The rear wheel can come with any flavour of freehub, as well as Boost or Super Boost hub spacing. The Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheels have a slightly damped feel that takes the edge off square-edged hits and gives plenty of grip over matted roots. Read -> Whats the Wheelbase on a Mountain Bike and Does it Matter? Schwinn is one of the top-notch brands when it comes to mountain bikes. The tyre stayed inflated with its bead locked in place, and it was a simple job to straighten the rim. We appreciated the 4mm rim walls, though, and fitting tyres is a doddle. But if you want a durable yet affordable MTB, you should opt for ones with steel or alloy frames. Lulu Press, 2020. The stem length and handlebar weight are also perfect for heavy riders. Read . Smooth yet accurate, snappy yet forgiving, we were consistently impressed by this wheelset. The Roscoe 8 is among the best MTBs for heavy riders. The flipside is that on a full-sus bike there might be more leeway before pedal kickback comes into play. Mountain bikes are built to be durable. Fat tire bikes have thicker wheels that provide better traction on snow, sand, and smooth roads. The brand offers plenty of spec options for the hubs and all three freehub options. Thanks! It can make it easier to ratchet up technical climbs a technique where the rider takes a half or quarter pedal stroke in situations where there might not be enough time, or pedal clearance, for a complete stroke. One often overlooked wheel feature is how fast the freehub engages. With the widest rims on test, at 33mm internal, this burly, 32-spoke alloy wheelset gives good volume and support to tyres up to 2.8in. For this reason, you can ensure that the Marin Pine Mountain 2019 is one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. Carbon and aluminum are the best materials for mountain bikes made for heavy riders. As a popular OEM (original equipment manufacturer the parts specced on off-the-shelf bikes) choice, thanks to its performance and price, the E 1900 has proven to be a tough, reliable and comfortable set of wheels. Fitting tyres posed no particular issues, and they inflated easily. Hub spacing refers to the distance between the two ends of the hubs axle or the gap between the inside of the dropouts on your frame or fork. Henry Holt and Company, 1996. 
Additionally, the tighter tolerances of fast-engaging freehubs can require more maintenance because theyre less tolerant of contamination. Thats not to say you should completely write off aluminium rims, though. Of course, the issue will not be noticeable at first. Accessed March 16, 2022. Pairing rim and tyre width is a key consideration especially with so many tyre widths to choose from. The Alpha Gold aluminum frame is perfect for heavy riders who seek comfort and durability for every ride. For this reason, a heavyweight is not a problem for high-quality mountain bikes. Shimanos cup-and-cone bearing system allows easy access to the hub bearings, but youll need cone spanners and some patience to get them just so. If you carry a heavy backpack when mountain biking, you need to deduct its weight from the overall weight limit. Although the 10-degree, 36-point engagement ratchet freehub isnt the quickest to transfer power into forward motion, the wheels are light enough for this to not be a problem. It suggested a hub with 36 points of engagement, and therefore 10 degrees of free play, is the best compromise. In terms of the bike type, fat tire bikes are one of the best mountain bike types for the big guys and girls. Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for just 5! Wide wheels can support weight better. Accessed March 16, 2022. Everyone wants a new bike, find out when its time to buy with this article: Dave King, and Michael Kaminer. More points willresultin fewer degrees and a faster freehub. This mountain bike has a set of extra-wide tires for more traction. Over off-camber roots, we could hold higher speeds with control over line choice. Here are some rough guidelines to get you started: If you have a favourite tyre width and tread pattern, keep in mind which rim width you want to pair it with when buying a new wheelset. However, most MTB manufacturers only specify the ideal height for their bikes. Wheelsets ship with an XD driver, although Shimano HG and Micro Spline freehubs are also available. But for heavy riders, finding the best mountain bike can be challenging. The E 1900 wheelset was very comfortable and didnt squirm or flex, creating no strange quirks or noises when pushed hard. This means the hub flanges are further apart compared to a standard 142mm axle hub. They come pre-taped for tubeless-ready compatibility and the rim beds are 29.8mm wide. Fortunately, the Cannondale Fat CAAD 2 is a durable and comfortable mountain bike for the big guys and gals out there. For the price, these are a solid option. We did find the wheels to be pretty stiff but this seemed to be the compromise for an exceptionally tough set of hoops. You might also want to consider looking for a hub that can be changed to a different axle size should you change your frame but want to keep your wheels at a later date. USA: Rodale, 2000. It is also durable and high-quality, which allows it to resist harsh riding conditions. To find out the answer, we asked Trek Bikes, one of the most popular brands in the mountain bike industry, the weight limit of their 26 mountain bikes. 
