Weight Limit for Bike????!!

[Juliegoddess]

Hello Everyone!

I've been looking at new bikes for a few months now...and now that I've had my current bike tuned up, I've found out that I HAVE to get a new one!

I've heard some people talking about a partially-carbon road bike being "unsuitable for heavier riders"...I've never heard of weight limits for bikes! I'm about 215; must I make sure and get an aluminum bike? Will I "crush" a partially carbon bike?

I've never heard this before!!

[Trek420]

I knew we had a good discussion of this somewhere, ah! Here it is:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=18021

But if you want carbon I'm sure you can have it!

[Juliegoddess]

Thanks so much, Trek!! I'm off to take a look at the thread!! I did a search, but for some (DOH!!) reason, I didn't find it....!

[Trek420]

Thanks so much, Trek!! I'm off to take a look at the thread!! I did a search, but for some (DOH!!) reason, I didn't find it....!

I'm a veritable font of worthless trivia. It's not so much the subject but sometimes remembering a word or phrase that was in a great thread. I don't know where I store the info.

[Kiwi Stoker]

I will say weight limits on wheels are correct.
My husband is around the 107-110kg mark. To date he has cracked spokes and rims on the following wheels-

Mavic Kysium ES (with in 3 years)

2 pairs of Specialized Roval Echappees (these are built for heavier riders) with in 2 years

Broke spokes and had derailleur pinging issues (the derailleur hitting the spokes when at its max and min) on a pair of Shimano basic wheels. With in 2 years.

Most high end wheels have a 90kg weight limit and its there for a reason. Anyone heavier will damage the wheel over time and both of us feel that 2-3years use of a wheel is not really good enough considering the cost $2K or so for the pair.

[Juliegoddess]

I will say weight limits on wheels are correct.
My husband is around the 107-110kg mark. To date he has cracked spokes and rims on the following wheels-

Mavic Kysium ES (with in 3 years)

2 pairs of Specialized Roval Echappees (these are built for heavier riders) with in 2 years

Broke spokes and had derailleur pinging issues (the derailleur hitting the spokes when at its max and min) on a pair of Shimano basic wheels. With in 2 years.

Most high end wheels have a 90kg weight limit and its there for a reason. Anyone heavier will damage the wheel over time and both of us feel that 2-3years use of a wheel is not really good enough considering the cost $2K or so for the pair.

Hi Kiwi! Thanks so much for your advice...so, around 200 pounds is the limit. I think I might be okay. Not sure of these wheels, though...I'm still learning about bike parts and all. These wheels are "SWFT Alloy 24 spoke Deep Dish Aero wheel set".

[tulip]

There are weight limits for bikes, but I don't know the limit for your particular bike. I also don't know if the weight limits are in place for legal reasons, meaning they are very conservative. Can you check on your model of bike to find out? Manufacturers usually have limits in the manuals and online materials. The lawyers make them do it. Nothing against lawyers, they are just careful, is all. Weight limits include the rider and any clothing, gear, panniers, etc., not just rider weight.

Very heavy riders may benefit from stronger wheels with extra spokes. But I don't consider 215 to be in that category. However, if you find that you often end up with broken spokes, you may want to consider stronger wheels.

You say that your bike is partially carbon--what does that mean? Steel with carbon fork and seat stays? I wouldn't worry about steel/carbon. Not sure about all carbon. Aluminum is pretty jarring, particularly if you are used to carbon. Go all steel before you go aluminum.

[Juliegoddess]

You ladies are sooo wonderful! Just to clarify, the road bike I'm looking at has an aluminum front triangle frame with a carbon rear triangle and carbon fork, and the wheels are 24-spoke. Do you think this would be strong enough for me? I'm about 5'10" tall, and weigh 215. I highly doubt this bike will fall apart the minute I sit on it. I honestly don't really care about carbon, personally.

I'm listening to everything...tell me what you think! (and thanks so much!)

[MartianDestiny]

It's not so much "carbon" or "aluminum" as it is design and intended use.

Fancy race bikes are designed with weight and performance first and durability well, on down the list. Those bikes (and wheels) do indeed come with weight restrictions limiting manufacturer warranty coverage.

You can find carbon that will hold up fine, you can find aluminum that may not, and of course you can find carbon that won't hold up either. My guess is a carbon rear triangle or seat stays will not be an issue whatsoever.

Some people are just of the impression that carbon explodes if you look at it wrong! Don't let them discourage you!! And have fun picking out your next bike!