"Peter Cole" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<
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> "Ron" <
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news:[email protected]...
> > Due to years of rugby injuries (knees), I've decided to start riding to stay in shape this
> > coming spring (easier on the knees vs. 8 mile runs). I'm 6'4", 248lbs and very fit. My problem
> > is that most road bikes I've investigated are made for the 145lb athlete. Can someone please
> > point me to a source that would cater to my build. I'm very serious and want to work very hard.
> > I have an old touring bike that's extremely heavy and cumbersome to ride.
>
> I'm 6'10", 230 lb. I have several bikes and do a variety of riding, including fast (20+ mph),
> intermediate distance (30-50 mile) club rides as well as many long distance rides (100-250 mile)
> each season. All of my bikes are made from touring frames. My favorite is a Cannondale. Touring
> frames are particularly well suited for large riders, being a little stronger, and having a little
> more wheelbase, and generally larger frame clearances to fit a larger range of tire sizes. A
> touring bike may not be what you need, but a touring frame built up with more standard components
> may suit you well. I think fat tubed aluminum frames are slightly better for strong riders in
> large frame sizes because of their increase lateral stiffness, but that's not a huge issue.
> Cannondale and Klein make "racing" bikes with this sort of frame, the large riders I know who have
> them have been quite happy with them.
>
> At 248 lb, you're likely to have wheel issues. Some people (like myself) are easy on wheels, and
> can get away with conventional ones. I have a pair of 32 spoke Mavic/Ultegra (Open Pro, with
> aluminum nipples) that have held up well for years, even with 23 mm tires. I also have a set of
> heavier, custom made 36 spoke wheels with touring rims that I leave fatter tires on (28 mm) for
> long, rural rides. It's vitally important that your wheels be well tensioned and stress relieved
> (see the FAQ). I've had good luck with factory built wheels that I have carefully gone over myself
> after learning the process (it's not hard). With your size and build, stay away from "stupid
> light" components (stems, handlebars, seatposts), you should be OK with standard group components.
I really appreciate the help with this topic. I'll investigate all of the above. In addition to my
size, I'm a real novice and haven't worked out on a bike since college (other than a sadistic
spinning class). Thanks!