These are what the Salsa Mukluk SX Eagle Fat Bike is famous for amongst riders. In general, a faster freehub is better for pedalling. Theyre easy to dismantle and have 60 points of engagement. When not on my bike I can be found wrenching on it or casting a fly on a small mountain stream. Roscoe 8, Trek Bikes. Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, Amazon. Crankbrothers theory that a softer front wheel aids grip and comfort isnt unique, and while any difference in feel is marginal, these wheels do ride well, so maybe the idea has legs. The Mongoose Dolomite can support up to 370lbs with its heavy-duty frame and extra-wide tires. Accessed March 16, 2022. However, once up and running they proved reliable performers, and with a very quick freehub pick-up, they feel reactive on the trail. I listed 9 of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. The result is more speed, comfort and control. Even though theyre sold with four spare spokes and a spoke key, the Hunt Enduro wheels are built to last. (source). We were impressed by the freehubs quick pick-up, too. Accessed March 16, 2022. Tubeless tyres are more expensive and if you do get a flat, youll have to deal with a bit of a mess. The wheels of this mountain bike can absorb shock and vibration, so you dont need front suspension. It would be best if you also considered your cargo weight. Sitting between Deore and SLX level, the alloy MT620s are great value. (source). Our pick of the best trail-tested wheelsets and what to know before you buy. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! The wheels are laced with 32 J-bend spokes. A fat tire bike is among the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. We felt a noticeable (if slight) uplift in performance when using these wheels. Weve destroyed carbon rims from a number of other brands in the past, and this is the only Reserve wheel weve damaged since they started appearing on test bikes a few years ago, so we dont feel theres a reliability issue. They also proved to be comfortable wheels on the trail and we experienced less hand pain compared to Hunts Enduro Wide wheels that were tested at the same time. More recently, Super Boost spacing, found on a growing number of bikes, is becoming more common. The rims dont come taped, but tape and valves are included, and getting tyres on and off is easy. Wheel weight, rim width and stiffness can all affect how your bike handles for better and, sometimes, for worse. If youre a heavier or more aggressive rider, you should shy away from lightweight wheels and look for a sturdy set with a higher spoke count most likely 32 spokes laced in the three-cross pattern. As one of DTs top alloy wheels designed for enduro, these are a popular option regularly specced on more expensive all-mountain and enduro bikes by a lot of manufacturers. It has a rugged steel frame and fork that can support the weight of heavy riders. The Mongoose Tyax Expert features the SRAM SX Eagle 1 x 12 drivetrain, making this mountain bike a beast on the trails. Alex then moved back to the UK and put his vast knowledge of mountain biking to good use by landing a job working for MBUK magazine as features editor. Moreover, the compact design of the Diamondback MTB provides it with a fantastic riding performance on technical trails, making it one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. The Diamondback hardtail MTB makes a convenient mountain bike for the big guys. (source). While the best mountain bikes for heavy riders feature durable wheels, too much weight will damage them in the long run. The M1900s arent noticeably harsh, nor too soft, as 28-spoke alloy wheels can tend to be. If you like the graphics and can afford them, the Sector 9i wheels are well worth considering. (source). Nukeproofs Horizon V2 hub has heftily-sealed bearings and a satisfying buzz. You can figure out the degrees of engagement by dividing the points of engagement by 360. It also has Tektro brakes that are powerful enough to stop the bike no matter how fast you are going. For this reason, it will not be difficult to pedal your mountain bike. The wider the bikes wheels are, the better the traction they can provide. You can ride your bike even when you are a few pounds more than the manufacturers stated weight limit. Additionally, this fat bike has a Suntour XCR fork with 100mm of travel, Kendra tires, and WTB alloy rims. At 36mm, they are also noticeably deep, giving these hoops an aggressive appearance. Increasingly, high-end wheelsets are built around carbon fibre rims. Ride quality is good but we couldnt notice any significant