If you don't have the right tool for the job, cycling can be boring, even dangerous. For us, plus-sizes, all you need is one of the myriad best bikes for fat guys.
It will get you excited, adventurous, and make riding a very fulfilling experience.
So, what makes bicycles for heavy people so different from standard bikes?
Bicycles for heavy people have sturdier frames, wider wheels, larger saddles, are more robust, and are generally custom built to support taller and heavier people.
For this reason, they're the go-to bicycles if you are dreaming of taking your hobby to the next level...
Why Invest in the Best Bikes for Fat Guys
Improved ride comfort
Thanks to wider handlebars, wheels, and cozier saddles, the best bike for overweight people provide higher comfort standards.
You may also find upright heavy person bikes models cozier as they promote natural posture. Even better, some allow adequate space for an enlarged belly.
Better balance (even for newbies)
The wider contact surface translates into superior balance. This makes best bikes for fat guys perfect even if you are still learning the ropes.
And unless you want to go super-fast, which requires serious muscle power and experience, you're less likely to fall (and suffer an injury) when using a fat man bike.
Reinforced Construction
Some brands are made super tough with heavily beefed-up frames ,for example, from aluminum and steel.
Other parts are also of highest caliber giving the bikes a distinct ability to handle stress better than many of their regular peers despite supporting extremely heavy people.
Shortcomings of Mountain Bikes for Heavy Riders
You have to contend with more weight
The reinforced construction makes heavy-man bikes heavier.
The over-sized rims and tires can add about 4 pounds to your bicycle's weight so you definitely get a workout when riding.
So if you're after shedding some calories, the ounces will soon be off. But if you're after fun, then there is some tradeoff there.
You may have to Spend a little bit more to get a worthwhile heavier person bike. Well, you can look around for deals but because of the upgraded features, the best bikes for fat guys cost more.
Best Bikes For Fat Guys Buying Guide
Not every bike labeled as the best bike for fat guys will make the grade and you'll need to check out some of these features...
Preferably, bike for bigger guys should have beefier and high-thread-count tires.
These types of tires offer an extra cushion for extra-large riders- a feature non-existent when using standard tires. They are also least likely to succumb under the surplus weight or the pressure associated with overweight men.
Also, select wider rims - again for the simple reason that giant rims will support your weight much better.
Frame Material
The material used for the frame matters a lot when comparing the best bikes for fat guys.
Steel - the dominant choice for many years- is super sturdy and stable but is somewhat heavy so not great for fast cruising riders.
Aluminum is amazing for high-stability bikes. However, it's actually heavier than steel bikes.
Titanium is awesome-tougher and light than aluminum or steel- but is however costlier.
The last is carbon fiber, another lightweight option but it can be easily damaged in collisions.
Pedals and Saddle
Bike saddles have different width and cushioning.
As a big guy, you will need a wider saddle enhanced with more padding.
While a soft saddle is known for its leisurely rides, a stiffer but more supportive type is more ideal for longer outings.
The best saddles promote an upright riding posture and are tailored to support a heavy rider's weight.
Also, ensure that the saddle is fastened securely to avoid slipping.
On the same note, select bikes with bigger pedals too- these are more solid and wider thus more comfortable for plus-sizes.
Again, as a large rider, you will need a bike with a reasonable number of gears since pedaling yourself could sometimes be an uphill task.
If your gears happen to be too low (too easy), you may be left behind many times due to spinning out. If too high, the gears may make it hard for you to pedals fast enough on demanding lanes or may come to halt on steep climbs.
These problems are rare if your bike has a well-rounded gear system.
Ground Clearance
Big guys are generally tall. The pedals will be constantly hitting the surface on uneven terrain as well as in deep ruts. This kills your momentum, especially on hilly terrain.
A bike that doesn't fit can additionally lead to muscle pains and general discomfort as a result of inefficient riding.
This means that to enjoy your rides, a questionable ground clearance is a big no!
Bike Accessories
Contemporary bikes come with diverse accessories each serving a certain convenience. So, what does your bike offer vis-à-vis your needs?
A bike basket is a practical addition for carrying groceries and other essential gear ,for example, when going camping.
If you ride daily to the office or even to college, a rear rack helps as you can attach the backpack to it.
Locks prevent theft when parking your bike in insecure places.
Lights (front and rear) are also essential for your safety when riding in darkness with bells similarly handy as they alert other road users of your presence.
A bottle holder will hold your water bottle - essential when embarking on taxing trips.
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Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
A champion cruiser, this ladies bike is a masterpiece and has the looks and a performance to boot, whether on the neighborhood, flat highway terrain, or climbing.
The 17.5-inch step-through aluminum frame is equipped to handle cruise, leisurely, and daily commute rides.
The bikes 7-speed Shimano external gear hub ensures that you can achieve the speeds you need to keep pace with your partners.
The bike has a quite comfortable dual-spring saddle and promotes an upright riding style - great for your back.
Further, the Bike's foot-forward design allows you to sit on its saddle, your feet keeping flat on the surface and is a relaxing fit.
Also deserving a mention are the 26-Inch, 1.95-Inches wide semi-slick tires for their easy rolling and stability during rides.
Features- 5-inch step-through aluminum frame
- Foot-forward design
- 7-speed external gear hub
- Front & rear handbrakes
- Dual-spring saddle
- Rear rack for baskets and panniers (optional)
- Wheels: 26-inch, 1.95-inch wide
Pros
Cons- The bike is not very easy to assemble
- The fenders are not very well constructed.
Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle
If you are after an affordable ladies cruiser bike, then you'll love this.
The bike is both practical and outstanding when we come to performance.
And, it's clearly for a big lady. The comfy dual-springs saddle is oversized and will be perfect for your big butt. Besides, the handlebars as just as wide and enhanced with rubber grips to make them easy on your hand.
Then, it's a super durable option thanks to a 15-inch steel frame as well as tough aluminum wheels.
The 26-inch white-wall balloon tires offer a cushioned ride while the coaster brakes bring it to halt in an instant.
The bike is also very favorable even to starters thanks to an easy gear system which guarantees consistent speeds of between 3 and 15 MPH.
Overall, it could be amazing around town, by the beach, or on any paved path.
Features- 26-inch wheels
- Curvy beach cruiser design
- 15-inch steel frame
- Aluminum wheels
- Coaster brakes
- Oversized dual springs seat
- Wide handlebars (with rubber grips)
- The gears are somewhat limited when going uphill.
- It may not be the best option for veteran riders.
Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum 21 Speed Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes
This is a sleek 19-inch mountain bike and comes armed with an advanced 21-speed gear system to help conquer the most demanding climb.
The other big news here is the suspension fork which provides the smoothest ride on rough surfaces and ensures you are in full control.
As expected in all top mountain bikes, this bicycle is lightweight and has the reliable disk brakes (front and rear) to help you stop safely when the situation demands.
The 26-inch double wall wheels are again for a big man and roll on smoothly making riding it fun.
Overall, this is primed to perfectly serve the needs of an ambitious intermediate rider.
Features Pros Cons- The bike doesn't shine on trails.
- The disk brakes may need fine-tuning.
Conclusion
The best bikes for fat guys helps you realize your ambition of being a little riding champion - which can bring a bucketful of benefits including improving your physical fitness.
That being said, it's clear that the market doesn't offer very many options targeted at plus-sizes.
But again we have some very good models like the three we have reviewed in this article meaning that there's still hope for you to have fun riding.
When shopping, remember to check the essentials including a good saddle, ground clearance, installed accessories, and more.
Overall, we hope that our guide will help you land the best possible fitting bike out there. Good luck and let's meet on the road!