[bikertank]

Serious question - do modern road bikes have weight restrictions? DO the tires pop, the spokes break or the frames bend ? I am asking because I can't believe manufacturers are putting out bikes that can't handle the weight but I am open to learn. If they can handle it though I would by the bike you are most likely to enjoy riding - I ride 2x as much with my roadie as I did my comfort hybrid which weighed 33 lbs next to my 22 lb roadie. I do it more because it is more fun. However, a side effect is weight loss.

[superj]

After checking out tourings ( this thread moved me to find out about them), I am going to end up with a touring. For info on the touring, check out the touring section for my threa about differences. They definitely sound more for non racing urban riding then a normal race set up road bike. I know where I live, the wider tires will be so much nicer

[HillDancer]

Originally Posted by bigjim71

...The tires I got are road specific with kevlar and fit the rims that came with the bike so they are "beefier" than what straight up road tires look like (to my untrained eye anyway)...I would like to get a bike I use strictly for the road so I can keep the Wahoo set-up for the trails though...Another thought might be a cyclocross type ride.....any thoughts on that would be appreciated as well!!...

I asked about the tires, because a tire built puncture resistant can often feel sluggish compared to supple tires built for low rolling resistance. Kevlar is a puncture resistant material.

A cyclocross style frame will have greater clearance between stays and fork legs, good for wide tries; it is an appropriate option. I use one for a road bike.

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by bikertank

Serious question - do modern road bikes have weight restrictions? DO the tires pop, the spokes break or the frames bend ? I am asking because I can't believe manufacturers are putting out bikes that can't handle the weight but I am open to learn. If they can handle it though I would by the bike you are most likely to enjoy riding - I ride 2x as much with my roadie as I did my comfort hybrid which weighed 33 lbs next to my 22 lb roadie. I do it more because it is more fun. However, a side effect is weight loss.

That's a double-edge sword, which many bike manufacturers are loathe to address. As soon as you publish a weight limit, someone under that limit is going to break the bike and file a lawsuit.

A typical road racer probably weighs 150-170, max. If you're building a sub 20 pound bike, are you going to worry about making it strong enough to handle 250+? For what it's worth, most frames can handle a high static load, but I have seen plenty of wheelsets with published weight limits.

[kneedrachen]

I'v enoticed a lot of lightweight components also have weight limits, typically 180-185 lbs, think pedals, saddles, seat posts.

For the OP, I think that most steel frames as well as some aluminum frames would be fine; I also *think* but am NOT sure, that some of the Giant carbon fiber frames may not have a weight limit (again, haven't verified).

I'd be more concerned about a strong set of wheels, IMHO a low spoke count wheel is asking for trouble.

Either way, hats off to you for wanting to get deeper in to cycling and doing something about it.

I'm glad you're here asking questions and learning.

WELCOME!

[wild]

I realy like my Jamis Aurora Elite touring bike it may not be the lightest but it rides real good. My weight is 230# and have 7300 miles on this bike all is good, I like it so much I went and got a spare

[omnivox42]

Originally Posted by rola643

You WILL ASSIMILATE and be part of the collective I never thought I would see a post from you and a road bike! To cool man!

Yessss.

What type of riding are you interested in? Do you want a road bike to haul butt or for the riding position. A steel frame touring bike may do ya good as they are common in steel tubing. You still get the drop bars but a more upright setup.

Hopefully soon we can welcome you to the thin wheel club :-)

[MNRider]

I'm a big guy too and I agree that a touring or cyclocross bike might be a good "road" bike for you. Both are built tougher than bikes built for speed. Touring bikes have a longer wheelbase due to longer chain stays and typically come with 36-spoke wheels on stronger hubs (Deore LX seems popular) and double-wall rims designed for slightly wider tires. The riding position is more upright than on a racing bike but still more aero than a MTB. Cyclocross bikes have a somewhat more aggressive geometry and will also accomodate higher volume tires.

The Surly Long Haul Trucker (touring) or Cross Check (cyclocross) are good starting points at a reasonable price. Stick with 28-32mm tires to start with for a comfortable ride with reasonable rolling resistance. This will give you a road bike that will serve you well until you get into the kind of shape where bike weight actually becomes a limiting factor. Depending on your goals and preferences, you may never become a member of the carbon fiber club.

[Industry_Hack]

Welcome MNRider!

[bigjim71]

After reading the responses here I have started looking at cyclocross bikes. I'm looking pretty hard at Trek's CrossRip Elite. By the way, I keep leaning towards trek because thats what my LBS sells and its also where I got my GF Wahoo. They are great people and provide continuous awesome service so I'd like to stick with them. With that said does anybody have any advice/ experience/ knowledge of the CrossRip Elite?

Thanks alot and have a great day!!