E-bikes for heavy riders?
- Thread starter iik
- Start date
CdnShaun
Active Member
You may find many of the brands/models actually will accommodate your current weight. That is what I found when I started my research last year and I was much heavier at 315lbs.
What I learned is in particular models with rear hub motors having shorter spokes are quite strong and capable of 300lb rider/cargo combination.
You also can look at going the conversion route - by a strong bike and convert it to an ebike - having the wheel builder put in stronger spokes (thicker gauge) to be sure and safe.
Last tid bit, any bike you get, even if rate for your weight and beyond - the seat post I learned is one of the most likely points to fatigue from rider weight in particular - I bent 2 of mine back a good inch each - keep them on the wall as art work and a reminder now. Thompson posts are some of the strongest seat posts in the business and rated for up to 400lbs (and beyond) - https://www.bikethomson.com/product-category/seatposts/
Cheers!
What I learned is in particular models with rear hub motors having shorter spokes are quite strong and capable of 300lb rider/cargo combination.
You also can look at going the conversion route - by a strong bike and convert it to an ebike - having the wheel builder put in stronger spokes (thicker gauge) to be sure and safe.
Last tid bit, any bike you get, even if rate for your weight and beyond - the seat post I learned is one of the most likely points to fatigue from rider weight in particular - I bent 2 of mine back a good inch each - keep them on the wall as art work and a reminder now. Thompson posts are some of the strongest seat posts in the business and rated for up to 400lbs (and beyond) - https://www.bikethomson.com/product-category/seatposts/
Cheers!
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
alloo
Active Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Albuquerque, NM
This might be a great bike for heavy riders in the near future. Sonders has some mid drive bikes coming out.
electrek.co
Sondors' powerful new Bafang Ultra mid-drive e-bikes w/ 1kWh battery start at $1,999
Sondors has just revealed three new high-powered electric bicycles known as the Sondors Rockstar, Cruiser and LX. The new models...
electrek.co
AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
At 260 lbs, I wouldn't be too concerned about your weight - other than making sure you have adequate power. Stay with the more powerful motors. 750+ watt geared hubs offer pretty peppy performance, great in stop and go and most hills. Mid drive the same (as long as you're in the right gear), but able to handle pretty much any hill. I learned to avoid the direct drives, even the big 1500w (comparitively gutless, especially in the hills).
-Al (6'2"/315)
-Al (6'2"/315)
iik
New Member
Thank you @Sierratim ! Will take a look at Specialized then.
Specialized rates their Como and Vado bikes for up to a 300lb "structural load" defined as rider + cargo. Depending on the model, the cargo may be 33lbs putting the max rider at 267lbs. Looks like you're good to go...
iik
New Member
This could be interesting @alloo ! Will take a look.This might be a great bike for heavy riders in the near future. Sonders has some mid drive bikes coming out.
Sondors' powerful new Bafang Ultra mid-drive e-bikes w/ 1kWh battery start at $1,999
Sondors has just revealed three new high-powered electric bicycles known as the Sondors Rockstar, Cruiser and LX. The new models...
AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
I would be pretty skeptical of bikes with rear suspensions - from 2 standpoints. The first is the suspension's ability to handle a heavy rider. I think it pretty safe to say most won't. The calibration is just WAY off. The second is from a durability standpoint. Not sure how those components are going to hold up long term. I think a quality suspension seat post would be a much better plan.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
Many Pedego e-bikes, including the Interceptor, Platinum Interceptor, Boomerang and City Commuter Black Edition, have a mag wheel option which boosts the weight rating up to 400#.
www.pedegoelectricbikes.com
Quality Electric Bikes for Sale | Pedego Electric Bikes
Explore products and choose your perfect electric bike that fits for your individual needs from various ebike categories.
www.pedegoelectricbikes.com
tomjasz
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Minnesnowta
I'm skeptical of any bike with suspension in the sub $3000 range. Good suspension components can add $1000!!!!!
AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Nope, that NEVER happens to me!
CdnShaun
Active Member
100% agree. My research into full suspension for those over 225lbs (and especially 300+ lb riders) is you have to spend thousands to get a bike and setup that will handle your weight. Going with a hardtail and a seat post suspension for $150-300ish (USD) designed for weights up to 300lbs (and beyond) is a better design and cost point.
Yes technically the full suspension setup will give the average rider slightly better traction as it keeps the rear wheel planted on the ground - but as an average rider you have to be really pushing your riding limits to require that bit of extra traction afforded compared to a decent hard tail - again just what I learned from research and some first hand riding as a heavy rider.
Even if/when I get below 225lbs or even 200lbs I will stay will hard tails and continue to explore/test out seat post suspensions - last bonus, with multiple bikes you can swap your expensive seat with suspension between bikes for longer rides on each bike you have.
Cheers everyone,
Shaun
AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Just a word of caution regarding swapping expensive seat posts from bike to bike. There are several popular sizes (diameters) of seat posts. If the one you have in your hand is smaller than the one you need, you can buy a bushing to make it right most times. If the one you have in your hand is too big - you need a new one......
CdnShaun
Active Member
Great point. You will find the popular choices often come in a 27.2mm size with shims to adapt up to the 30mm and 32mm size post openings. I forgot to mention if you plan to use your suspension seat on multiple bikes, look for the smallest size as AHicks suggested and order the shims (usually just a couple extra dollars) for any larger frame bikes.
Cheers
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