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New Big and Tall Rider looking for a bike

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New Big and Tall Rider looking for a bike
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flag Hillkidstr
Posted: Oct 8, 2020 at 19:47 Quote
I am very new to biking but have decided I would like to give it a go, I'm currently 6ft 7 and weigh about 320lbs i have done some research and reckon I should be looking for a hardtail 29er? In an XL frame, apart from that im still none the wiser as it seems like a mine field when it comes to makes and models I have a £1000 budget but don't want to buy the wrong bike and spend more fixing it or modifying it to make it suitable.
flag Reaperactual
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 0:07 Quote
Being heavier and taller means there are things to consider. Bigger 29" wheels are generally slightly weaker than 27.5 and you don't necessarily have to have a 29er as long as the bike fits your height.

https://bikesreviewed.com/mountain/best-bikes-for-heavy-riders/

This Nukeproof is great value for money, has 27.5 wheels, good strong burly air sprung forks, a robust frame as it's built for trail riding, thru axle Boost front and rear, the XL has sizing up to 6'7".

A £100 over budget but they actually have XL in stock which is quite rare with the current situation so is worth a look at:-

https://www.mtbmonster.com/nukeproof-scout-275-race-2021/?setCurrencyId=2&setCurrencyId=2#fo_c=302&fo_k=4af78cf104b64f0dfac7f9e94906dac0&fo_s=gsuruk

If you're going to riding hard it's a good idea to keep on top of servicing/maintenance and possibly more powerful braking upgrades in the future for obvious reasons.
flag zdrenduro67
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 0:19 Quote
Hey hillkidstr,

I am also on the taller and heavier side, currently I am 6'1" and 265 lbs, I am an offensive lineman right now and do not expect to lose the weight in the near future...anyway I have noticed that the arm length of taller riders does make us sit differently than someone who is 5'4" and also braking is a big problem at times for me, when it is steep at 265 I do NOT stop, you being heavier I think you will have the same problem, for this I recommend bigger brakes such as 203 mm rotors and top of the line brakes with fins for cooling, I know that those are expensive but it really helps me out, let me know if you have any other questions I am happy to help!

Cheers
flag Hillkidstr
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 0:48 Quote
Thank you for your answers, I did forget to ask how do you get on with pedals as having size 15 feet I was wondering if it would cause any issues?

Good note on the brakes last thing I want is not being able to stop.

Tempted by that nukeproof but sadly the shop is currently mail order only. I did look for a diamondback 29er in the UK as it seems to pop up on alot of websites but not really found anywhere.
flag Reaperactual
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 1:18 Quote
No worries. The Nukeproof is a Chain Reaction Cycles/ Wiggle own brand which is why it's good value and good spec. the downside of big retailers own brand bikes is they are nearly always mail order unfortunately.

Finding a bike in stock anywhere at the moment is going to be difficult. The fact you're looking for an XL size will hopefully help finding something?

The second hand market would be worth a look to get a barely used top range hardtail within budget this time of year.

I have size 11" feet and use standard flat platform pedals which should be fine although there are certain brands that do pedals with a bigger surface area so worth an internet search.

Whichever you decide to buy a trail orientated frame for strength and burly forks with Boost thru axles is generally what would be most important for the strong build type of bike you're after.
flag Hillkidstr
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 1:45 Quote
Thank you Reaperactual, I am open to used bikes, as I know there can be bargains.

Thats good to know about the pedals.

Are there anymore you would be able to recommend I have seen stuff like the Trek Farley 5?

Thank you for all of your help so far it is greatly appreciated.
flag Reaperactual
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 3:04 Quote
No probs Hillkidstr. Fat bikes aren't my thing but big tyres with rigid forks are probably a good way to go for strength and a comfortable ride.

I owned an entry level Whyte for a couple of years then began to realise it's limitations as skill improved so looked for a 27.5 trail hardtail with a similar criteria of what your looking for. Spent around two months on Google, YouTube etc. researching and finding out about spec. so would suggest taking your time, learning what all those numbers mean and choosing based on what you require.

