Mountain biking is not only an amazing past-time activity but also a fun way of shedding a few pounds and reaching your fitness goals. Unfortunately, most mountain bike models in the market are not targeted towards heavy individuals so finding one for yourself can be a real challenge. Keeping this in mind, we have devised a list of the best mountain bikes that are specially designed for heavier individuals. A detailed buyer’s guide is also included in this article to help you understand everything you need to know about the best mountain bike for bigger guys in 2019.

Top 7 Best Mountain Bike For Bigger Guys in 2019

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Buyer’s Guide

Most mountain bikes available in the market generally don’t target individuals on the bulkier side. These bikes are not rigid enough to deal over 220 lbs. of weight and can even break apart if the weight limit on them is exceeded. So how can you experience the thrills of mountain biking if you’re overweight?

Well, bike manufacturers understand that mountain biking is a sport for everyone and considering this fact, they have developed models that cater to the needs of overweight men and women. These heavy duty mountain bikes differ from the normal mountain bikes in terms of their features to better accommodate the extra weight and offer a comfortable ride to the rider. This buyer’s guide will walk you through all that there is to a mountain bike for big guys, including their distinct features as well as some useful tips that will enhance your entire riding experience.

Features to Consider in a Mountain Bike For Overweight Men

From tough frame to spacious saddles and wide wheels, mountain bikes for bigger guys are specifically designed to carry the extra weight of the rider while offering maximum support and comfort.

Bike Frame

Choosing a mountain bike with durable frame is one of the most important things you need to ensure since it has to withstand your entire weight. The bike frame is generally made of carbon, aluminum, steel or titanium but we recommend opting for a steel or titanium frame due to their high tensile strength. However, steel adds weight to the bike itself and titanium is more on the pricey side. Carbon also delivers exceptional performance, but it may be crushed in case of high-impact collisions. 

Bike Wheels

Mountain bikes for bigger men should have thicker and stronger tires to bear the weight of the rider. They incorporate 29-inch wheels since they are more durable and faster than the other variations of wheel sizes. Moreover, wheel rims made of carbon can't tolerate heavyweights so opt for metallic wheels instead. 

Number of Spokes

Another crucial factor you need to consider is the number of spokes on the wheels as more spokes strengthen the wheel. Front spokes are not as important, but ensure that the rear wheel has at least 24 spokes. You can even go for 36 spoke wheels for even better performance.

Saddle Size

Mountain bikes targeted towards over-sized men should feature a wider saddle with ample sitting space. Soft saddles provide a comfortable riding position but they start getting damaged after a short time of use so stiffer ones are perfect if you’re a frequent rider. Moreover, ensure that the saddle is secured tightly to prevent slipping.

Gears And Brakes

The pressure is applied downwards on the gears and brakes when we ride, which makes it difficult to switch between gears. The number of gears in a bike boils down to your personal preference but the greater they are, the more control you have on your ride over an array of surfaces. Moreover, the braking system is generally rim type or disc type, but disc brakes are more desirable due to the degree of control they offer on most surfaces.

Ground Clearance

Appropriate ground clearance is crucial for smooth, obstruction-free biking experience. The pedals of a low-lying bike will continuously be obstructed by uneven surfaces, which will not only slow you down but prove damaging for your bike too. Thus, make sure it has enough ground clearance to improve your experience.

Expert Tips For an Amazing Biking Experience

Buying a mountain bike with the right features is essential for a positive biking experience, but that’s not all. Here are some experts tips that will help you enhance your experience to the next level every time you ride your mountain bike.  

Choose The Brands Wisely

You should go for companies that specialize in manufacturing mountain bikes specifically for over-weight individuals as they are aware of the needs of a heavier individual. Other companies, no matter how well-established they are in the industry, might miss out some features an overweight person would desire in their bike.

Avoid Department Store Bikes

Although department store bikes look amazing, they often lack the quality you want for your bike. In fact, most department stores bikes are made by individuals who lack knowledge of bike assembly and as a result, they don’t last long.

Upgrade The Components

Indeed, it’s hard to find all the attributes you desire in a single mountain bike model without burning a hole through your pocket. What if we tell you that it's possible to have all your preferred features on a mountain bike without spending a lot. From pedals to gears and saddle, your mechanic can upgrade almost all parts of your mountain bike. You can even do the task yourself if you have enough technical knowledge, but we recommend consulting a professional mechanic to do the work for you.

Conclusion

Mountain bikes for bigger guys can be an awesome way to reach your weight loss goals without compromising on the fun. These bikes are not like the ordinary ones you can easily get from the market, so you need to invest some time to choose the best option for yourself. But we hope that our list of top mountain bike for heavy individuals will make the decision easier for you. Nonetheless, it’s still important to look for the features that you really want in your bike and make the purchase accordingly.