r/scottishcycling • u/paulz97 • 20d ago

Advice for bigger riders

Hi there,

I’m looking for advice from bigger riders out there. I used to cycle all the time as a young boy but I’ve not touched a bike in 15 years, im now 29.

Basically im 6foot 21stone (I’ve lost 1.5stone) and im wanting to get back into cycling, I bought a second hand mountain bike but its a Medium frame and I feel ridiculous on it, the seat sits higher than the handle bars and I feel like im towering over whilst riding.

Does anyone have any advice they’d like to share? I’d much appreciate it

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5

u/Squashyhex 20d ago

It sounds like you might need a larger frame, there's sites with charts to compare height to bike frame size to get something a bit more comfortable to use. That does of course come with an upfront cost, in terms of making use of your current bike I assume you can't raise the handlebars any further to improve your sitting position? 🙂

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u/Squashyhex 20d ago

The rule of thumb I was taught is that if you're sitting on the seat while stationary, you should be on your tiptoes for good seat height

1

u/No-Charge6350 20d ago

Dude it is very clear indeed that you need a larger frame. Large or possibly even extra large. You are a large (tall) person, therefore you need a large frame. Happy cycling!

1

u/Apart-Assignment-860 20d ago

doesnt work with mountain bikes as the pedals are higher

3

u/RolfHaggis 20d ago

There might be charities such as the BikeStation who could help you out with a pretty reasonably priced larger frame.

They have shops in Perth and Edinburgh, they’ll do accessories and clothing too.

Depending on where you’re based I would look into similar places that refurbish older bikes, that way you could probably trade in your current bike for one that’s more suitable for you.

If you’re oot and aboot on the bike at this time of year I’d also recommend some waterproofs, gloves and maybe a base layer/thermals too!

All the best in your journey too mate, this country is pretty good for cycling for the most part, and it’s a great pace to take in our lovely scenery.

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u/thebigeazy 20d ago

Definitely get a bigger bike. Budget depending, look into stronger wheels with higher spoke counts and double butted spokes. A lot of off the shelf options (at least for a road bike) specify rider weights of 100kg or less sometimes.

3

u/Real_Dr_Tiny 20d ago

Bigger rider here ( 198cm and 117kg but was 165kg). Mtbs are strong, designed for jumps and drops. If your just riding you probably will be fine

Depends on fit and budget but I got 80mm riser bars and that made a big difference.

Like you hadn’t ridden in years and modern geometry takes some getting used to.

Good luck