performance improvements over the five-star scoring and less expensive E 1900. The freehub has 24 points of engagement, which can create feelings of pedal-input lag under very specific circumstances. Therefore, choosing the right option for your budget and riding style is key. The lightweight construction of this mountain bike makes it comfortable. We found ride comfort to be similar to most other alloy wheels and more comfortable than a lot of carbon hoops on offer. The hub is one of the best, and its easy to access the well-sealed bearings. This standard increases the axle width further, in theory, to improve stiffness once more. For the money, it should be better. As such, we were able to hold our lines easily over off-camber roots and never felt as though we were being pinged all over the place. Overall, pricing is good, weight is average and theyre easy to live with. You cannot identify the weight limit by looking at the wheel size alone. High Timber 27.5, Schwinn. The Marin Pine Mountain 2019 features incredible features. The freehubs 15-degree engagement angle is wider than most, so doesnt give the snappiest acceleration. (source), DIY MTB Tip: Ive called out a couple Schwinn Bikes in this article. Read more about David HERE. Its buzz is fairly loud, though, and servicing the rear bearings requires cone spanners. Also consider how hard you ride. While not the smoothest, they have a similar firm-yet-muted feel. For this reason, it can be difficult for the big guys and gals to find the right mountain bike for them. This distance determines the shape of your tyres. We found the ride feel to be on a par with most of the alloy wheels here. The Enduro Alloys are comfy on fast, rocky tracks, and track off-camber lines and rough corners well. It has 29-inch tires, alloy rims, and single mechanical disc brakes for easy stopping. Super Boost hubs are 157mm wide, and just like normal Boost spacing the increase in width is seen with wider-still hub flanges improving strength further. Accessed March 16, 2022. The damage will show mainly on the mountain bikes wheels. Nukeproof claims the rim material has the hardness of a 7-series alloy but the ductility of a 6-series, to balance strength, stiffness and weight. (source). Bicycling Magazines Cycling for Health and Fitness: Use Your Machine to Get Strong, Lose weight, and Feel Great. Does the riders weight affect the performance and lifespan of a mountain bike? Over the past five years, axles have transitioned from decades-old quick-releases to thru-axles, which offer a stiffer, more secure interface. The 36-spoke rear wheel is stiff and can handle a lot of abuse, while the 32-spoke front wheel is a little more compliant. Mountain bikes with steel, aluminum, and carbon frames are also ideal. However, this mountain bike is built for guys with a height of 54 to 57. They are a touch softer than some when youre really pushing them hard into corners, or where super-precise lines are needed. Pine Mountain, Marin. The Schwinn Bonafide mountain bike offers a lot for big guys, making it one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. He started racing downhill at the tender age of 11 before going on to compete across Europe. At the back, the fast pick-up of Hunts own alloy hub proved reliable throughout testing. 
The critical dimension to keep in mind is the internal width. If youre not concerned with ultimate weight savings or ultimate stiffness, but are looking to upgrade to a higher performance wheelset with an affordable price, then there are many quality aluminium wheelsets to choose from. But riding it at peak weight capacity can create minor damage until your bike reaches the breaking point. Constructed with a hand-built aluminum frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and Tektro Aries disc brakes, it can provide the durability you need for your weight. The freehub also engaged quickly and was quiet when freewheeling. And if youre also looking for a set of tyres, once youre done here, head to our guide on the best mountain bike tyres. As a result, you may wonder: is tubeless sealant bad for the environment? So, instead of getting an MTB with a suspension frame, it is better to focus on a mountain bike made with a rigid frame. For a given tyre, a wider rim will increase tyre volume and give the tyre a flatter, squared-off profile. Looking for more How To MTB articles? The best mountain bikes for heavy riders should have the best features while providing riders with comfort. Instead, it will gradually show up in the form of minor problems. But apart from this benefit, fat-tire cycles can support more