Bike suggestion for Big Boy

[nick]

So one of my friends expressed interest in getting a mountain bike. He hasn't ridden anything since high school 12 years ago or so so I figured he would just be cruising sidewalks, etc. He is about 5' 9" and 240lbs. He didn't want to spend much so I lined him up with a $400 hardtail Giant that I figured would do the job just fine.

That was 2 weeks ago. I went riding around with him the other day and he is trying to jump everything in site and riding a lot more aggressively (and better) than I thought he could. Now he is STOKED and wants to get onto some trails. I think that he will stick with this, likely loose some weight and keep getting better.

I doubt I will convince him (or his wife) to spend for a really good bike, but thinking maybe $1,500 tops. I will get to looking for something used for him. Bikes that came to mind might be the beefier model of the Blur with some stout FR wheels, like Azonics or Transition.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Chewyeti]

get him a bullet proof kona coiler or a stinky

 

[DownHillPhil]

get him a bullet proof kona coiler or a stinky

Yeah, forget those Iron Hoser poseur bikes... :beer:

 

[maxwell]

I HIGHLY recomend this........

Big guys need bigger, sturdier, well designed bikes. The Kona Hoss came from the Clydesdale class and has been a popular choice for people who slam a bike around like a good bike should be.

Frame sizes 16", 18", 20", 22"
Frame tubing Kona Clump 7005 Aluminum
ForkMarzocchi Dirt Jumper2 100mm
Headset TH
Crankarms FSA Alpha DriveISIS
Chainrings44/32/22
B/BRPM DH ISIS
PedalsShimano M505 Clipless
ChainKMC-HG53
FreewheelShimano Deore (11-32, 9spd)
F/DShimano Deore
R/DShimano XT Shadow
ShiftersShimano Deore
HandlebarFSA XC280B OS Riser
StemFSA OS 190LX
GripsKona Mooseknuckle
BrakesHayes Stroker Trail Hydraulic V6
Brake LeversHayes Stroker Trail Hydraulic
Front hubKK Disc
Rear hubShimano M525 Disc
SpokesDT Stainless 14g
TiresMaxxis Ignitor 26 x 2.35
RimsSun Black Eye
SaddleWTB Speed V Sport SE
SeatpostKona Double Clamp
Seat clampKona QR
ColorDark Blue

I'm only 210lbs, but I've ridden mine for over a year, very aggressively, and it's a beauty!
I can't remember for sure, but I think they're under a grand at The Path.

 

[northshore]

Chewy is eventually going to get mobbed by that photo again on this thread :lol: but seriously, I believe wheel world has a decent sale on the Coiler if you want to go the Kona route. I would also recommend a 'Sunday'. The Path has decent prices on them!

Edit: Check MBA mag. There is an ad for a pile of Konas for sale at a pretty decent price!

 

[ODB]

Used Bullit, Heckler or Coiler.

 

[mntbiker12]

Konas are nearly indestructible - bikes are burly and built to last.

Stay away from Ellsworth - heard they crumble like tin cans...at least that's what it says in my Homer Handbook

 

[nick]

Thanks

Yeah, good suggestions so far. See these forums really do help. Right about the Konas, seem they are always priced well and built to last. Just ask DT (San Diego legend).

Don't think its' going to happen with a Sunday given the $1,500 budget. Besides a little (lot) more bike then we are going for.

Thanks for the ideas, keep more coming.

Went to "The Path" a couple months ago for the first time, what a shop! Can't wait to go back there and drool.

 

[Code Blue]

+1

Yeah, good suggestions so far. See these forums really do help. Right about the Konas, seem they are always priced well and built to last. Just ask DT (San Diego legend).

Don't think its' going to happen with a Sunday given the $1,500 budget. Besides a little (lot) more bike then we are going for.

Thanks for the ideas, keep more coming.

Went to "The Path" a couple months ago for the first time, what a shop! Can't wait to go back there and drool.

Get him a Kona:bang:

 

[CA_descender]

...but thinking maybe $1,500 tops....

I know WheelWorld has '07 Kona Coilers for 1200, Sinky's for 1400. Or you can pick up an '07 Stinky frame/shock for 700 and build it.

You could also find a good deal on other "last year" models as well if you look around.

:beer:

 

[Kritter]

I ride a hoss and am hard on equipment and was much heavier then him when I started and still heavier then him...no issues then wheels/spokes/hubs and bottom brackets but I think I have that solved now with the wheels I had built at the path.

Cant beat a KONA HOSS for big guys. nobody makes a fat guy bike but Kona.

 

[nick]

I love it. Now I'm going to be able to hook up all my fat friends.

Thanks

 

[Blue Rat]

A buddy of mine, 6' 2" and about 225, rides a Trek EX 9. He is incredibly strong and rides like a madman. The bike has held up for the last year and is still going strong. He got it from the Trek Superstore as a demo bike (about $1500).

 

[DirtymikeTDB]

Transition Dirtbag. With a 66 on it.

 

[kanji]

how about specialized Hard rock or a Rockhopper?

 

[Fatty Los]

I love it. Now I'm going to be able to hook up all my fat friends.

Thanks

:beer: haha.

<---fits in that category

 

[DISCO]

Start with a good frame.

Kona's are great all a rounders, another good budget one is the Iron horse Warrior if you don't mind upgrading everything that came stock. Very tough to bust either but neither single pivot will climb well without a platform shock or too stiff of a coil.

 

[gooseaholic]

Just to throw this out there I will have a Large 2006 Mongoose Teocali frame for sale soon. 5.5 Travel, im switching to a medium frame. 300$ Frame only, no shock. I will even go 250$, just trying to make what I am paying for the Medium frame which is 300$

 

[strobelite]

http://www.konaworld.com/09_fiveo_u.cfm this looks good.

danny's goose is a good deal on a great riding frame.

 

[iamkaioken]

I've had zero issues with my old KHS...though I cannot speak for their newer frames as I've never thrown a leg over one. If he's looking for a beefy wheelset that isn't too expensive, definitely go with the Bombshell Revolution Trails. Though, the only issue is that they've got a 9mm qr on the front, I think I'll be lacing it with a Hope in not too long.

I was moshing with my '99 KHS and these Bombshell Revolutions at ~260lbs and that was through some rocky trails and 3' - 5' stair to flat around college campuses....the wheels are practically indestructable.

Pricepoint had them for 220 some time back, its worth watching if they ever get sets in again.