Big Guy Frame

[wafrench]

     I've been riding my Cannondale T400 for years now, and have about come to end-of-life, if for no other reason than the fact that so many components are badly worn that replacement of the whole system will be cheaper. Most of the miles went on this bike commuting and training, but I am planning more longer rides and tours soon.
     I'm 6'3" tall, weigh 240 lbs and I am hard on bikes since I sometimes climb standing and I tend to mash gears. Right now I am looking at the Rivendell Atlantis, the BG Rock and Road (with Bruce's upgrade for heavy riders) or an Independent Fab Independence (they also will size and stiffen for my needs.)
     I am interested in folks comments on these frame choices, and also on any components they know they would hang on a bike that's going to be used this way. I am leaning towards Phil for hubs and BB, not sure about other parts. Comments?

[SCutshall]

Personally I would consider the Atlantis or the BG over the IF.

If you mash a lot you should consider 40 spoke hubs/wheelset if you are using 26" wheels.  48 spoke if you are using 700c.

You can't go wrong with Phil hubs.  For 26" wheels I would strongly recommend using Velocity Deep-V rims (40 spoke).  For 700c go with Sun Rhyno's (48).  For your BB a Shimano UN73/72 will suffice.  Depending on your touring needs I would suggest either the Sugino XD crankset or a Shimano Deore.
Suntour SE rear canti brake or Paul's Neo Retro and in the front either a Paul's Touring canti or Suntour X Pro canti... Shimano aero levers are always dependable and won't break anyones bank account.

On the Atlantis you won't need a headset as it comes with an Ultegra but otherwise I would recommend Chris King for threaded and FSA Orbit II XL for threadless.

The rest is fairly straight ahead... 9-speed RD, triple FD, cassette 11/12 or 13 for the small guys and 32 or 34 for the big un's!

Salsa Shaft seatposts offer fantastic angled positions.

And yes, if you go the BG route pay the xtra scratch for the heavy rider upgrade with bigger tubing.

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2004 Rivendell Atlantis
2004 Thorn eXp
2004 Bob Brown Cycles Custom

[BobG]

At 5'7" and 160 lbs I can't give you any "Big Guy" feedback, but my Bruce Gordon R&R just turned 10 years old in March and it is my favorite bike out of a fleet of three. My Litespeed Classic has been on the repair stand for the past week............been riding the BG locally on day rides with lighter tires.

Although heavier and slower I like the BG better. Kind of like a comfortable old pair of broken in shoes! It's been across the US and Europe several times as a touring bike. I rode it through MT with big tires on the Great Divide Trail as a mountain bike. This week it has substituted for my racing bike.

Aside from chips and scratches on the top tube it's original powder coat paint still looks like new. Had a "clicking" problem with an earlier model Phil Wood hub but I replaced it and I'm sure they've fixed that flaw.

This message was edited by BobG on 6-24-04 @ 8:41 PM