I am 6′5 265lbs but not stout, i am very active and like sports but i have gained about 20lbs these last couple years and i tried to ride my friends mountain bike and it felt like i was going to rip the tires off the frames when i turned. Are there special bike tires/frames for large people that are reasonably priced? I would just be riding like once a week with my friend.
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You need to find the genteel bicycle fit for your height, your weight isn’t that much of a concern. If you go to a decent bike shop, tell them your budget and concerns they’ll be able to set you up. There are plenty of tall riders on two wheels.
At 6′5 you’ll need a large frame like a 21 or 22. Get a Freeride bike.
I personally reflect you will need a frame size more like a 24″ for your height. I have had quite a few riders your size come in and I cant dredge up one that needed a size smaller than that.
24″ frame size isnt always simple to get and in most makes that will also be celebrated as a XXL. This of course is assuming that your inseam is roughly 35″ and you are more leg than torso…
That size bike is sometimes tough to get in many makes but not impossible either. Check your local shops and make sure you sit over both a 21 and a 24″ to see which feels better. You will likely need a longer stem too.
This will be somewhat of an investment for you too as the largest size tends to involve a larger fee in some shops.
Unfortunately, you’re going to have to spend a bit of money to get something you’ll feel comfortable riding. You dont automatically have to break the bank but, lacking knowing what your definition of ‘reasonably’ is it’s going to be tough to really say.
I would recommend you spend no less than $1000 on a hardtail, preferably a ‘freeride’ hardtail that will be able to accomodate larger tires and is built a bit tougher to handle larger hits, and larger riders. Check out bikes like the Kona Hoss or Five-0, or the Banshee Morphine, or Norco Sasquatch.
If you’re thinking of full-suspension, you’re going to be looking at around $3000 and up. Again, you’ll want something geared toward the aggressive all mountain or freeride catagory of riding as they’re built tougher and are expected to handle more strain. Check out bikes like the Specialized Pitch, Kona Stinky Six, Specialized SX Trail, Giant Trance or Reign.
As for size, I’d agree with Edward for the most part. A XXL frame will be about what’s recommended for you but it’s vital you go down to a shop and sit on a few XXL’s and XL’s to get a feel for what you reflect fits you. I typically ride a large frame but have buddies my size who rather medium so it’s a bit of a toss up to personal preference beyond just what the ‘right’ size is.
Whichever route you go, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got some relatively large tires on your bike.. 2.35-2.5″ and run a honest bit of pressure until you get a feel for things, say in the range of 35-40 psi. Lower pressures will give you better traction but, for larger guys, the can make it feel like your tires are wandering a bit too so just keep that in mind as you lower pressures. For your component choices, stick to FR or DH choices as they’re focused on strength over weight savings and they’ll be less likey to break. You’ll basically just want to stay clear of cross country kit in favor of more freeride oriented gear throughout. Following that, you must be absolutely fine to hit anything that comes your way lacking worrying about the bike.
For the record, I’m only 6′ but I go about 250-260 in full gear… the only frames I’ve ever broken have been lightweight XC frames that I was pushing past their limits so dont be too worried, bikes now are pretty tough. I ride an Iron Horse 7 Point, Kona Stinky Supreme, and I just ordered a ‘10 Reign X0… between the three they can handle my fatass on just about any kind of terrain I’ve got the guts to ride.
I am 6′5″ (225 lbs) and ride a mountain bike daily. I have fun, stay trim, and delight in the sights that people in cars are missing. I save money and am in harmony with the environment. I would recommend you to ride each day. Get into a healthy habit and delight in the ride.
Be very careful when riding – cars have distress seeing you. I live in L.A. and I have to be extra careful. I was sub-totaled last Summer by a drunk driver, but got back on a bike as soon as I got out of the hospital. GREAT THERAPY!!!!
I reflect you are right at the edge as far as needing special tires. If you rode the bike each day the pounds would come off.
Excellent luck!!!