Don't let DH see this Post!

[Kano]

I think this is the place....

When I start looking seriously at road bikes, there are probably things to look for besides pretty paint. There's that lovely Dolce (specialized) down at the LBS yesterday, with the carbon fork/aluminum frame, and that makes sense, I think. It's got a "triple" which sounds like a very good thing for me, since I have enough trouble on hills without taking away that tiny gear up front! The brake lever system on the $800 version looked like a good thing for me, though the shifter system on the $1200 version looked like a better way to go. Bike guy said that the extra brake levers could be added to the nicer bike if I wanted them. Pedals -- gotta have my clipless pedals when I get around to doing this. Bike guy says that the frames are all mostly the same, that I wouldn't "gain" much by going up to the Ruby, really, so a Dolce would be cool. I AM just getting started after all. Don't need real fancy stuff yet. But I got thinking about wheels. Tires, spokes, that sort of thing.

Something about people having problems with things breaking, cuz maybe they're too heavy for the components struck home: I want to be sure I'm buying stuff that can handle me when I get to it, cuz at least for now, I'm a "clydesdale" (at least those monsters are beautiful horses!)

SO, the question is, I guess, are things I should take into consideration as a larger rider?

Karen in Boise, who's more and more tempted....

[mimitabby]

Karen, i'm not sure how big you are, but my son has a BIG friend, 220 lb guy
huge muscles, etc, he's broken cranks and other bike parts before just pedalling. I guess you should ask the LBS guy but definitely if you are really big heavy and strong you are going to break stuff more easily than a lightweight like me!

[jenxxs]

You can always add the extra brake levers (on flat part of handlebar) to any road bike you get, and it's about $35 installed. I've done it to both road bikes I've owned, and I love them.

[Kano]

Jen -- I didn't know they still made those, since I haven't seen 'em since I was a kid. I am SO adding them onto whatever road bike I get! They're a definite, like the triple front gear gizmo!

Mimi -- that's good to know -- so far, I'm in the neighborhood of your son's friend. Probably not as strong, though! (on the up-side, I've dropped a little more again...)

Bike shop guy says I'll drop ten pounds of bike going from my Expedition to something like the Dolce -- DH says, better to drop it from your body. Well, I'm working on that! Can't see any reason to avoid having fun tools to do it, though...

Karen in Boise (whose husband will probably avoid the bike shop to find some fall/winter clothes in order to keep ME out of there!)

[CyclChyk]

Just my 2cents here but with the research I have done, I don't believe there are any bike frames out there that have weight restrictions. I think its the components that become a problem with added (excess) weight. Like wheels/tires. And as Sadie stated, forks, etc.

I can tell you that from one bike shop to the next, I have heard different things. One LBS stated that Orbea was not recommended for clydesdale riders, but Orbea themselves stated they have no weight restrictions on the frame. Another LBS thought the Orbea would be just fine with the proper components.

So... my point? I think the bike frame could be just about any you want, just make sure of the added components.

[SadieKate]

No, not true. If you research components, you will see that there will be weight limits on things like carbon forks and bars (some carbon steerer tubes are not built for big folks - AlphaQ had or has one). Wheels sets -- I think I remember one from Velocity that had a weight limit. The stuff is out there. Even stock bikes are built with the assumption that the rider will fall within a certain weight for his or her height. The bike may not technically have a manufacter's restriction but it sure won't perform or last as well as it would for someone within the expected limits. It is always worth asking if you are concerned. Ask the shop about the durability of the bike for heavier rides. Wheels will generally be the first thing affected. Some frames have the same issue. Maybe no weight restriction but just aren't happy with a heavier rider. Some frames don't like lightweight riders and beat the crap out of them (this is where aluminum frames got their reputation as the first tubing had no compliancy). Really lightweight steel and Ti tubing can get flexy in large sizes. So, you have to consider performance as well as warranty.

Wider tires can make a comfier ride for anyone.