Roadies for Big Blokes.

[NCR600]

Evenin' all!

Been looking at a few options for my long anticipated return to cycling, and would like to get some opinions on road frames for big guys. I stand 6'3" tall and weigh 123kg, and I'm not really looking at dropping any of that anytime soon, but I want to burn some fat and get out in the sun.

I've discounted the fixie/SS thing as it'll probably kill my knees, and I'll almost certainly kill any bike I have to stomp on to get up hills.

Which leaves me looking for a roadie. I'm completely lost with the range of things available, but I guess I'm looking for a steel lugged frame in the 59-60cm range. I don't really know to be honest. Is carbon ok for big dudes? Ally? Who even makes big arse frames, they seem very hard to find, especially second hand.

Any help and leads appreciated!

 

[dr_rob]

I remember recently seeing a 60cm Cannondale CAAD9 bike on bike exchange. It's for sale up here (Newcastle area) and being a bigger frame, it's still hanging around. I'm a fan of the 'dales, they do nice work.

I'm 188cm and I ride a 57cm frame, which is really probably a bit too small for me. I have a LeMond (a Trek by any other name) that's carbon and steel (as an aside it was previously owned by a fellow farkin-er) - I run FSA carbon seatpost and bars, no problems (soaks up the road really well). There's some flex in the seatpost, and a bit in the bars if I give it some juice, but I'm 79kg, so I don't know how you'd fare.
Prior to this bike, I rode aluminium frames. The last one had a carbon fork which did something to soften what was a harsh ride.
Get a set of bomb-proof wheels. I have a mate who rides a set of my old (as in close to 10 years old) wheels: Mavic CXP33's laced to 36h Ultegra Hubs. Apart from servicing the bearings, they've never skipped a beat.
My vote would be for an aluminium frame, paired with some carbon forks. Add in a carbon seatpost, get a nice strong set of wheels.

Best of luck with it.

 

[Nerf Herder]

I reckon best to talk to somebody in person ... if not Carlin or RCOH then head to Clarence Street and sit on something. You can also check the latest and greatest gear, be shocked at roadie prices ... which will then allow you to form an opinion on a good second hand bargain.

Always good to pick somebody's brains before you head out in search of a second hander IMO.

good luck

 

[horsey]

any stock mainstream brand frame should be able to support your weight, but i'd make sure you put some solid wheels on it.

regarding size it depends on the proportions of your body. you can be anywhere from a 58cm to a 63cm frame depending on your torso length and leg length proportions. just got to go into a shop a get a proper fitment done.

 

[mushroom]

Trek also make larger sized frames (along with Cannondale). I'm on 61cm Trek frame, also at 6'3. They did go up one larger size in many frames, as I recall (to 63cm).

Be sure to get a bike fit from a store that stocks large bikes, don't be squished onto a smaller frame as you might regret it.

 

[Plow King]

Speak to Daver!

He will be able to help you out. He used to weigh somewhere around that range but lost a tankload of weight and he's always been into roadying.

Where are you Dave.

 

[McBain]

Sizing won't be that much of an issue (there are plenty of tall roadies), and most non-stupidlight frames will be ok, but wheels are what you'll punish.

 

[Daver]

Speak to Daver!

He will be able to help you out. He used to weigh somewhere around that range but lost a tankload of weight and he's always been into roadying.

Where are you Dave.

Lurking, waiting for a giant panda to appear in the night sky...

Firstly, Carbon is not going to be an issue if it's coming from a reputable source, however carbon bikes tend to be too soft (read: flexy) for bigger guys. Like you, I considered steel for my new bike, however after a quick ride on a steel frame I've found they're too soft for my liking. I'd love to try a Baum, but the price is scary for a frame.

The most important thing is to make sure you are fitted correctly- whether it means buying new (to get a free fit) or paying for a fit (circa $100-200). It's not a bad idea to try a few different makes and models as the geometry will always be different- generally lower end bikes have completely different geometry to their higher end counterparts (a more upright front end) which can be detrimental if you're after a bike for performance or handling. There are a few tall guys on here who ride road, they can probably shed some light on ideal frame fit options.

