Sturdy bike for a big guy.

[Gero]

Hi there everyone. I'm looking into an ebike to commute for work and errands. I'm 6'3 and 250 lbs. I live in Texas, so my area is mostly flat, but since I ride on the sidewalk (too many drunks and unlicensed drivers), and a lot of them are complete garbage. I'm currently riding an Elektra Townie XL and it's really starting to feel the wear after only 3 years.

To be more specific, my budget is $2000 and I'm looking for a bike with a weight capacity of at least 280 lbs, preferably 300. Any suggestion would help me out a lot.

 

[PedalUma]

Hi there everyone. I'm looking into an ebike to commute for work and errands. I'm 6'3 and 250 lbs. I live in Texas, so my area is mostly flat, but since I ride on the sidewalk (too many drunks and unlicensed drivers), and a lot of them are complete garbage. I'm currently riding an Elektra Townie XL and it's really starting to feel the wear after only 3 years.

To be more specific, my budget is $2000 and I'm looking for a bike with a weight capacity of at least 280 lbs, preferably 300. Any suggestion would help me out a lot.

You might look into a cargo bike. These have extra-strong wheels and can carry up to 440 pounds. I rode one today and had a blast.

 

[Gero]

You might look into a cargo bike. These have extra-strong wheels and can carry up to 440 pounds. I rode one today and had a blast.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Looking at what I think are the bikes you recommended in your pics, they seem to be out of my price range.
At the moment, some of the bikes that call to me are the ones from Rad Power Bikes, but I'm still doing research.

 

[PedalUma]

Thanks for the suggestion.

Looking at what I think are the bikes you recommended in your pics, they seem to be out of my price range.
At the moment, some of the bikes that call to me are the ones from Rad Power Bikes, but I'm still doing research.

Both of those bikes pictured cost me $650 on Craigslist. Then I installed a motor between the pedals. Without a motor they are sucky. The new electric ones are in the $4500 range but these have much more power. A front rack fits a 24 pack of IPA bottles.

 

[Gero]

Both of those bikes pictured cost me $650 on Craigslist. Then I installed a motor between the pedals. Without a motor they are sucky. The new electric ones are in the $4500 range but these have much more power. A front rack fits a 24 pack of IPA bottles.

Ahh you converted them.

My part of Texas isn't bike friendly, and honestly I'm really looking for online purchase recommendations because of it. The closest ebike dealer is about 2-3 hours away.

 

[rich c]

Heavy rider

Hi I am looking for a bike for a heavy rider. My husband is 6’1” 350 lbs. we will only be doing short rides on bike paths or maybe in town for a little exercise. Trying to keep it less than$5000. I was looking at the Rad wagon Cargo. Are there any other options? He has some knee issues so a...

electricbikereview.com

Hi

.

electricbikereview.com

As common subject here.

 

[AHicks]

In flat country you should have no trouble with your weight on about anything you want. I'm 6'2"/315 and have had no issue with bikes rated for 275 lbs. Have/have had several without issue. I would caution only some care with seat posts. If you end up with one that's not inserted far enough, the seat post and the bike frames have both been known to break. Posts that are PLENTY long enough are inexpensive and easily available on the aftermarket, so there's no excuse to be riding on one that's marginal or just plain too short.

I'm a sidewalk rider as well, refusing to drive in "bike lanes" separated from traffic by only a white line. Recommend a good suspension seat post, some type of front suspension, and my preference is for tires in the 27.5x2.25" to 27.5x2.4" range as they provide the best compromise of good ride without too much rolling resistance.

I find throttles at or near the top of my list as well. Hydraulic brakes are nice, with great feel, but mechanical brakes will stop the bike fine.

RAD bikes are incredibly popular and for that reason hold their resale really well. After that there are literally hundreds of brands.

 

[PedalUma]

hundreds of brands

One problem is that many brands have proprietary connectors to their controllers. Wire connectors rarely correspond and replacement wire colors do not correspond. These fail. Cheap bikes go out of business regularly. Then they launch a fresh brand. This happens all the time with online-only bikes. Get independent, verified reviews from google maps to make sure it is not an unaccountable offshore seller with fake reviews on their website. Does it have a domestic presence with real reviews? Five stars means nothing on a sellers website.

 

[winson39]

Both of those bikes pictured cost me $650 on Craigslist. Then I installed a motor between the pedals. Without a motor they are sucky. The new electric ones are in the $4500 range but these have much more power. A front rack fits a 24 pack of IPA bottles.

What city are these bikes in? thx

 

[PedalUma]

What city

I have a little private workshop where I can do art projects and play with bikes North of San Francisco in the coastal wine country. The cream bike is a few days old. It was $299 at Target. Now it is 85Nm and does 28. I made it in barter for the food of a French Chef. This is what her fried chicken looks like and a BLT. That is brie melted into the free range bacon. Click to zoom.