Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

So hear we go.
I'm 6"6 , 240 kg. Is there a bike out there for me. I havent been on a bike for over 20 years but would love to get back into it.

I understand that my options are going to be very limmited however i dont need all the best features. Basically i just want to be able to do some general riding on the road / concrete path.

If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Additionally if you work at or own a shop that has a bike that would suite my needs please let me know. I'm based in wollongong but regulary travel between Brisbane and Melbourne for work so picking up the bike is not a problem.

Thanks

Two brands to start your search are Surly and Allcity
You may need to start with a frame and have a bike built up around it but the 'gong has several good bike shops which would help you out with this.
Also look at Vivente and the xl and xxl sizes

https://viventebikes.com/sizing/how-to- ... your-size/

You could find a second hand bike, or even call them to ask if they know of any for sale.

The way I'd go is get something that fits and you like. As soon as the wheels break get some tandem wheel set, maybe even custom built.

Yeah, the wheels will be an issue. Maybe ask ProLite if the Como Tandem would handle your weight.

DS

Spoke with 2 shops today , both gave me some good options , both recommended having custom wheels built from the start. Who would be the best option for building wheels that will handle my weight. I would prefer to keep it to an Australian manufacturer if possible.

There is no one-stop easy solution to this.

I'd be thinking a steel-framed rigid MTB type, with custom handmade wheels with 36 spokes. It can be done, it will not be "cheap", as in off-the-peg cheap.

We'd also be looking for the longest crank arms we could find, some nice big tyres and (preferably) good disc brakes. Also, large diameter thick grips.

So yes, it can be done. No, it won't be simple and will need some professional assistance.

Someone like Greg at TWE can do the wheels for you.

Thebigman wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 08, 2021 9:46 pm

Who would be the best option for building wheels that will handle my weight.

Which city are you in? Ah, the 'Gong. Someone nearby will chime in, I'm sure.

Also, use the search, there's plenty of existing threads on this topic (wheels for cydesdales).

Like you, i am a heavy bloke. My back wheel gives me grief, over time. Cost of doing riding.
Have a look at:
https://viventebikes.com/our-bikes/anatolia/
Touring bikes are made for the big loads.
Noel is super responsive to queries and questions. And very good after sales service.

Agree do chat to Noel, he is also of normal height so knows a lot about big bike design and use
Another brand to look at is KHS who do big frames and off the rack complete bike - should be able to be ordered by the local bike shop
https://khsbicycles.com/bikes/bnt-29-15/

Thebigman wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 08, 2021 9:46 pm

Spoke with 2 shops today , both gave me some good options , both recommended having custom wheels built from the start. Who would be the best option for building wheels that will handle my weight. I would prefer to keep it to an Australian manufacturer if possible.

I would get recommendations from your shops, they may even do wheel building in-house.

It's worth considering a hardtail e-mtb. These are big strong bikes with robust wheels and you can prably use some assistance anyway.

The cheapest path would probably be to get an old 26" wheeled (preferably) rigid, or hard tail MTB. Get it serviced and don't expect it to last. When it breaks, either fix/upgrade the broken bits, or get another one.

Thebigman wrote: Spoke with 2 shops today , both gave me some good options , both recommended having custom wheels built from the start. Who would be the best option for building wheels that will handle my weight. I would prefer to keep it to an Australian manufacturer if possible.

+1 for Greg Ryan of TWE in Sydney.

Good listener, plenty of options, decades of experience and he offers a genuine 'at cost' crash repair service ie he only ever charges the price of parts to fix your wheels if you stack them.

Over the past 15 years or so I've commissioned Greg to build me several wheelsets, incl. stronger rim / high spoke count wheels for both MTB and road bikes - I've never been disappointed.

Nobody wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 10, 2021 3:19 pm

The cheapest path would probably be to get an old 26" wheeled (preferably) rigid, or hard tail MTB. Get it serviced and don't expect it to last. When it breaks, either fix/upgrade the broken bits, or get another one.

I would say this is a good option - maybe get a saddle that fits and then just get out on the bike and ride. Bikes are hard to come by at the moment, so take this time to do lots of short outings - go slow and just get the feel of being on a bike - you will soon know if you like it or not.
If you find it is for you the start thinking of bikes and the bits and the budgets. Finding a good local who can help cut thru the jargon will also help.
The bike paths in the gong are good and getting better - who knows in time you could be riding up Macquarie Pass just for a visit to the Robertson Pie Shop....( it is a lovely ride up done slowly, also good going back down)