Yet another thread looking for first road bike advice

I know a lot of people are asking about first bikes, and I've read through a lot of old topics, but I have a specific question I haven't seen addressed.

Are entry level road bikes (Giant OCR series, Trek 1000, etc) able to carry a heavy rider? I've heard a few people talk about problems with broken spokes, etc, as a result of overloading their paniers. I'm 100kg (220lbs), so probably more than most riders (and their paniers.) Eventually I will get a touring bike but it's not in the budget right now.

Are cyclocross bikes built sturdier? I've been thinking the bigger tires would be nice to have anyway since I have a habit of finding sections of road that aren't paved.

I'm not planning to do any racing, purely just commuting right now then in the summer some 2 day to 2 week camping trips. Is weight going to be a problem with a road bike?

As long as you're not going with ultra lightweight carbon and components, you should be fine. I think "entry level" by default isn't going to be ultra low weight. You may want wheels that are a bit more durable, more spokes, etc. - if you say you occasionally g on unpaved roads, wider wheels/cyclocross set up might be what you want anyway.

As I understand it, weight is often more of a factor for components than for frames. Really, SK is the one who knows a lot about and has researched this so I hope she sees this.

Moreover, 220 isn't that heavy. :)

We know a guy who's 350 easy, who rides a standard LeMond steel frame bike. I often worry about that bike, but it's held up fine.

Kat-h....hi! :)
I think your question is excellent. If you don't get a lot of replies to this thread, I actually would suggest that you retitle your thread (or start a new one) with a title more like "Road Bikes for heavier riders?"
There are many experienced riders here on the forums who are larger women and they may not check out a thread just asking for general road bike advice- but they would much more likely see and respond to your question if they catch the title. They have much excellent combined knowledge on the subject and I'm sure you'll get lots of good info!
Good luck and welcome to TE! :p

I doubt you have to be overly worried about your weight. Plenty of guys are heavier than you and do just fine on their light carbon racers. Broken spokes could become a problem if you load up a bike with light duty wheels for touring. (that's the only time my 200 lb husband has had a problem)

You will want to check out what you are going to purchase carefully considering how you want to use it. Many bikes marketed as sport bikes or road bikes these days don't have any eyelets for attaching a rack, so you'll automatically be limited away from the lightest raciest bikes if you want to do some loaded touring. A cross bike is a good choice for a light duty tourer. Most can take a rack and will come with sturdier wheels too. They also have a slightly more upright geometry that is popular with tourers, for day long comfort.

I don't really have any advice considering weight and bikes as I am a newbie, too. It seems to me that it shouldn't be a problem.

I can put a vote in for cyclocross bikes, though. I really wanted a road bike, but living in a rural area like I do means there are a lot of cruddy roads and dirt roads. I opted for a Kona Jake and have found a lot of freedom on the rides I have been on. I even found and explored some trails in the woods that a road bike wouldn't dare go on. There's a lot of versatility, you can always add on skinnier tires. I have one on the back now while I ride the trainer. That being said, I still want a road bike someday. There's an allure about them.

I'm sure you're going to get a lot of good info from some much more experienced/knowledgeable women here. But that's my .02 :)

Thanks for the advice, and for everyone telling me to not worry about it. Since I have no interest in racing I won't be tempted towards lightweight components, so it sounds like I should be okay. Are there any types of wheels that are particularly sturdier than others?

I still honestly haven't wrapped my head around the idea of buying a bike. Over the last few years I've been finding bikes in dumpsters, fixing them up, riding them for a few months, then selling them when I find a better one. I've had 3 beater mountain bikes that I've ridden a fair bit, and 3 10-speeds from the 80s which I couldn't ride because the frames weren't even close to the right size. I'm finally starting to admit that getting the bike I want will involve shopping, and that's just something I'm not used to. I've managed to avoid a lot of decisions by riding literally whatever I found. :)

with road bike wheels more spokes usually = stronger wheel. My husband has a set of 36 spoke tandem wheels for his touring bike and has not ever broken a spoke on that set.

Finally having a bike that fits you will make riding alot more fun.

I'm definitely looking forward to having something that fits. Just getting a wider seat made the long rides go better. I'm looking forward to having drop bars.

