400 lb. weight limit bikes

[Gregs]

In the last few weeks, My twin 5 year old grandchildren have shed their training wheels (they wore them out), and are now riding bikes with just two wheels. I am their 69 year old Pappa and borrowed a 70’s Raleigh bike from a friend and took the twins bike riding this last week. It was an adventure enjoyed by myself (haven’t biked in years) and my grandkids.

Looking for advice on purchasing a bike the twins dad, who is 6 ft 2 in and on the big size. Bike needs a 400 lb weight limit. Money is tight so we will most likely be looking at used bikes. Some bikes with higher weight limits that came up on internet searches are: Worksman Cycles; Zize Bikes; Mongoose; Merax.

Any comments that might help narrow down the search could be helpful. Any recommendations on what used bikes to be on the look out would be appreciated.

Best regards, Greg B

[Nicholas]

Hi @Gregs !
A couple of BikeRide community members have shared their advice via our Facebook page:

Tim: "Look for a steel frame with lugs. Comfort and strength. Lugs on bikes are customized now but were common in bike manufacturing in the past."

Chakalit: "Just be sure to get 29 inch wheels! My son is 6'3" and that's the size he rides."

[Gregs]

(10-18-2020, 11:03 AM)Nicholas Wrote:  Hi @Gregs !
A couple of BikeRide community members have shared their advice via our Facebook page:

Tim: "Look for a steel frame with lugs. Comfort and strength. Lugs on bikes are customized now but were common in bike manufacturing in the past."

Chakalit: "Just be sure to get 29 inch wheels! My son is 6'3" and that's the size he rides."

Thank you

[Jesper]

(10-18-2020, 02:40 AM)Gregs Wrote:  In the last few weeks, My twin 5 year old grandchildren have shed their training wheels (they wore them out), and are now riding bikes with just two wheels. I am their 69 year old Pappa and borrowed a 70’s Raleigh bike from a friend and took the twins bike riding this last week. It was an adventure enjoyed by myself (haven’t biked in years) and my grandkids.

Looking for advice on purchasing a bike the twins dad, who is 6 ft 2 in and on the big size. Bike needs a 400 lb weight limit. Money is tight so we will most likely be looking at used bikes. Some bikes with higher weight limits that came up on internet searches are: Worksman Cycles; Zize Bikes; Mongoose; Merax.

Any comments that might help narrow down the search could be helpful. Any recommendations on what used bikes to be on the look out would be appreciated.

Best regards, Greg B

Hey Greg,
Here is a link regarding info on heavy rider bikes of various types (mountain, road, cruiser, etc.): https://outdoorright.com/bikes-for-over-400-lbs
There are even folding bikes designed for that weight load. He needs to decide on what type of bike is needed (aside from heavy duty) based on terrain, distances, etc. There was a mention of tire size, but you need the frame to fit properly regardless of tire/wheel size. I recommend searching online for the various brands/models out there to get an idea of prices for new bikes and then start checking the used bike sources (e.g. Craigslist, etc.) and see what's out there. I would expect that he could find a very good bike at reasonable cost since the market for used bikes of that design is fairly small; albeit it will also mean a more limited supply of used bikes to choose from. It might be wise to go to a bike shop and have them give him a general idea of what frame size to look for since buying a used bike online that doesn't fit will probably be a loss of money unless you give it a good test ride before buying (highly recommend this if bike is rideable at time of purchase!); verify the safety of the bike before riding!

[Gregs]

(10-19-2020, 01:14 AM)Jesper Wrote:  

(10-18-2020, 02:40 AM)Gregs Wrote:  In the last few weeks, My twin 5 year old grandchildren have shed their training wheels (they wore them out), and are now riding bikes with just two wheels. I am their 69 year old Pappa and borrowed a 70’s Raleigh bike from a friend and took the twins bike riding this last week. It was an adventure enjoyed by myself (haven’t biked in years) and my grandkids.

Looking for advice on purchasing a bike the twins dad, who is 6 ft 2 in and on the big size. Bike needs a 400 lb weight limit. Money is tight so we will most likely be looking at used bikes. Some bikes with higher weight limits that came up on internet searches are: Worksman Cycles; Zize Bikes; Mongoose; Merax.

Any comments that might help narrow down the search could be helpful. Any recommendations on what used bikes to be on the look out would be appreciated.

Best regards, Greg B

Hey Greg,
Here is a link regarding info on heavy rider bikes of various types (mountain, road, cruiser, etc.): https://outdoorright.com/bikes-for-over-400-lbs
There are even folding bikes designed for that weight load. He needs to decide on what type of bike is needed (aside from heavy duty) based on terrain, distances, etc. There was a mention of tire size, but you need the frame to fit properly regardless of tire/wheel size. I recommend searching online for the various brands/models out there to get an idea of prices for new bikes and then start checking the used bike sources (e.g. Craigslist, etc.) and see what's out there. I would expect that he could find a very good bike at reasonable cost since the market for used bikes of that design is fairly small; albeit it will also mean a more limited supply of used bikes to choose from. It might be wise to go to a bike shop and have them give him a general idea of what frame size to look for since buying a used bike online that doesn't fit will probably be a loss of money unless you give it a good test ride before buying (highly recommend this if bike is rideable at time of purchase!); verify the safety of the bike before riding!

Thank you for the words of wisdom, Greg B

[ichitan]

(07-24-2023, 12:26 AM)Herryy Wrote:  Typically, the recommended weight limit for bicycles falls within the range of 275 to 300 lbs, equivalent to approximately 136 kg. It's important to note that this limit may vary depending on the type of bicycle you own.

Most modern bikes would break after little use, with a rider that heavy. I weigh quite a bit less than that, and I break bikes.

Do all bikes have their weight limit information available somewhere. It is normally not in the easy to find information.

[enkei]

One thing to add: be wary of the weight limits bike brands state on their websites. I've come across some brands that include the weight of their bike in the limit shown on their website. An e-bike could weigh 75lb, so if they claim a 350lb weight limit, the bike is actually only rated to carry another 275lb.

I've even seen 'expert' bike reviewers repeating these false weight limits.

Typically, however, the owner's manual shows the true weight limit.

If a bike brand makes it hard to figure out the true weight limit, I would just skip onto a better brand.

If you're shopping for a decent bike from a well-known, reputable brand, this shouldn't be a problem, but it's still something worth checking.

[Talha]

(07-24-2023, 05:50 AM)ichitan Wrote:  

(07-24-2023, 12:26 AM)Herryy Wrote:  Typically, the recommended weight limit for bicycles falls within the range of 275 to 300 lbs, equivalent to approximately 136 kg. It's important to note that this limit may vary depending on the type of bicycle you own.

Most modern bikes would break after little use, with a rider that heavy. I weigh quite a bit less than that, and I break bikes.

Do all bikes have their weight limit information available somewhere. It is normally not in the easy to find information.

Try this
https://bikes.fan/