Equipment for Fat Fella

I'm an ex-cyclist thats gained A LOT of weight. I know that folding bikes like Airnimal et al, only accomodate up to 210lbs(15 stone). I'm over 250lbs(18+ stone). So, is there a folding bike thats fast, has an aggresive riding position, that I can use? And are there any strong slim saddles that you can suggest for me to use? I'm taking the plunge and going back on the road....with a freewheel; I'm not skilled enough for a pure fixed gear.

hippys your man!

[cite] is there a folding bike thats fast?

nope

but Zinn builds frames for the big fellas.

chris crash, you seem to know a bit. I read a bit on here before joining; so what about Moulton? Had a speed record on it - I dont know if it still stands though.

The Alex Moulton/Pashley TSR don't specify a weight limit.

They don't fold but do seperate, if that helps.

Looky here

gah i know nothing. i know less about folding bikes

i cant see why they would have a low weight rating, unless it has to do with the clamps. most tubing will be able to hold you, i had a mate at about that weight, he road an old steel fuji 531 not a problem.

if you have you heart set on a folder i would take a look at some of the full size ones with clamps raligh rushhour(?) and the like.

Really, I'd love a Moulton, but the whole raison d'etre of a folding bike is to fold. I think if I had enough money for one of those, I'd be tempted by the non-sep version? I've tried to source 2nd-user ones of these, but couldnt find the right combination. Just my luck, full pelt down Beaulah Hill, frame failure.

I'm not sure why, but I think its an engineering guestimate of how much force (weight + momentum) can be applied through the hinge.

Not the fastest bike I own but it is alot of fun this one

yeah but why do you want a folding ride? trains take it into the office? a bike that separates could do both... also i have seen some full sized folders recently.... if only i could remember what they are called... google time.

If I cant find my hearts desire in a foldie, then I'll have to look at a road bike. I know mountain bike frames are stronger, but I'd like to imagine that I not get passed by children on tricycles going uphill. Just the thought is bringing a wheeze on. Lol.

dahon jack, espresso, and i can't remember the last one

I jus like the idea of folding my bike. I used to have several mtb's and then some roadsters - my nice red one was a Ribble. Go to heaven now though.

they don't fold very well, or very small. just in half, lentgh wise.

I checked dahon. The engineers think fat blokes only speak martian, or afghany. Those engineers are smart tho; cos I hadnt told them what planet I was from.

was thinking of the ritchey breakaway dont know about weight rateing will be taking a look

they make a cross version, so that should be well stong.

I'm being pushed towards a road bike. I can see the sense in it. I remember my days as a pushie, years ago. How the bloody mary did I perch on that sliver of polished plastic, passing itself off as a saddle?

Dahon do 'suspension' folders you won't break one of those

I've just checked the Dahon's max rider weight, and its 105kgs. I've got a fair bit of weight to lose before I'm there.....

the ritchey 'break away' system is pretty damn strong. it doen't seem to really compromise much of the frame's integrity. i rode a track bike with the system on it and it felt super stiff (but that may also have been the columbus niobium tubing).

may i kindly push you a bit further towards a road bike sir?

http://www.supersizedcycles.com

you are not alone

She's svelte. I'm 10 times bigger than her. Woke up once and crucshed the circus dwarf. can you guess what job I had in the big tent?

I'm no sir. Just a fat bloke, that used to be pretty good as a pushie, but preferred the long distance jobs to the central london circuit. My favourite pushie job ever, was a Kings Cross to Northolt wait-and-return. I kid you not. I could've started a salt water pond with the sweat.

the-smiling-buddha, if I ever lose the weight I want to, then you're on for a london to paris race! Starting IN the Thames.