After going through a bit of a down-time, I’ve come out the other side significantly more of a man than I was (some 160kg of man to be precise).
I’d like to get back on my bike to help shift some of this but unfortunately, my bike was stolen not too long ago.
Accordingly, I’m in the market. Needing something that will stand up to my bulk at least in the short term.
Prefer hard tail, short to mid travel. Budget £1-2k but can stretch if it’s a longer term prospect. Riding trail centres with wheels firmly on the ground.
Any tips from STW’s most rotund?
Most frames will be able to cope with 160kgs, it’s the wheels and some other components you might need to pick carefully.
Proper wheel build, with strong rims and DH casing tyres will help to prevent constant damage/pinch flats.
Any air fork on the market will struggle to get proper sag/height at your weight though. I’m 115kgs and have always had to run any air shocks and forks right at the stated upper limits to get results. That’s why I switched to coils as in most forks, I can find a spring to suit. But, I’m right at the upper end of spring weights as it is.
DH front disk brake with a big rotor will help with stopping too. Most other components should be good for your size as well.
I ride a Trek Roscoe 8, added a 34mm fork, 4 pot SLX brakes(203mm front & 180mm rear). Been to the peaks, BPW no problem
At around 130kg i dont have any issues being near the limits of shock or fork pressure on rockshox stuff, this is better than it used to be where i would have to be right on the upper limit of psi if not over it. Im riding a transition sentinel with zebs, big wheels and tyres, 4 pot brakes with big rotors and for the most part things are pretty reliable, just got to keep up with maintenance on things like brake pads and drivetrain parts.
this is better than it used to be where i would have to be right on the upper limit of psi if not over it.
this is good to know. I've been on coils now for about 15 years so glad things have changed.