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Originally Posted by kat_h

I'm 100kg (220lbs), so probably more than most riders (and their paniers.)

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Hi Kat
:)
When I first started riding at the end of October 2005 I was about 115kg
My first bike was an Avanti Black Thunder (mountain bike)
My first road bike was a Scorpio RA

When I first started racing in April 2006 I weighed 112kg.
I began racing on the Scorpio, but my partner had bought me a Giant TCR2 in March as the Scorpio frame was a tad big for me and I raced on that and passed the Scorpio onto my son.

In November 2006 I weighed about 108kg and my partner bought me a women's specific race bike - an EMC2 Femmetape road bike, which is my road race bike. My Giant TCR2 is now set up specifically as my time trial bike.

As of the start of this year I weigh 99kg, and hope to be down to 90kg by the end of the year (this will make it easier to get up hills).

I guess what I am trying to say is that most bikes will handle girls our size with no problem. Frames that have weight restrictions will say so. The others who have already responded are saying the same thing - your weight should pose no probs unless you decide for an uber-lightweight frame for racing - and you have already stated that you don't want to race (at this point :p ).

The only issue I have had problems with are wheels (a point Eden has already mentioned).
My partner bought me a beautiful set of Grammo Vipers for my birthday last year, but they have a weight limit of 90kg on them and my weight loss is soooo slow and steady (like the proverbial tortoise) that I still can't ride them :( However, he uses my Grammos in time trials and I use his tri-spokes, and all is sweet.

Enjoy your shopping - hunting for the right bike is so much fun.
:D

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Originally Posted by tulip

Finally having a bike that fits you will make riding alot more fun.

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+1 on this.

Ride bikes and find one that *feels good.* Different bikes have different angles. Don't worry about what *should* fit and feel good... go with what does. (I'm still on hybrids tho' one of these years...) IF it feels good, you'll ride it...

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Originally Posted by kat_h

Are cyclocross bikes built sturdier? I've been thinking the bigger tires would be nice to have anyway since I have a habit of finding sections of road that aren't paved.

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I was told that cyclocross bikes are not only sturdier, but that they have a wider wheel base and less "agressive" geometry than a regular road bike, which apparently means that a heavy rider isn't sitting right on top of the rear axle, stressing out the spokes (again, this is just what I was told). I would confirm that my cyclocross bike (a Specialized Tri cross sport) is indeed the sturdiest bike I've had so far. I've put in 1500 miles so far without any broken spokes (or wheels) or drivetrain problems. I'm considerably heavier than you are, so this was a problem with my first two bikes. I'd also point out that the brakes are beefier and much more effective and the wider wheels do give any rider more options as far as riding surfaces go. Also, the gearing runs to the low range, which is important for getting those extra pounds over hills comfortably. Much as I love this bike, I do have to report that it just isn't as zippy as the regular road bike, however. As the others have said, You're not *that* heavy. Just get yourself a bike that fits you and that thrills you when you ride it!

First thank you to everyone who says I'm not that heavy. I don't normally think of myself as heavy, but there are some really small people out on the bike paths. I guess the guys who were breaking spokes either really overloaded their panniers or had really bad wheels.

I'm going to go to Bow Cycle on Sunday and have a look at everything there. Will report back on Monday!

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I don't normally think of myself as heavy, but there are some really small people out on the bike paths.

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Not everyone is meant to be a greyhound. :D

I take pleasure in knowing that I'm working on my bone density. ;)

TE'ers are very supportive here and they will be happy to answer your questions regarding bike choices. My first road bike was a Terry. Then I graduated to a Specialized Sequoia. I like having relaxed geometry because it's very comfortable and the more comfortable I am, the more likely I will ride it.

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Originally Posted by firenze11

I can put a vote in for cyclocross bikes, though. I really wanted a road bike, but living in a rural area like I do means there are a lot of cruddy roads and dirt roads. I opted for a Kona Jake and have found a lot of freedom on the rides I have been on. I even found and explored some trails in the woods that a road bike wouldn't dare go on. There's a lot of versatility, you can always add on skinnier tires. I have one on the back now while I ride the trainer. That being said, I still want a road bike someday. There's an allure about them.

