Big bike to Afghanistan

Hi (I'm new). I'm sure that this has been covered, but I needed some quick advice, if someone could help.

My son is in Afghanistan, and he wants me to send him a mountain bike. He's 6'4" and weighs probably 265...

Can anyone recommend the toughest, biggest and strongest bike I could buy online, and less than $1,000US, if possible?

Your recommendations appreciated...

What did your son ride when he was Stateside?

My almost-universal recommendation for larger riders who want a MTB would be a RALEIGH XXIX because it has a robust steel frame -- a 29er has larger wheels than a 'regular' MTB (26" wheels).

There are several versions of the RALEIGH XXIX, now -- you should consider the XXIX+G which is geared & has a front suspension fork (~$1300+, retail ... if you find shop which has a 2009 model, then you should be able to get it for about $1000-or-less since the selling "season" is over if anyone has one in stock and dealers need to clear existing inventory to make way for 2010 models) ... a 2008 model should only cost about $700 +/-. A person who is 6'4" would select the 'L' frame.


If you find a local shop that sells Raleigh which still has any in inventory, they may have one that is still boxed OR they can order a 2010, keep it in the shipping carton, then tell you when it arrive, and then you would pay for it, and (if they are nice) they would haul it to the Post Office & send it out for you ...

Personally, if I were a local bike shop then I would consider a pre-next year sale as almost better than a post-season sale because I wouldn't need to do anything other than be a momentary middleman & the bike would not spend any time in inventory -- basically, the shop would be "drop shipping" the bike to your son the way a mail order retailer would since there would be ZERO assembly or after sale service. Your shop may not look at it that way, however!

So, optimistically, as low as $800 +/- before postage/shipping fees?!?

$1050 should be doable on a 2010 since it's going to be only a matter of paperwork on a guaranteed sale (I would expect you to leave a $100-to-$150 non-refundable deposit, BTW).

The limitation with MOST ready-to-ride Mountain Bikes is that the wheels will only have 32 spokes per wheel, and a wheel built with 36 spokes per wheel would probably be better for a heavier rider (265 lbs. qualifies as a heavier rider).

Presuming your son is in the military, shipping will be to an APO, or equivalent. Most mail order sellers will not send to an APO; so, you'll probably have to take receipt of the bike (i.e., pay taxes) & bring it to the Post Office yourself.

N.B. The local bike shop MAY be able/(willing) to list your son's in-country address as the location of the sale & thereby not need to charge you the sales tax; particularly, if they are willing to haul the bike to the PO (or, have the postal carrier pick it up). ASK!!

If your son isn't in the military, then he needs to find someone who is to whom the bike can be sent c/o ("care of") otherwise shipping may be all but impossible.

Is it safe to ride in Afghanistan?

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Steve
CyclingForums.com