crests in about 6 months so ride Arch EX's, built strong
Chro Mo Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 Get RyanPmb to make up an OnOne Inbred 29er for you(PM him) I have one and haven't had a day's trouble in 5000km, and I weigh more than you! Having said that, my wheelset cost more than most of the rest of my bike put together Flow Ex Rims on Hope Pro 2 Evo (32h) - again: good custom built wheels that I have never had to true. Spend most of your cash on your wheels. Save you thousands in the long run - make sure you use a reputable wheelbuilder.
MarcL Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 HiThis is my opinion but worth considering...I am heavy fellow too, not quiet 120 but have been within 10% of that... My road and MTB are carbon and I've never had any issue. If you not doing 2 meter drop offs, I don't see you having any problems with the frame. Remember the weight limit is like a SWL which is far lower than the max load. You bigger issue is the wheels. I great place to save weight on a bike. What I have successfully done is go up 1 size on the spokes. For example, I ride Stans Crest with a weight limit of 80kg went up one size on the spokes and now have over 2000 km on them with no drama. What I'm saying is unless you buying the top of the range race model, I'm quiet sure any bike in carbon will be ok... Providing you are riding XC and not down hill.... Hope that helps?Marc
Hairy Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 Get RyanPmb to make up an OnOne Inbred 29er for you(PM him) I have one and haven't had a day's trouble in 5000km, and I weigh more than you! Having said that, my wheelset cost more than most of the rest of my bike put together Flow Ex Rims on Hope Pro 2 Evo (32h) - again: good custom built wheels that I have never had to true. Spend most of your cash on your wheels. Save you thousands in the long run - make sure you use a reputable wheelbuilder.Best advise so far!
Patchelicious Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 I would double check if there are any fame weight limits on the model you want. A friend recently bought a Pino MTB, cracked the frame and told he was too heavy for t by the importers, he weighs 88kgs. So always check!
KingTJ Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 HiThis is my opinion but worth considering...I am heavy fellow too, not quiet 120 but have been within 10% of that... My road and MTB are carbon and I've never had any issue. If you not doing 2 meter drop offs, I don't see you having any problems with the frame. Remember the weight limit is like a SWL which is far lower than the max load. You bigger issue is the wheels. I great place to save weight on a bike. What I have successfully done is go up 1 size on the spokes. For example, I ride Stans Crest with a weight limit of 80kg went up one size on the spokes and now have over 2000 km on them with no drama. What I'm saying is unless you buying the top of the range race model, I'm quiet sure any bike in carbon will be ok... Providing you are riding XC and not down hill.... Hope that helpsWhat Marc said is true, Im a heavy bloke, between 110 and 117kg ( and sometimes past the 117kg). I bought myself a SC dual suspension bike and have not looked back at all. I uses MAVIC's Crossrocs and they seem to work fine... Make sure you get the right wheels and the rest shoudl be fine. PS... But always just check.. it cost nothing. PS2... and I ride enduro with it
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