weight. Riding those famous tracks day in, day out for eight years, he broke more bikes than he can remember. Since every mountain bike is built differently, they possess different resistances to weight. Through rock gardens, they feel a little less composed than some, but we were still able to hold our lines with confidence, and they feel great tearing around berms. Each wheel has 32 bladed, J-bend spokes and five spoke lengths are used. The best mountain bikes for heavy riders should come from a top-rated manufacturer. Aluminium rims are more likely to be dented or dinged in an impact before they crack or fail entirely. In addition to a three-year warranty, Hunt offers a 35 per cent crash-replacement scheme. As a result, you will need to replace the wheels one after another. It even features multiple frame mounts for a better riding experience. (source). However, it would be best if you didnt put too much weight on your bike, as the extra weight can make the bike collapse while you are on the trail. Its tubeless valves, which channel air past tyre inserts and have a valve-core tool in the cap, are a nice touch. There are several MTB axle standards to be aware of. The following mountain bike wheelsets scored fewer than four stars in our reviews, but are still worth considering. It can be a bit tricky to get tyres on the rim, but inflation is easy. As a result, it will be easier for you to pedal uphill. In all, a quality build. (source). We found them to be compliant enough to not generate any unwanted hand pain on long descents and they retained crucial stiffness to give plenty of steering accuracy. The first thing you should consider when buying a new set of wheels is what sort of rider you are. The back wheel is built to be stiffer, with a 29.1mm rim and 32 spokes, for optimal tracking and acceleration. Hunt will sell you the wheels with Schwalbe or Maxxis tyres pre-installed, but tyres are easy to fit and blow up with just a track pump. Although they arent the lightest on the market, their performance to value ratio is top-notch, making it tricky to tell the difference between the Horizon wheels and a set that cost double the cash. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! At the front, theres a calmness that helps you hold a line over roots and rock gardens. It is most often discussed in terms of points of engagement or degrees of engagement. 
DT Swiss wheels have an excellent reputation. Mavic also gives you a special tool to access the hub bearings. We found it tricky to fit tighter tyres due to the shape of the rim bed. For example, a hub with 36 points of engagement will have 10 degrees of free play. The tires and the other parts of the bike are made of sturdy material, allowing it to hold extra weight while withstanding abuse. Since working for MBUK, Alex's focus has moved to bike tech. Theyre fairly low-priced for carbon hoops. Before purchasing a new wheelset, make sure it uses the same axle type and width as your frame. Different mountain bike models have different sizes. Accessed March 16, 2022. If youre a cross-country racer looking for all-out speed then a wheels weight is going to be your primary concern over its strength. They need to withstand the abuse, such as constant vibrations on bumpy roads, high jumps, and forceful descends. The 42-point engagement hubs that have been redesigned since the first iteration to fix issues we highlighted engage plenty quick enough and create a loud buzzing sound when youre freewheeling. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Mountain biking is undoubtedly an excellent sport for many people. Already have an account with us? Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Big and tall riders may find it challenging to find a bike that can support their weight. Carbon material makes the lightest frame for mountain bikes. The Mountain Bike Experience: A Complete Introduction to the Joys of Off-Road Riding. We found the 28mm internal width to be a good compromise for most tyre widths, especially if youre planning on using 2.4in or 2.5in tyres. While both rim profiles are the same, the rear is built with thicker sidewalls to boost its strength. Therefore, heavy riders need to find a bike with wide wheels, such as a fat tire bike. The aluminum frame and 24-speed Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifter ensure that you can go to your destination without any hindrance. The debate over whether to run inner tubes or to rely on a tyre containing only sealant boils down to personal preference. On top of that, the durable suspension absorbs bumps to provide you with a smoother ride.
