N+1 for a big guy.

[Baggies Man]

Hi all, i've decided i want a new bike, a road bike.

A little bit of background first, to help you understand my thought processes,

I started cycling a year ago, the primary aim being to lose weight, i bought a Carrera Kraken mtb, and started riding canal paths & trails locally just 2-3 miles at first but the weight has being coming off slowly but surely and its became apparent that i absolutely love my cycling hobby.

So now i'm 6.5 stone lighter than i was this time last year (currently weighing in at 20 stone) and i ride 20-40 miles on the road 3-4 times a week. The Kraken has served me well and i still enjoy riding it off road, but i have a craving to get myself a road bike for the road cycling that i do.

So here's my plan. I've been thinking about buying a road bike in the next month or so for about £300-£400 as a winter hack & to see if i enjoy drop bar bikes. If i like it and feel the need to upgrade i will then think about getting a higher spec bike maybe March/April next year, budget £1000-£1500.

Here's where i have a few questions, Does it make sense to get a cheaper bike first, or should i just wait till next year and buy a more expensive one from the off?

Am i still too heavy for a road bike at 20 stone?

Bikes i've been looking at are the Triban 500 SE at £349.99, and the Vitus Razor road bike at £374.99. Which would be the best choice? or any other recommendations more than welcome that would suit a heavier cyclist.

Cheers all, Mark.

 

[vickster]

On a cheaper bike especially the triban you'll need stronger wheels, so budget for that, stock triban wheels are made of Brie

Why do you think you might not get on with drop bars, most road bikes are ridden on the hoods 90% or more of the time. I'd get a better bike for the winter, like a ribble or Dolan that you can spec with better wheels

 

[uclown2002]

At your budget:- http://www.merlincycles.com/felt-f95-road-bike-2014-boxed-72331.html is very good value.

However I'd be inclined to stretch it and take advantage of this fantastic offer assuming the size fits:- http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28111...currency=GBP&gclid=CP-tub_EhsACFVIPtAodtmIA3g

 

[cyberknight]

Why not pop up to decathlon near Nottingham and have a look ?

 

[Roadrider48]

Th

At your budget:- http://www.merlincycles.com/felt-f95-road-bike-2014-boxed-72331.html is very good value.

However I'd be inclined to stretch it and take advantage of this fantastic offer assuming the size fits:- http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28111...currency=GBP&gclid=CP-tub_EhsACFVIPtAodtmIA3g

That Defy is cheap!

 

[Donger]

I'd get a decent second hand touring bike. It will have that road bike feel to it (if not quite the same speed), while retaining slightly bigger tyres and stronger wheels to allow you to keep doing the canal towpaths that you have enjoyed, while also being at home on the open road. I ride a tourer, and I love mixing it up .... heading out on the road, and back by the canal path or old railway path on a whim.

 

[Baggies Man]

On a cheaper bike especially the triban you'll need stronger wheels, so budget for that, stock triban wheels are made of Brie

Why do you think you might not get on with drop bars, most road bikes are ridden on the hoods 90% or more of the time. I'd get a better bike for the winter, like a ribble or Dolan that you can spec with better wheels

At your budget:- http://www.merlincycles.com/felt-f95-road-bike-2014-boxed-72331.html is very good value.

However I'd be inclined to stretch it and take advantage of this fantastic offer assuming the size fits:- http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28111...currency=GBP&gclid=CP-tub_EhsACFVIPtAodtmIA3g

The budget wont stretch for a better bike this side of Xmas and is about £400 max, which is why i'm unsure what to do, i'll have more available cash next spring for a more expensive option but aaargh its 8 months away and i dont have that patience lol. The Felt bike looks like a good option to think about though.

Why not pop up to decathlon near Nottingham and have a look ?

Yeah, i was thinking about popping down there if i decided on a closer look at a Triban, still in the browsing stage atm though.

I'd get a decent second hand touring bike. It will have that road bike feel to it (if not quite the same speed), while retaining slightly bigger tyres and stronger wheels to allow you to keep doing the canal towpaths that you have enjoyed, while also being at home on the open road. I ride a tourer, and I love mixing it up .... heading out on the road, and back by the canal path or old railway path on a whim.

Have been thinking about that option too, or even a cyclocross bike, though there seems to be less choice available for my initial budget.

 

[vickster]

Interest free credit card

Decathlon then, but you will need new wheels. Get a used one, add better wheels

Or @biggs682

 

[Baggies Man]

Interest free credit card

Decathlon then, but you will need new wheels. Get a used one, add better wheels

Or @biggs682

Any particular wheels you'd recommend that wont break the bank? Am i looking for 36 spoke or will 32 spoke be enough do you think?

 

[vickster]

I assume a 36...have a look here at similar thread

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/new-wheels-for-the-robust-rider.162035/

 

[Baggies Man]

Cheers bud.

 

[cyberknight]

Does your employer do C2W ?

 

[cyberknight]

So we still up for a ride at some point ?
@Baggies Man
@simon the viking
Who else was there?
Might not get the bike out of hiding tomorrow given the forecast

 

[simon the viking]

So we still up for a ride at some point ?
@Baggies Man
@simon the viking
Who else was there?
Might not get the bike out of hiding tomorrow given the forecast
View attachment 52883

I think @MickeyBlueEyes and @ThinAir were both interested but thinair isn't in the area just visits family iirc so we need to see when he's about, I'm busy every Sunday (and work saturday) until the first Sunday in September......Sorry...... so if it happens before then I'll have to skip it but free most Sundays in September

 

[smokeysmoo]

IIRC Fuji have a weight limit on their frames of about 16 stone! That stopped me buying an AR2 a few years ago

Other than that a quick email to any manufacturer and they'll let you know their own weight limits, but IME most don't have any limits on their frames, components are a different matter though.

So as long as the frame has no weight limits just get what ever bike you like, then stick either a pair of handbuilt 32 hole wheels on it, or a pair of Halo Aerorage wheels, I use them and they're bombproof and slightly cheaper than handbuilts will be