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 ​​2020.

#1 Schwinn Protocol 1.0

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is a perfect choice for bigger men looking for a thrilling mountain biking experience. Protocol 1.0 has a lightweight dual-suspension brakes aluminum frame supported by a steel rear triangle. Both the frame material and design ensure that the bike can support heavy riders without crumbling under the weight while the front and rear forks provide a great deal of control for a smoother ride. Moreover, the MTB has front disc and rear pull brakes to offer the maximum stopping power no matter what terrain you’re riding on.

The 26” tires on protocol 1.0 offer great traction and grip under all road conditions; despite having double-walled rims and spooked, they are quite light and durable. Talking about the gears, Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is equipped with Shimano trigger shifters and Shimano Altus rear derailleur that allow for fast and smooth gear changes while ensuring optimal control on every kind of terrain. Another great thing about this bike is that it can be maneuvered at 24 different speeds – what else can a mountain biker ask for?

Pros

• Lightweight
• Supports heavy riders
• Powerful brakes
• 24 speeds
• Durable tires

Cons

• Bit pricey
• No place to hold a water bottle

Another great bike for bigger guys is Impasse dual-suspension mountain bike by Mongoose, a reliable name in the market when it comes to MTB manufacturers. The 18-inch frame is made of durable aluminum alloy which is also light in weight. This ensures that the bike remains manageable while supporting taller and heavier guys. The impasse is equipped with dual suspensions to make the ride as comfortable as possible while the front and rear brakes ensure your safety by providing excellent braking power.

Mongoose Impasses has 21 different speeds that can be swiftly controlled with SRAM twist shifters and Shimano rear derailleurs. Moreover, the 29” larger alloy wheels of the bike provide a wide contact area for greater grip and traction. There’s also a quick release front function which makes it easier to carry, transport and store the bike.

Pros

• Affordable
• Can accommodate heavy riders
• Quality brakes and suspensions
• Quick release function

Cons

• No water bottle holder

#3 Schwinn S29 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

S29 Men’s MTB by Schwinn has everything you need in a mountain bike for an amazing experience – and that too at an incredibly low price! S29 comes with full suspension aluminum frame and Suntour suspension forks to absorb shocks from the terrain and make your ride smoother and comfortable.  The frame not only has an incredible design but is also durable enough to endure every strength test you pass it through. Moreover, the 29” alloy rim wheels allow you effortlessly glide over an array of terrains. 

Another great thing about Schwinn’s S29 is that it gives the ​heavy riders a lot of control when it comes to riding speed. With 21 speeds Shimano trigger shifters and front and rear derailleurs, S29 offers a range of gear options as well as precise shifting. Additionally, mechanical disc brakes on the front and rear of the bike provide optimum stopping power under every riding condition.

Pros

• Strong and sturdy frame
• Dual suspensions for maximum impact absorption
• Shifting gears is easy
• 3 parts crank system
• Disc brakes for better control

Cons

• Slightly on the heavier side
• Some may find the saddle uncomfortable

#4 Mongoose Hitch Men's Fat Tire Bicycle

Another bike that makes it on our list of top mountain bikes for bigger guys is Mongoose’s Hitch Fat Tire bike. Most fat bike riders would have come across this bike at least one in their lifetime but let’s get one thing straight: Mongoose Hitch is definitely one of a kind bike at comes at an incredibly affordable price. Mongoose Hitch has 26-inch fat tires that provide plenty of stability and traction, making it easier to ride on rough and rugged terrains. Moreover, the supersized Beach cruiser 4 ¼ tires also give the bike a funky look that will surely turn heads whenever you ride while the bike’s frame geometry allows for a comfortable yet athletic riding position, making the ride even more enjoyable.

Considering the features, Mongoose Hitch is the perfect bike for those looking to experience the ultimate thrills of mountain biking. With 160mm rotary front and rear disc brakes, Hitch is equipped with an efficient braking system that you can always rely on. Furthermore, Shimano derailleurs allow you to easily change gears and shift between 7 different speeds whereas the 3 piece crank and chain guard prevent the chain system from being damaged. Overall, Mongoose Hitch is a great bike for people between 5.3” and 6.2´in height.

Pros

• Affordable and durable
• Has an aesthetic appeal
• Can support taller and bigger guys
• Has water bottle rack
• Quality braking and suspension system

Cons

• Has a hard saddle
• Maximum speed is lower than other ​mountain bikes in the market

#5 Mongoose Dolomite 26" Men's Bike

If you want an MTB that combines the characteristics of a fat bike and a cruiser bike, Mongoose Dolomite should be your go-to choice. Dolomite gives you the freedom to ride on an array of terrains without compromising on your comfort or expectations. The beach cruiser frame allows for a relaxed riding position while the fat tires make biking over rough terrains more controllable. This bike by mongoose is equipped with 4" wide wheels which gives them a greater rollability and traction while keeping them from sinking in sand, mud or snow, etc. 

Since the braking system is integral in every mountain bike, Mongoose has made sure to feature a powerful and responsive mechanical disc braking system to ensure the safety of the riders. Dolomite is equipped with Shimano derailleurs for efficient gearing and pedaling. This is also supported by the innovative chain functionality of the bike wherein the chain is guided on the front sprocket in such a way that it doesn’t fall off. On the whole, Mongoose Dolomite offers a myriad of benefits to beginners and experienced bikers alike.

Pros

• Wider and larger tires
• Maneuverable at 7 speeds
• Features quality components
• Powerful brakes
• Good impact absorption

Cons

• Slightly heavier
• Uncomfortable saddle

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 fiber 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 fiber 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.