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A quick update to this thread - I finally test-rode a Jake yesterday and I think I'm in love. I went into a shop on Saturday because a friend had recommended it. The guy there spents lots of time asking me about what I wanted, what sort of riding I do now, what I want to do, what kind of bike I have now. Then he pulled out a Jake and had me just stand over it. It was a 52 cm and the bar was right up to me, so he got a 49 cm, had me stand over it again, then lift it up so he could see how much room there was. Then he had me sit on it, then get off while he adjusted the seat, then get back on, and then he talked about the stem length. Then he suggested a test-ride. I said no because my husband was in the car and I wasn't dressed for it. He told me to come back when I had some time.

On Sunday I went back. I rode my current bike (which is junk and doesn't fit me) over to the shop. About 10 k into the ride my back and left shoulder were hurting. That's pretty standard for me. It was 15 K total to the shop and by the time I got there I was fairly sore. I started thinking that riding over there was a bad idea because since I already hurt I wouldn't be able to judge the new bike. Even standing hurt. When I got on the Jake everything stopped hurting. It felt really, really good. I rode around a bit, went back and asked some questions, then rode around a bit more. The roads were basically covered in slush and ice and the knobby tires did as good as my mountain bike. Normally hills are trouble for me. I have to get into the granny gears and usually end up walking. I found a hill and went right up without struggling and still had gears to spare. When I finally went back to the shop I couldn't stop grinning. The guy told me that once I get the bike I should plan on coming back every week or so at first so they can keep adjusting the fit while I get used to riding something that isn't a mountain bike. He also said he wants to get me clipped in and put me in a trainer and work on technique stuff.

So, bring me back to reality for a second and let me know if there's anything I should be thinking about that I haven't. I'm planning to do a lot of short (3 day, maybe 1 week) tours this summer but staying in hostels so not carrying too much gear. I do believe this bike will do that. Next summer I'm hoping to do a 2 or 3 week tour, either to the Yukon or north of Winnipeg. If I get into much more than that I'll start looking at steel frame touring bikes, but for now are there any others under $1000 that I should be looking at?

Also what other questions should a newbie be asking the staff in the shop?

Make your mechanic your friend and don't be afraid to ask them anything.

My bike and I are celebrating our one year anniversary this month (nothing special, just a nice dinner at home). When I think back and compare what I knew then (zero) to what I know now (a little bit more) I'm amazed. And it all came from right here.

Hi Kat

I heard the "in love" part...:p but just for fun, I would try a Surly Cross Check. And a Jamis Aurora or Coda. All are under 1000. and all have devoted followings. And all are steel.

I have an Aurora--a steel touring bike-- that I love...after fiddling around with my hybrid bike for months, I got on this one and I don't think I' ve adjusted a thing except for the seat height since I got it...I'm just comfortable.

But back to the point. It very well may be that you have your bike. Personally, I like to test out one or two others to compare just to be sure...so in those days of hyper sensitivity and excitement after your purchase...it all feels good.

Or maybe you already KNOW its your bike...in which case....send us photos!!!

Bike love is great, just do what you can to make sure it lasts.

I agree with Elk--try a couple of steel bikes if you can. I find aluminum quite uncomfortable (a brittle feeling, unlike my steel bikes which feel more smooth). I like the look of the Jake, but I don't like that it's alu.

The bike shop guy seems decent, but just make sure he's not selling you the Jake because it's what he has in stock. Do they carry Jamis or Surly or another steel bike that you can try (even if not in your size--can they order it for you to try)? Trek's are pretty easy to find...and the 520 is a great steel touring bike.

Also be sure that the top tube is not too long. The LBS guy should put you up on the trainer to see if the bike fits, not just do a stand-over test. Rule of thumb on the trainer (make sure the bike is level by putting a phone book under the front tire): in a comfy position (relaxed, elbows slightly bent, etc.) when you look down at the wheel, the hub should be hidden by the bars. Only a rule of thumb, but if you see the hub way behind the bars, it may indicate that the top tube is too long (and vice-versa, but usually that's not a problem for women with shorter torsos).

I haven't found anywhere in town that carries Surly or Jamis. The Surly website lists one place here as a dealer, but that shop's website doesn't list any. I'll drop in there any ask this week. The only other choices I've seen locally in this price range are the Giant OCR 3, Marin Portofino, or Trek 1000.