I went over budget by a few hundred quid on a new Orange Clockwork Evo S, but it got a bargain sale price as it was just before the new years model came out. It was mail order from a shop in South Wales so the research was necessary as I wasn't going to even sit on one before committing to a purchase. Would be easier to source locally and get a test ride first if possible.

Nukeproof Scout, Vitus Sentier, Ragley Marley, Sonder Transmitter and Trek were on my shortlist in the £1000 price range for me personally. All worth a look and most bikes have both 27.5 and 29er versions so easy to get the wheel size you want.

So much choice out there and lots of other highly regarded Hardtails in a higher price bracket would be a great option second hand but don't have any first hand knowledge or experience with them so can't comment.

Most new bike are supplied with 180mm rotors on the front so upgrading to a 203mm was the first thing I did as it's a cheap and effective way to boost braking performance. Mid to high range, Icetech or perhaps even 4 piston caliper brakes would give you the best braking possible and (as mentioned by zdrenduro67) could be worthwhile down the line.

As a side note a 1x drivetrain is great and should be almost a given on bikes at your budget so I'd expect that as part of the spec. to be fitted on whatever you choose.
flag Hillkidstr
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 11:44 Quote
Thank you again all seem lole really good bikes I am tempted to stretch a bit further and possibly buy the nukeproof scout pro instead of the race as it comes with upgraded brakes aswell as other things.
flag zdrenduro67
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 12:43 Quote
Hillkidstr wrote:
Thank you for your answers, I did forget to ask how do you get on with pedals as having size 15 feet I was wondering if it would cause any issues?

Good note on the brakes last thing I want is not being able to stop.

Tempted by that nukeproof but sadly the shop is currently mail order only. I did look for a diamondback 29er in the UK as it seems to pop up on alot of websites but not really found anywhere.
I have size 13 feet and I have no problem, but I do run clips not flats
flag Reaperactual
Posted: Oct 9, 2020 at 23:01 Quote
Hillkidstr wrote:
Thank you again all seem lole really good bikes I am tempted to stretch a bit further and possibly buy the nukeproof scout pro instead of the race as it comes with upgraded brakes aswell as other things.

The Scout Pro would probably be my next bike if I was looking. Wow that's a good looking bike. Drool High end forks, DT Swiss wheels, drivetrain, dropper post, 4 pot brakes, great tyres.... the list goes on.

Seems a big jump in price from the Race version but worth every penny as absolutely every component is a big step up from the base model.

In proper serious hardtail territory now Pal, you wouldn't need to change a thing with a bike like that. A definite contender. tup
flag Hillkidstr
Posted: Jan 29, 2021 at 18:29 Quote
Well sadly after spending what seems like a lifetime looking for a bike I still haven't found one as the XL Nukeproof is too small Frown I have been advised to get an XXL frame bike with 29" wheels and tyres as wide as possible by multiple shops but no one seems to be able to help me as there just isn't the stock. I have tried to look for a second hand bike but I have no idea what I am looking at. The best I have found is a specialised rockhopper sport 29er in XXL for £500 which is great for the budget but after a bit of googling it appears that the forks aren't very good and usually need an upgrade and it is better to buy the expert model? what are peoples opinions on this?

I was also looking at the Trek Roscoe 8 but that comes with 27.5" wheels and nearly all the shops have said to get 29" so feel this wouldn't be suitable.

My head has turned to mush after looking at so many bikes and trying to work out what I need, i'm half tempted to just buy the Rockhopper Sport and see how I get on?

If anyone can help or point me in the direction of shops that have stock I would greatly appreciate it.
flag zdrenduro67
Posted: Mar 9, 2021 at 20:21 Quote
Hillkidstr wrote:
Well sadly after spending what seems like a lifetime looking for a bike I still haven't found one as the XL Nukeproof is too small Frown I have been advised to get an XXL frame bike with 29" wheels and tyres as wide as possible by multiple shops but no one seems to be able to help me as there just isn't the stock. I have tried to look for a second hand bike but I have no idea what I am looking at. The best I have found is a specialised rockhopper sport 29er in XXL for £500 which is great for the budget but after a bit of googling it appears that the forks aren't very good and usually need an upgrade and it is better to buy the expert model? what are peoples opinions on this?

I was also looking at the Trek Roscoe 8 but that comes with 27.5" wheels and nearly all the shops have said to get 29" so feel this wouldn't be suitable.