Finally, spec wise, if you can, choose some handbuilt wheels. They're not cheap, but they hold up to bigger guys much better than factory offerings from Mavic, Campy and the like. As dr-Rob mentioned, they make a huge difference for big guys. I have a pair of Durace/DT 1.1 rims that have been ridden pretty hard on Sydney roads and they're still going strong. Absolutely bullet proof.

 

[Slowdive]

big rocks

I can vouch for the SS option hurting your knees. Am 6'3" and 110. After spending the last 10 months on an 09 SE Lager, Brisbane's hills are starting to cause me pain. On the flat stuff the stock gearing is comfortable and quick, but after going up for while now... things are getting creaky.

Having gone from an 07 Giant XTC1 for my commuter to the Lager, the chromoly framed Lager definately flexed around a bit - but not as much as the budget set of spokes - as everyone else here has said, GET YOURSELF A BURLY SET OF WHEELS. The machine laced wheels (which I freely admit are cheapies) flexed constantly, went out of true and the rear blew two spokes (one snapped clean in two as I was holding the rim) within a couple of weeks of getting the bike.

Invest in a good set of wheels or at least get a good mech to relace the stock wheels with some decent spokes.

I've been looking at 61cm roadies - at the moment the MASI as they are steel but since (I'm pretty sure) the Treks and C'dales have lifetime frame warranties they should be ok too. There is always the custom frame option if the cash is available - a good Australian handmade frame will go the distance and follow up service not a problem since you know who put the bike together to start with.

 

[Lanky Love]

Im 6'4" I ride a trek 1400slr in a 62cm size (same as 60cm in compact geometry). Its alloy, but a great frame, I regularly do 100-200km rides and it is very comfy, having said that, I dont have much experience on other road frames. Check out the Treks, they are pretty big, so it wont be too hard to find the right size frame.

 

[NCR600]

Thanks guys!

I punched my details into one of the online bike fit computers and came up with a much smaller frame size than I expected: 55-57cm (seat tube) in the competitive fit! I wasn't expecting that! The "French Fit" was much closer to my guess at 59-62, but that's apparently for tourers and long distance specialists.

I've also checked out a few bike shops and the general consensus seems to be that I need decent wheels, and get the frame with the best warranty, which apparently means Cannondale.

They tried to sell me a CAAD9 5. Any opinions on this bike? any suggestions for online fit calculators and how to use them? I'd like to at least have half an idea of what size I am before forking out for a fit at a shop.

cheers again!

 

[RCOH]

Hey piers, did you look at the Surly Pacer? You could probs get a surly complete and some nice wheels for the same price as a Connondale.

Just a thought.

 

[struggles]

I know you said you dont want a SS/fixie but i have been riding SS both on and off road for about 4 years with no problems at all.

I am 6'3" and have hovered around the 120-127kg mark for all that time too.

My current roadie is a Felt Dispatch in 58cm and I have not touched the wheels at all since new and ride some fairly rough roads.

 

[Carlin]

I don't know if the Pacers are imported by DW? I could be wrong.

Otherwise the Salsa Casserole looks good, and maybe built a little stronger than a race bike.

Soma and Masi also make some nice looking steel fames/bikes that I can think of off the top of my head. I can't really comment on the durability.

 

[McBain]

I don't know if the Pacers are imported by DW? I could be wrong.

Not any more. Makes mine worth more.

Soma and Masi also make some nice looking steel fames/bikes that I can think of off the top of my head. I can't really comment on the durability.

I've seen a fixed Soma develop cracks around the seat tube, but that was with some pretty hard riding.

 

[Oddjob]

I'm actually heavier than you NCR and have been riding a alloy Avanti Giro roadie and a Kona Sutra steel tourer so I might have a slightly different take on things.

Firstly, do you want a comfortable or a quick bike? If you want a bike that's mainly for commuting and the odd long ride then I'd recommend a steel tourer. It'll be the more comfortable and be better for hucking off gutters and all the other stuff that's involved in commuting. I'd suggest having a look at the Kona range especially the Sutra and the Honky Tonk. There's also the Masi and Soma's as someone has already mentioned or the Long Haul Trucker from Surly.

