Basic bike for big guy

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Hi, I am just doing my research on a new bike and came across your article on what you considered a big guy riding that kept breaking frames. Well I am 280 lbs and want a bike to ride down simple trails and roads with my kids. I was looking at the Iron horse Maverick 3.0 and the Norco Mountineer … not sure which one would work best for me? Also the guy at the bike shop has me worried I will bend the back axle on these 2 bikes just going off a curb and suggested the Norco Bush pilot which is a little more thant I want to spend. Is there another bike that you could recommend that is around the $400 mark. Thanks
Sean

The more you click, the more I can post. Lee Likes Groceries dot com!

Hi Sean,

At that price point, most bikes are similar. As long as you’re smooth, the bike will hold up fine. When it comes to impact forces, speed does more damage than mass.

Crazy 100-lb kids are harder on bikes than mellow 280-pound adults.

— Lee

3 replies
  1. Russ says:

    Hi,
    I am a big guy too… I do a lot of freeriding and DH. The first bike that has lasted me any time is a Banshee Scream. Love it. Sounds like overkill for what you want though. I had no probs on regular Hardtail frames, the only trouble I had was Shimano XT freehubs but that was mostly from urban rides and riding down stairs.

  2. Erich says:

    Like Lee says, most bikes in that price range are pretty similar, just make sure you get a cassette hub (not a freehub). Ask the shop guy specifically where that change happens in the lineup (usually around $300). They don’t look much different, but you will bend the axle on a freehub. Get a cassette hub and doublewall rims and you’ll be rolling for awhile!! Have fun!!

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