Will this bike hold a heavy weight?

[Gmckinley]

Hi,

My husband is wanting to lose weight and we have decided to buy a bike each to go out cycling regularly as well as dieting.

He weighs 26 stone, so we aren't quite sure what type of bike is best to hold his weight.
He is 6ft 4in and is 32 years old. He is in good health, apart from his obvious weight issues.

We have identified a bike from halfords for £249 and wondered if anyone had any advice as to whether this bike would hold his weight ok or not. Below are the specs and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Gemma

RALEIGH TALUS 1 MENS MOUNTAIN BIKE
OVERVIEW

• Approximate Weight (KG): 16
• Forks: Suntour M3017
• Frame Material: Alloy
• Front Brake: Alloy V Brake
• Number of Gears: 18
• Rear Brake: Alloy V Brake
• Wheel Size: 26"

DETAILED SPECS

• Chainset: Suntour XCC
• Frame Colour: Matt Black
• Front Mech: Shimano TZ50
• Gear Shifters: Shimano EF40
• Gender: Mens
• Headset: Ahead
• Hubs: Alloy
• Pedals: MTB resin
• Quick Release Wheels: Yes
• Rear Mech: Shimano Tourney
• Rims: Alloy
• Saddle: Raleigh MTB
• Seatpost: Alloy
• Stem: Alloy A head
• Suspension: Rigid
• Tyres: Kenda Kineteics

 

[Paul.G.]

He's a tall bloke at 6ft 4, he might look better on a 29er instead of one with 26 inch wheels

 

[cyberknight]

I cant comment on the raleigh but i have a subway which is tough as old boots.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810603_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[SteCenturion]

He's a tall bloke at 6ft 4, he might look better on a 29er instead of one with 26 inch wheels

+1 on the 29er, more of a comment on fit & geometry though.

 

[MikeG]

Just a quick aside: someone weighing 26 stone should go to the doctor for a quick check up and chat before starting any exercise.

 

[Saluki]

Have a look here for inspiration from our very own Gaz who went from 39 stone to somewhere in the mid 11s. He inspired my husband who was heading just over 18 stone 3 or 4 years ago.

 

[Pale Rider]

At 26 stone the main risk will be breaking spokes, the frame will take the weight easily enough.

For this budget you won't get quality branded wheels, so I was going to suggest going for 36 spokes rather than 32.

Strange to relate, looks like the Raleigh you are looking at has 36 spokes.

I think you could do a lot worse.

Pic here for anyone who wants to check my quick count:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/20255...gin=pla?kwd=&gclid=CPP2z5yCkL4CFYrjwgod95kAsw

 

[User6179]

I think a 26 inch wheel will handle his weight better than a 29inch wheel .

 

[Pale Rider]

I think a 26 inch wheel will handle his weight better than a 29inch wheel .

I wondered about that, but I'm sure I read somewhere smaller wheels, conversely, are weaker.

Someone will know.

 

[User6179]

I wondered about that, but I'm sure I read somewhere smaller wheels, conversely, are weaker.

Someone will know.

Maybe but I would of thought the bigger the wheel the more flex ,

 

[Gmckinley]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. He went into the shop today and they said for the budget we had, this bike should serve him well, so they have ordered one in to collect next week.

Thanks saluki for the link, what an inspiration he is. I'll definitely get the hubby to have a read through the blog before he starts, it should motivate him even further.

Thanks again everyone
Gemma

 

[sreten]

Hi,

I imagine to start off with mud plugging isn't going to be on the agenda,
and that the tyres the bike does come with will not be very suitable.

Immediately fit a pair of these IMO : Michelin City 26"x1.85"
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/michelin-city-bike-tyre/rp-prod69985
The Reflex are £24 a pair delivered. They will handle roads and paths,
and make the bike a much better all rounder to start off on.

Make sure the model they get in is the 23" (biggest size).

rgds, sreten.