New Road Bike for Big Guy

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by bigone
Looking to buy a road bike. I will go to the LBS for thewir input but wanted to see what ya'll had to say. I am a big guy , about 260lbs, any recommendations or cautions?

What are you using the bike for? Weight loss? Touring? Commuting? Relaxation? Racing?

Are you sure you want a 'Road Bike'? Or do just want a bike that travels well on the road? They aren't necessarily the same thing.

What is your local geography/weather like? Do you have steep grades, and strong winds? What is your aerobic fitness like? Be honest... these things need to be thought about when figuring out gearing.

How much time ya planning on spending in the saddle? 1/2 hr at a time? 3 hrs? 6 hrs a day for two weeks at a stretch?

I happen to have all these things at the tip of my index finger, because I happen to be a 'big guy' who just finished what you're beginning.... Bike arrived today as a matter of fact! ;-)

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by bigone
Looking to buy a road bike. I will go to the LBS for thewir input but wanted to see what ya'll had to say. I am a big guy , about 260lbs, any recommendations or cautions?

Ohh I forgot one thing... you asked about 'cautions': Spoke Count.

Go for 36, not 32 or god forbid a 28-count weakling.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by coolworx
What are you using the bike for? Weight loss? Touring? Commuting? Relaxation? Racing?

Are you sure you want a 'Road Bike'? Or do just want a bike that travels well on the road? They aren't necessarily the same thing.

What is your local geography/weather like? Do you have steep grades, and strong winds? What is your aerobic fitness like? Be honest... these things need to be thought about when figuring out gearing.

How much time ya planning on spending in the saddle? 1/2 hr at a time? 3 hrs? 6 hrs a day for two weeks at a stretch?

I happen to have all these things at the tip of my index finger, because I happen to be a 'big guy' who just finished what you're beginning.... Bike arrived today as a matter of fact! ;-)

I will use the bike for exercise and also I want to ride in the MS150 next year, and maybe other rides as well.

I live in Texas and south Louisianna, so it is mostly flat. Aerobic fitness is improving all the time.

I currently ride about 5-10(work permitting) hours per week on an hybrid.

If you are willing to spend the money, Principia bikes are often given good reviews by bigger riders.

Don't sweat it...I am 250lb and I ride a Lemond Alpes De Huez with 32 spoke wheels with no problems. Get a good quality bike with a triple...find a bike shop that treats you well.....
just ride it sensibly...ie no bunnyhopping!!!!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by bigone
Looking to buy a road bike. I will go to the LBS for thewir input but wanted to see what ya'll had to say. I am a big guy , about 260lbs, any recommendations or cautions?

I'm 6'4" and 215 lbs and have been riding a Trek 2300 for two years. At first I was concerned about the weight of the bike and the wheels but I must admit it is the best bike I've ever owned. This is my third road bike and so far I've logged over 3000 miles on it. I've added Hutchinson Excel tires (700x23 at 110 psi) with the steel bead, Profile AirStryke aero bars which I love and Look CX-7 clipless pedals. I ordered the bike with a triple chainring and that has worked out great. The bike handles fantastic and is a beautiful piece of work!!