My head has turned to mush after looking at so many bikes and trying to work out what I need, i'm half tempted to just buy the Rockhopper Sport and see how I get on?

If anyone can help or point me in the direction of shops that have stock I would greatly appreciate it.
I did not even know that they made XXL bikes, and right now is not a great time to be looking for nikes as they are in super high demand
flag Hillkidstr
Posted: May 11, 2021 at 18:57 Quote
zdrenduro67 wrote:
Hillkidstr wrote:
Well sadly after spending what seems like a lifetime looking for a bike I still haven't found one as the XL Nukeproof is too small Frown I have been advised to get an XXL frame bike with 29" wheels and tyres as wide as possible by multiple shops but no one seems to be able to help me as there just isn't the stock. I have tried to look for a second hand bike but I have no idea what I am looking at. The best I have found is a specialised rockhopper sport 29er in XXL for £500 which is great for the budget but after a bit of googling it appears that the forks aren't very good and usually need an upgrade and it is better to buy the expert model? what are peoples opinions on this?

I was also looking at the Trek Roscoe 8 but that comes with 27.5" wheels and nearly all the shops have said to get 29" so feel this wouldn't be suitable.

My head has turned to mush after looking at so many bikes and trying to work out what I need, i'm half tempted to just buy the Rockhopper Sport and see how I get on?

If anyone can help or point me in the direction of shops that have stock I would greatly appreciate it.
I did not even know that they made XXL bikes, and right now is not a great time to be looking for nikes as they are in super high demand

I know its a terrible time to be looking always the case with me, probably because when I've been out I have seen so many people riding and its made me want to start again.

I haven't given up yet! Just had a break from searching. As always open to suggestions, the Trek Roscoe 8 is at the top of my list if I can find a shop with one as I think it should be suitable, another alternative is a Bird bike? I haven't seen these mentioned much but they seem to be well made a good spec I think for the money, so another contender.

I bet after all this is over people will be giving bikes away!
flag MRyanB77
O+
Posted: May 31, 2021 at 22:04 Quote
Hillkidstr wrote:
zdrenduro67 wrote:
Hillkidstr wrote:
Well sadly after spending what seems like a lifetime looking for a bike I still haven't found one as the XL Nukeproof is too small Frown I have been advised to get an XXL frame bike with 29" wheels and tyres as wide as possible by multiple shops but no one seems to be able to help me as there just isn't the stock. I have tried to look for a second hand bike but I have no idea what I am looking at. The best I have found is a specialised rockhopper sport 29er in XXL for £500 which is great for the budget but after a bit of googling it appears that the forks aren't very good and usually need an upgrade and it is better to buy the expert model? what are peoples opinions on this?

I was also looking at the Trek Roscoe 8 but that comes with 27.5" wheels and nearly all the shops have said to get 29" so feel this wouldn't be suitable.

My head has turned to mush after looking at so many bikes and trying to work out what I need, i'm half tempted to just buy the Rockhopper Sport and see how I get on?

If anyone can help or point me in the direction of shops that have stock I would greatly appreciate it.
I did not even know that they made XXL bikes, and right now is not a great time to be looking for nikes as they are in super high demand

I know its a terrible time to be looking always the case with me, probably because when I've been out I have seen so many people riding and its made me want to start again.

I haven't given up yet! Just had a break from searching. As always open to suggestions, the Trek Roscoe 8 is at the top of my list if I can find a shop with one as I think it should be suitable, another alternative is a Bird bike? I haven't seen these mentioned much but they seem to be well made a good spec I think for the money, so another contender.

I bet after all this is over people will be giving bikes away!

Keep on looking, I'm 6'3 260# and was previously riding a 90's med frame norco VPS, it was given to me, I made a post on a local to me trail facebook group about current bike prices and week or so later I got a random message from a group member saw my post and had a spare '16 Norco sight XL frame and offered it to me at a really good well below market value price
flag jasonkatz
Posted: Jun 1, 2021 at 12:38 Quote
Probably. hardtail 29er is a good move! Perhaps something like the Pole Taival in there largest size: https://polebicycles.com/polestore/product/taival/
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