Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on May 24, 2018 at 5:59pm

Hey James, interesting question! I was curious and did a google search and found some links: 

https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a20010358/bikes-and-gear-for-b...

https://centurycycles.com/tips/tech-talk-bikes-for-heavy-riders-pg1...

Plus, Trek's 1996 manual, which describes the 830 having oversized tubes (but no specific weight limit)...

http://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fisher-Klein-Lemond/1996specmanual...

It seems like your old bike might be ok, especially if you upgrade the wheels, but it also seems like if you have $800 for a Worksman then you could go bomb-proof from the get go:

https://www.worksmancycles.com/big-bikes.html

Personally, i would want the security of knowing my frame and wheels were built for the weight rather than feeling anxious about the bike during a ride, but i get not everyone can dive into a brand new bike... Good luck and hope you can get out for a ride soon!

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on May 24, 2018 at 11:42pm

It should be absolutely fine.

The seat post slipping and the shifter are probably not even related to weight and can be taken care of by any decent bike shop.

As for the weight issue; 300 pounds is on the high end of the scale but as long as you keep up on having the wheels trued and take good care of them you are going to be fine.  If you do have any issues it will probably be with the rear wheel.  If that is an issue have a 36 or 40 hole rear wheel BUILT using a nice rim and you will have no problems.

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Permalink Reply by Elwood Gruschow on May 26, 2018 at 3:11am

You don't need bigger tires or special shifters.  My tandem carries well over 300 the few times it gets out.  It does have special wheels, 40 spoke and tandem rims.  It has a "normal" shifters and "normal" 27 x 1 1/4 tires.

  As far as the frame, I would just conservatively ride your Trek.  That means don't jump curbs etc.  Some common weight athletic riders can leg press over 1000 lb.  That isn't directed to the seat post but it is stressing the frame through handlebars and cranks.  A suspension seatpost could lessen stress on frame and your butt but follow the weight ratings of those before buying.  I , 200lbs now,   once broke a cheap suspension post. I think it was a kalloy or some name like that, not good.

  I had  a seatpost that kept slipping, I installed a second seat post clamp above the frame directly on the post.  Such a set-up would not help twisting but it would not slip down. 

See you on the road.

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