When I'm sitting on the Jake the hub is just a touch in front of the bars. If the stem were a 1/4 inch longer I wouldn't be able to see the hub at all.

I'm intrigued by the idea of having a mechanic around too. When I got home from test riding the Jake I went downstairs and trued a wheel on a mountain bike then replaced the cables on an old 10 speed I found in a dumpster. None of my dumpster finds have ever fit so I've always just sold them for beer money. It's going to be so nice to have a bike that I actually paid for, instead of just one that I bought parts for.

Do you have a Trek dealer around? Try a 520 just to compare steel vs alum. Kona Jake is a nice bike, but for hours in the saddle you might appreciate steel (but then again, it might not be a factor for you at all).

There is a shop here that carries the 520, but it's $1400 and the Jake is $700. It's going to be tight for me to afford the Jake right now but I can manage it. I'm sure I'll move up to something else in a couple of years but that's just more than I can afford right now.

Ouch, I didn't know it was so expensive. Too bad there are no Jamis dealers around. I'm sure you'll find the Jake satisfactory and better than your current bike, which sounds downright painful! The Jake is a cute bike, and very useful for all sorts of riding. Post a pic when you get it.

I've been tempted to cross the border and look at bikes there. Everything is more expensive in Canada, even when our dollar is even. The Jake I'm looking at is a 2007 so it's $250 cheaper than it normally would be. I've spent most of today emailing someone in town who has one and I think I'm going to go for it.

hmmm aren't the Jakes steel? I know the Kona Sutra is...
I'll tip over to the website.

The Trek520 is listed at 1400 but sometimes you can get last years model for under 1000. I liked it..but the TT was too long.. for me. It has a long wheel base. But I don't have long limbs...

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Ok Jake is aluminum...but has the sleeker LOOK of steel...(I hate fat tubes!!!) Jake looks like a really nice ride and I;m sure you won't be disappointed!

Kat thanks for asking this question. I'm going to be looking for a bike soon too (Just signed up for a Tri) and I was wondering about the weight issue too as I'm currently down to 213.

Does anyone know if some seats are better then others for heavier riders? Currently I have a dirt bike I'm using so it has one of those Um... Large seats with the springs in them which has been very comfortable but I'm not sure would work out with a road bike. Seat comfort has a lot to do with how long I'm able to ride.

I picked the bike up last night and set out today with high hopes for a long ride. The bike is awesome, but the route that I planned was covered in ice and packed snow. That meant that I couldn't get any decent speed and after my second fall I decided to head home. I don't think I'll get to ride again until Tuesday, but I'm looking forward to putting a lot of km on this bike.

Pictures please!! And that sux that you didn;t get a great first ride....!!!!

IDEALMUSE: go to the saddles forum under gear...ask your question there. and look around. saddle talk is quite popular here.

Elk, is that a papillon dog in your avatar?

yup. that's my Flynnie...she's my "familiar" :D my little soul mate.
I have 3 paps and a collie.

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Originally Posted by elk

Pictures please!! And that sux that you didn;t get a great first ride....!!!

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No good pics of the bike yet, but here's a quick pic I took of the river.
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1...e031qc5.th.jpg

Congrats again bike twin! I'm sorry the first ride wasn't perfect, but hopefully Tuesday will be better. At least you got out there and had some time on it.

Another update - I love this bike.

On Tuesday I rode to the university and back. It took an hour and 10 minutes to get there. Previously my best time was an hour and 30! Part of the improvement was from a change of route. I found a hill that I could almost manage instead of one that I have to walk up.

On the way home I was determined to ride up all of the hills that I usually have to walk up. There was just one hill that I didn't quite manage. I finally gave up and walked, then at the top when I got back on the bike I looked down and realised my chain was still on the middle gears. If I had gone down to the little one I would have made it up the hill. Doh!

Today I rode it to work. Honestly this is my favourite ride. It's 10 k, straight and flat, and 6 k of it is highway. I got up to 45 km/h. It was terrifying. I loved it.

Thank you again to all of you for the advice and encouragement.

I'm so glad you love your new ride!!! Don't forget...we like pix!!!