Quote:
Originally Posted by Industry_Hack
Dude, 277 isn't a concern if you're looking at a mountain bike. Road bike, not so good, but doable.
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I disagree COMPLETELY.
Big guys actually WANT road bikes crossed with commuters.
I have ridden only a handfull of mountain bikes than would take my weight and perform as well as road bikes do with weight.
The chief problem is the fact that mountain bike frames rob power from the rider in order to give the rider a better chance at negotiating difficult terrain.
On the pavement a big guy will waste MUCH less energy with a rigid road frame. Another thing to consider for big guys is frame material. I chose chrome molly. The chrome molly frames just give an incredible plush ride and still have room for extra weight and are the most durable of any material.
One other consideration is frame size. In mountain biking for skinny butt sissy boys people tend to choose the lightest and smallest frames, but this would obviously be a mistake for guys our size. Additionally modern fitting systems are a JOKE, and tend to fit frames that are WAY too small and ergonomically impractical.
My advise to you is to go ahead and get fitted at a bike store for both types of frames, as a starting point. try out what they recommend and then try a size two sizes bigger than they recommend, and then tell me which one is more comfortable and capable to hold your weight. Bottom line, get the biggest frame you can stand over!
My commuter/tourer/cruiser is heavy by most standards but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It holds me, my gear and nearly anything I want to carry and I can still maintain 15mph for hours on end. It is tough and sturdy and I have absolutely no fear the frame will break... ever!
Big guys who want exercise on payment will benefit greatly from a properly sized and equipped road frame, far and away more than a mountain or hybrid.
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