If you want a quick bike for training then definitely go an alloy roadie. It will be a lot harder on your body but you will definitely feel the difference in stiffness and speed. The only thing I might add is that if you get a alloy frame with a carbon rear end it might be a bit less murderous on your body without losing too much stiffness. I've had no problems with my Avanti over the last 2 years and I suspect any of the major makes would be fine.

In terms of tough wheelsets it's pretty hard to go past a set of the Velocity Deep V wheels. 32 spokes, sealed bearings and indestructible rims at a reasonable weight and price.

If you do get a custom set of wheels made up, 32h Shimano Ultegra hubs laced to Mavic CXP33 rims would be my pick.

 

[NCR600]

Well thanks for all the info! More than I can handle!

I need to break it down I think. I'm still liking the idea of a single/fixed from the view of simplicity and cost. I just don't think my knees will hack it. Or my fitness when faced with a hill.

I'm not looking for a commuter at this stage, I have my old Avanti Competitor goat bike which can cover those dyties should the need arise.

What I want to do is some gentle road rides on sunday morning to build my fitness back up to the point I was at 10 years ago doing loops through Bobbin Head and the Old Highway. Shouldn't be too much of an ask as 10 years ago I might have been younger but I was doing my road training on an XC bike running off road tyres at off road pressures!

So the thought seems to be at the moment:

Alloy framed bike, but not to discount carbon, and hand built wheels.

I'm told (by bike salesmen) that the sweet spot for new bikes if the $2500 to $4000 range with an extra grand on the wheels. I'd prefer not to spend that much, but if the pessimist in me wants a warranty that's what I'll have to do.

I'm still taking submissions for frames/bikes to look at in the flesh, but I'd really like a hand sorting my sizing out. Any good fit calculators to reccomend, or should I just fork out for a pro fit?

 

[mushroom]

I think they're right about the sweet spot for road bikes really, especially towards the lower end of that price range, even as low as $2k if your not including the cost of new custom wheels.

Your onto it with the hand built wheels, too. Don't get hung up on what wheels come with the bike. This is often where manufacturers skimp or differentiate between their models. Often it is better to just forget the wheels that come with the bike (sell them on ebay, keep them as spares) and get a some custom ones made as you said. At your weight avoid low spoke count wheels as well. Good 32 spoke hand built wheels will be much stronger and more reliable, and not even necessarily heavier.

www.twowheelsenterprises.com.au get good reviews from everyone I've spoken to that has used them, and they're quick to respond to emails.

 

[DeanoG]

Re the fit question. If it were me, I'd pay the $'s for the custom fit process.

I got the bikefitting.com fit from the LBS here, cost about $100. It gives you a useful set of numbers that you can use as the basis for research/purchase, and seeing as Im no longer growing the numbers should be good till I lose my flexibility in old age...

I ended up buying from the same shop that fit me, so I got the fit price taken off the bikes purchase price (I imagine most LBS's would have a similar arrangment).

As to what to buy, you are pretty much spolit for choice at your height and price point. Pick any big brand name manufacturer, and look at their 58cm-60cm stuff. I wouldnt have a problem going CF at that price point, though you would most likely get a better gruppo and finishing kit with an Alu frame.

Wheel wise I've only ridden the campy pre-built wheels (Eurus & Fulcrum) but have had no issues with the quality & true-ness of the wheels (I got up to 100kg for a while). Unless your pounding cobbles / potholes I'd have no issues going for a factory build wheel set.

2nd hand stuff can be got for an awesome deal, though the 58+ cm stuff is harder to come by. As an aside, I saw that Focus bikes are doing awesome deals at the moment. Made in Asia frames but value for $'s trumps even Giant & Spec, and by a loooong way too.

 

[james540]

My two cents

I,m 6,3 and 110kg,s and recently got my first road bike.I was on a budget and could not afford the entry level price of cycling at $1000 or so for anyhing half decent.I also looked at second hand bikes but became very frustrated with all the small bikes i found.Then whilst picking up my mountain bike from a service i stumbled across the "Dimondback Criterium" only $599 at the TBSM.
Extra large frame carbon forks and seat post,the perfect entry level roadie for me, i currently ride 20 to 30 klm,s per day and have about 2500klm,s on it.I just had a second service and replaced the rear cassette and the stretched chain and it rides justs like new again.
Just a thought for somone on a budget.