Bike recommendations for heavy people

[BrianW]

Tandem rear spacing is generally either 160 or 145mm now. Earlier models (late 80s/early 90s) were 140mm (earlier Santanas, for example). I don't think the 145mm is dishless. The 160mm Santana spacing is.

A competent framebuilder *might* be able to respace a steel frame from 135 to 145mm, but that would be a lot.

Tandem hubs are generally threaded on the non-drive side to take a drum brake or a disc brake (with adaptor).

I'm not sure if they make 135mm spaced hubs in 40-hole drillings. If so, that would  be the way to go.

I really don't think a custom frame is necessary to support a  heavier rider, unless a really large size is required due to  height.

[fatguyonabike]

I did the TransAm +, 6,000 miles total, and did it on a 2005 Cannondale, T2000.  (They're called T1 now)  I started the trip at 300 lbs pulling a Bob trailer and went to panniers after losing about 40 pounds.  I had one flat the entire trip riding on continental's, TravelContact 700-37 c.  I did nearly the entire trip with the same tires, (yes, even at my weight), with only that single flat.  Had it not been for the tire liners I could have completed the entire trip with them.  I was in Eugene, Or. when they  gave up the ghost and I had to buy others. 
I  can't say much about other bikes but I would recommend Cannondale, the T1, any day of the week. 
Someone mentioned spokes and I had to head out to the garage do some counting... 36 total.  Again, even at my weight, they never failed me.
Sadly, I've gained all my weight back and then some.  I'll be heading out on March 8th to do a US perimeter tour at 345 pounds!

Steve.

[Tourista829]

FTG on a bike, no disrespect, when you go out in March are you going to use your Cannondale 2000 or do you have a new bike? Most likely you will use your Trailer, however I am curious which bags, did you use, on your last tour? I am glad the 36 spokes worked, I would have gone with a 40 spokes, 4 spoke pattern, to be safe.

[Turk]

If you're looking for a custom-built wheel, try this site:

http://epicwheelworks.com/index.html

She's located in Portland but is from Chicago. I heard a podcast interview with her and she sounded interesting. She does 60% racing wheels but makes road-bike, commuter, etc as well.

[fatguyonabike]

Oh, no... no disrespect taken.  Thanks.

Yes, I'll be using the same bike.  It's a great bike but I don't have much to compare it to.  I hit a few deep pot holes going at a pretty good clip and it held up better than I did.  My girlfriend just bought the new, white, T1 and is very happy with it.
Yes, I will start with the trailer once again and trade off when I get to a friend's place in Florida.  (I'm starting in Fort Bragg, CA. which is north of San Francisco.  Heading south to begin with)
As for panniers, I use the Ortlieb Classic.  The Touring Store sells them and Wayne the owner of the shop was great to deal with.
As for spokes... I don't know much about them other than the more the merrier.  I read about people breaking spokes on lengthy trips, and I was concerned about it, but never had a problem. 

Steve

[Tourista829]

FTG, Cannondales are pretty stout aluminium bikes. (I used an ST1000 for 18 years) I like the change back to a steel frame, it is more comfortable for me. I would contact www.peterwhitecycles.com. Peter is an interesting guy and an outstanding wheel builder. At the very least, change out the spokes for this trip and if possible a heavier gauge. We have the Ortlieb Roller Classics and like them too.

[davidb]

There was an article in the Rivendell Reader (No. 40 - 2008) where Bob Brown (www.bobbrowncycles.com) built, essentially, a single-seat touring frame and fork for a gentleman who weighed, at the time, over 450 lbs. 

Some of the pix from the story are on the Truly Custom Work page at Custom Fork Crown.

[am61]

I weigh between 240 and 250 but have bike toured on my Long Haul Trucker when I was 280.  I did two really heavy tours with between 70 and 90 lbs of stuff, and the stock wheels did surprisingly well.  One broken spoke when I hit a water bar on a logging road at night.  The wheel lost its true after riding on a sandy dirt road and hitting rocks.  I would recommend having good 40 spoke wheel hand built.  Most quality bikes should be stout enough even if moderately loaded.  Good luck.