Questions about mountain bicycle?

Frieza C

New member
I weigh around 280 pounds give or take. Im wanting to get a trek hardtail mountain bike. Will it support my weight? Do you think I will be able to ride the bike to town on the first day when I get it? I will try to ride to town on the first day.
 
It should, as Trek is known for good bicycles. However, even in a good bicycle brand compromises can be made in the number of spokes in the rear wheel and the spoke thickness. I bought a higher end commuter bike and it started breaking rear wheel spokes after only 3,000 miles. Since I only weigh 130 pounds, that is unusual. I found that they used 32 spokes of 1.8 mm, and of poor quality. The dealer rebuilt the wheel using 2.0 mm spokes, DT swiss brand, and no further problems (6,000 more miles to date). So the more spokes in the rear wheel you get, and the thicker spoke material, the better. Tandem bicycles have the strongest wheels, our Tandem has 40 spokes of 2.0 mm diameter.
 
It should, as Trek is known for good bicycles. However, even in a good bicycle brand compromises can be made in the number of spokes in the rear wheel and the spoke thickness. I bought a higher end commuter bike and it started breaking rear wheel spokes after only 3,000 miles. Since I only weigh 130 pounds, that is unusual. I found that they used 32 spokes of 1.8 mm, and of poor quality. The dealer rebuilt the wheel using 2.0 mm spokes, DT swiss brand, and no further problems (6,000 more miles to date). So the more spokes in the rear wheel you get, and the thicker spoke material, the better. Tandem bicycles have the strongest wheels, our Tandem has 40 spokes of 2.0 mm diameter.
 
How far away is town ? You don't want to over do yourself on the first day. Even a 120 pound person shouldn't try to do too much.You should talk to a doctor to see if this is ok for you to do.
When you buy your bike, make sure they sell you the right size.And buy a helmet as well.
Good luck.
 
The bike will handle the weight. However, if you are going to ride on the road, look more for a hybrid. The shocks on most of the entry level bikes will have a weak lockout (if it locks) and will have minimal adjustments (air adjustment to take your weight).

Good luck! Cycling is a great activity.
 
Trek rates their mountain bikes at 300 but if you want to ride on the road most of the time that is not the way to go. The shocks will eat up too much energy unless you get ones with lockouts. The knobby tires are not very comfortable for hard surfaces and also have higher rolling resistance. Talk with the shop owner and they can help you with the correct selection and size. As being able to bike to town it will depend on the terrain and your fitness level.

You want to start out with short rides until you get use to the saddle. You want to warm up with a very easy pace for the first 10 min. Pedaling at a high cadence 70-90 rpm's in a gear that is easy to pedal will help keep your legs from getting tired. Pedaling slow and mashing on the pedals will kill you legs very quickly. Ride for distance and don't worry about speed you will get faster as you get stronger and liter.
 
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