Just like all other things, it is difficult to find plus size in bicycles a well. What we mean is, it is quite a struggle to find bikes for 300 lbs man. However, it is changing now! Different bicycle brands have considered their need in the market, and they are coming up with different models for overweight people.
Here are a few tips to look at before going for your new heavy bicycle shopping:
- Longevity Or Durability- When you are looking to buy a road bike for a heavy rider, you don’t have to worry about the longevity as it will not cost you an arm and a leg.
For a heavy bicycle to be durable, you need to consider the frame of the cycle. The frame of the bike should be rigid enough to uphold the weight. For this purpose, aluminum alloy, steel or titanium (titanium is the expensive option among the rest). Another plus point is that these bikes will be very lightweight, almost 10kgs.
Another aspect that you should consider in terms of longevity is the wheels. It is important to have a bicycle with a wheel having over 20 spokes. A normal bicycle contains 16-18 spokes, however, this count won’t be enough for a heavy rider.
Thirdly, the width of the tires should also be taken into account. One should look for a tire that is over 28 mm if he or she is a heavy rider.
- Comfort- Comfort of a bicycle depends upon the saddle, paddles, and the handlebars. So, if a person weighs a little too much, it is recommended to have a wider saddle, thick bar tapes or two layers of bar tapes on the handles and the comfortable paddles.
- Gearing Ratio- For an entry-level bike, it is okay to have two chain links and nine gears. However, the most important factor is to use a compact crankset that has 30-40 teeth on the smaller ring while 50 teeth on the bigger ring.