Heavyweight Bike needed

[Trapper]

I have a fried who is seriously overweight, and he wants to start cycling in order to lose weight. His current weight is 184kg which is over the limitations of most bike frames...

 

Can anyone suggest where to start with this? Suggested Bike-frames, wheels, and any input from anyone who have experience on this

[Thumper]

There was an article in ride / bicycling a few months ago with a sort of a guy who was in the same situation as you friend. The article mentioned a frame and wheelseet.

think you best bet may be to try track down the article.

[Trapper]

There was an article in ride / bicycling a few months ago with a sort of a guy who was in the same situation as you friend. The article mentioned a frame and wheelseet.

think you best bet may be to try track down the article.

THanks Thumper, it was in Bicycling, but it's an USA article, and he had his frames built specially. I dont know any frame-builders in RSA (personally that is ). I know that Silverback and Morewood are RSA designed, and there are two guys in Cape Town who is starting up a BMX bike (this month's Ride magazine).

 

I'll try to get hold of them eventually, just thought i'll check on the hub's experience and input first.

 

Tx

[Thumper]

THanks Thumper, it was in Bicycling, but it's an USA article, and he had his frames built specially. I dont know any frame-builders in RSA (personally that is ). I know that Silverback and Morewood are RSA designed, and there are two guys in Cape Town who is starting up a BMX bike (this month's Ride magazine).

 

I'll try to get hold of them eventually, just thought i'll check on the hub's experience and input first.

 

Tx

 

Have a word with Dangle or Johan Borman, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Good luck bud!

[LeTurbo]

Just my thoughts here: go a bit retro. I can't see why a steel bike wouldn't handle this, as well as a good old-fashioned wheelset with 32 or 36 spokes. I presume he's riding road? Maybe look at hybrid or commuter bikes first, because they've got a more upright riding position that'll be more comfortable. Something like a Giant might work: the hybrids are quite heavy, but that's probably not a consideration right now. They're also relatively cheap.

[Guest Big H]

Do not know of anybody in SA and I hink it will be quite difficult to find anybody here.

 

People with a mass more than 200lb or 91 kg is reverred to as clydesdale and not to be sexist Athenas.

 

Have a look at this forum. It is one of the best and most comprehensive purely bicycle Forums I have ever visited.

 

Look at this link.....

 

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?248-Clydesdales-Athenas-(200-lb-91-kg)

 

I am a Clydesdale, a very heavy one and have never used any special frames. I just make sure I use very well built wheels.

[Nobody]

MOREWOOD

[chris_w_65]

He should take up walking for a while first and lose 30kg. Walking with that kind of weight will burn a lot of calories

[Cyclewizz]

I agree with chris, let him take up walking either on the road or on a treadmill.

Then I would suggest the stationary bike at the gym.

 

If he goes on the road and encounters a hill I think he's going to struggle big time and might be put off.

[chris_w_65]

I think my LBS sold a MTB to a guy of 155kg. I could find out what bike it was and if it worked out ok. The guy could set himself an incentive and buy himself a bike when he reaches 155kg. When you are that kind of weight it shouldn't be hard to lose 2kg/week

[Guest Big H]

Just my thoughts here: go a bit retro. I can't see why a steel bike wouldn't handle this, as well as a good old-fashioned wheelset with 32 or 36 spokes. I presume he's riding road? Maybe look at hybrid or commuter bikes first, because they've got a more upright riding position that'll be more comfortable. Something like a Giant might work: the hybrids are quite heavy, but that's probably not a consideration right now. They're also relatively cheap.

 

Hybrids are essentially a MTB frame that can handle 700C wheels. My Trek 7200 FX weighs 10,5 kg's ...... Is that heavy?????

[Trapper]

I agree with chris, let him take up walking either on the road or on a treadmill.

Then I would suggest the stationary bike at the gym.

 

If he goes on the road and encounters a hill I think he's going to struggle big time and might be put off.

 

Thanks Chris, IK, the walking suggestion is good, and I'll take it up with him. Going uphill might be a problem. Coming down that same hill... need BIG BIEG Brakes

[Trapper]

I think my LBS sold a MTB to a guy of 155kg. I could find out what bike it was and if it worked out ok. The guy could set himself an incentive and buy himself a bike when he reaches 155kg. When you are that kind of weight it shouldn't be hard to lose 2kg/week

 

Hi Chris, will be great if you can find out and let me know. Maybe that 155kg guy is now 95 and might want to get rid of the rig. Also his input on his challenges adn successes might add some valuable insight.

 

Cheers

[kennyg]

Start him on a gym bike... It the easiest, he will still need to deal with saddle pain and discomfort. Trying to manage that on the road or moving will be really tough...

[Guest Big H]

Be carefull not to put him off cycling for ever with your thoughtless talk.

 

Give him the res[pect he deserves and read what I posted.

Edited December 6, 2010 by Big H

[Just Keep Pedaling]

Scott Scale. Drill holes in the frame to shave any extra weight.