What is the best bike for a big guy?
I'm looking to get back into shape (currently 230+ lbs). Thinking of getting a mountain bike or something similar to commute back and forth to work. Only 7 miles door to door.
I'd recommend Rocky Mountain for pure stiffness and strength. I've ridden one and I go about 238 and a friend was 10-15lbs heavier and his Blizzard never gave him any trouble at all.
They really are well built bikes and worth the little bit of extra money.
13 Answers
Definitely go to your local bike shop and try different types of bikes out. There are so many different flavors, and you may be surprised at which one you like the best.
BTW - Beware of saddles that are too soft. They are comfy for a short time, but since you sink into them, they can put pressure on the soft tissue. You want a saddle that will support you on your "sit bones".
As someone who is currently 235lbs and 6' 1" i purchased the Sidewinder by shcwinn for $200 3yrs ago ,i ride on average 100 miles a week and its still kicking with minimal maintenance and where i live is very humid,so i definitley recommend it.
As Gregg said, finding a local bike shop is your best bet. There are a variety of factors to think about when looking at a bike that some people forget about when shopping.
Riding Surface - tarmac, dirt, mixed terrain
Riding style - buying a carbon race bike and flying to work is fun, but only if your office has a shower. If you don't want to wear a spandex superman suit and change at work, be prepared for a slower ride. will you need to carry gear with you in a pack or on saddle bags? Test ride as many bikes as possible.
Body measurements - height and weight are not the only factors in picking the right frame. DO you have long arms and legs or is most of your height in your body?
Price - don't blow your wad on the first bike you like. You could easily spend $2000 on a nice bike only to find out later that it doesn't suit your needs. Start simple, you can always upgrade later.
Without knowing to much about you or the commute I would suggest looking at Hybrid bikes first. These are typically a mountain bike frame (or similar frame geometry) that are set up for comfort and utility over speed. Its the kind of bike that bike tour/rental companies in big cities use. Softer seat, upright position, basically the bike equivalent of a Honda Civic.
If you are looking to go a little more aggressive, try out a Cyclocross bike. These are effectively reinforced road frames designed to go both on and off road. You will sacrifice some of the speed and light wieght of a road bike but you gain more utility.
Personally, I prefer single speed (not fixed gear) bicycles. For road, I have an 08 Specialized Langster that I have put tons of commuting mileage on doing the 50 miles to work and back. I also have a Bianchi San Jose cyclocross bike that I can ride almost anywhere. It is an absolute blast to ride.
It's all about finding what feels right for you. To paraphrase Malcom Gladwell, There is no such thing as the perfect bicycle only perfect bicycles.
Go on a ton of test rides, have fun, don't spend allot on your first bike.
Gary Fisher - Wahoo http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/wahoo
I'm 6'3'' about 260lbs and I love this bike, just got in for my birthday at the end of last year. Rode many, went with this one, feels great, looks even better. I have the black.
This question is similar to asking what is the best shoe for a big guy.
You would find a shoe that you like and get it in a size that fits. Same principle.
You, my friend, are a clydesdale. Or at least that is what you are called in the mountain biking community. Here is a link to a whole discussion forum about bikes for big guys:
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?248-Clydesdales-Athenas-(200-lb-91-kg)
That being said, I am 5'11", 200 pounds, and I love my KHS Tucson
If you're riding primarily on the road or paved or smooth dirt trails, a mountain bike probably isn't what you want. However, you can get mountain bike style with better pavement ability in what's usually referred to as a "comfort" bike. One example is the Giant Sedona.
I bought an earlier version of this bike some 60lbs. ago, mostly to haul my son to local parks in a trailer. He's outgrown the trailer, but I kept riding the bike, first on roads and smooth trails, then trying some single track mountain biking. I've swapped the tires, saddle and pedals for some better suited for off-road duty, and it makes a pretty decent bike on the trails near my home in SoCal. A low-rise handlebar would help on the hills, but my reward for reaching my weight-loss goal will be a better bike, so I'm not keen on putting more money into this one.
You want a bike that's easy to start on and will keep you interested in continuing. A comfort bike makes a good commuter, has a nice soft seat and won't wear out a beginner like a proper road or mountain bike will. It won't do you much good if you're not riding it. And it's a lot cheaper than a good mountain or road bike. If you really get into it, you can spend more money on what you want later, and spend that money with a lot more knowledge.