Additionally, the tighter tolerances of fast-engaging freehubs can require more maintenance because theyre less tolerant of contamination. Thats not to say you should completely write off aluminium rims, though. Of course, the issue will not be noticeable at first. Accessed March 16, 2022. Pairing rim and tyre width is a key consideration especially with so many tyre widths to choose from. The Alpha Gold aluminum frame is perfect for heavy riders who seek comfort and durability for every ride. For this reason, a heavyweight is not a problem for high-quality mountain bikes. Shimanos cup-and-cone bearing system allows easy access to the hub bearings, but youll need cone spanners and some patience to get them just so. If you carry a heavy backpack when mountain biking, you need to deduct its weight from the overall weight limit. Although the 10-degree, 36-point engagement ratchet freehub isnt the quickest to transfer power into forward motion, the wheels are light enough for this to not be a problem. It suggested a hub with 36 points of engagement, and therefore 10 degrees of free play, is the best compromise. In terms of the bike type, fat tire bikes are one of the best mountain bike types for the big guys and girls. Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for just 5! Wide wheels can support weight better. Accessed March 16, 2022. Everyone wants a new bike, find out when its time to buy with this article: Dave King, and Michael Kaminer. More points willresultin fewer degrees and a faster freehub. This mountain bike has a set of extra-wide tires for more traction. Over off-camber roots, we could hold higher speeds with control over line choice. Here are some rough guidelines to get you started: If you have a favourite tyre width and tread pattern, keep in mind which rim width you want to pair it with when buying a new wheelset. However, most MTB manufacturers only specify the ideal height for their bikes. Wheelsets ship with an XD driver, although Shimano HG and Micro Spline freehubs are also available. But for heavy riders, finding the best mountain bike can be challenging. The E 1900 wheelset was very comfortable and didnt squirm or flex, creating no strange quirks or noises when pushed hard. This means the hub flanges are further apart compared to a standard 142mm axle hub. They come pre-taped for tubeless-ready compatibility and the rim beds are 29.8mm wide. Fortunately, the Cannondale Fat CAAD 2 is a durable and comfortable mountain bike for the big guys and gals out there. For the price, these are a solid option. We did find the wheels to be pretty stiff but this seemed to be the compromise for an exceptionally tough set of hoops. You might also want to consider looking for a hub that can be changed to a different axle size should you change your frame but want to keep your wheels at a later date. USA: Rodale, 2000. It is also durable and high-quality, which allows it to resist harsh riding conditions. To find out the answer, we asked Trek Bikes, one of the most popular brands in the mountain bike industry, the weight limit of their 26 mountain bikes. These are what the Salsa Mukluk SX Eagle Fat Bike is famous for amongst riders. In general, a faster freehub is better for pedalling. Theyre easy to dismantle and have 60 points of engagement. When not on my bike I can be found wrenching on it or casting a fly on a small mountain stream. Roscoe 8, Trek Bikes. Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, Amazon. Crankbrothers theory that a softer front wheel aids grip and comfort isnt unique, and while any difference in feel is marginal, these wheels do ride well, so maybe the idea has legs. The Mongoose Dolomite can support up to 370lbs with its heavy-duty frame and extra-wide tires. Accessed March 16, 2022. However, once up and running they proved reliable performers, and with a very quick freehub pick-up, they feel reactive on the trail. I listed 9 of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. The result is more speed, comfort and control. Even though theyre sold with four spare spokes and a spoke key, the Hunt Enduro wheels are built to last. (source). We were impressed by the freehubs quick pick-up, too. Accessed March 16, 2022. Tubeless tyres are more expensive and if you do get a flat, youll have to deal with a bit of a mess. The wheels of this mountain bike can absorb shock and vibration, so you dont need front suspension. It would be best if you also considered your cargo weight. Sitting between Deore and SLX level, the alloy MT620s are great value. (source). Our pick of the best trail-tested wheelsets and what to know before you buy. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! The wheels are laced with 32 J-bend spokes. A fat tire bike is among the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. We felt a noticeable (if slight) uplift in performance when using these wheels. Weve destroyed carbon rims from a number of other brands in the past, and this is the only Reserve wheel weve damaged since they started appearing on test bikes a few years ago, so we dont feel theres a reliability issue. They also proved to be comfortable wheels on the trail and we experienced less hand pain compared to Hunts Enduro Wide wheels that were tested at the same time. More recently, Super Boost spacing, found on a growing number of bikes, is becoming more common. The rims dont come taped, but tape and valves are included, and getting tyres on and off is easy. Wheel weight, rim width and stiffness can all affect how your bike handles for better and, sometimes, for worse. If youre a heavier or more aggressive rider, you should shy away from lightweight wheels and look for a sturdy set with a higher spoke count most likely 32 spokes laced in the three-cross pattern. As one of DTs top alloy wheels designed for enduro, these are a popular option regularly specced on more expensive all-mountain and enduro bikes by a lot of manufacturers. It has a rugged steel frame and fork that can support the weight of heavy riders. The Mongoose Tyax Expert features the SRAM SX Eagle 1 x 12 drivetrain, making this mountain bike a beast on the trails. Alex then moved back to the UK and put his vast knowledge of mountain biking to good use by landing a job working for MBUK magazine as features editor. Moreover, the compact design of the Diamondback MTB provides it with a fantastic riding performance on technical trails, making it one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. The Diamondback hardtail MTB makes a convenient mountain bike for the big guys. (source). While the best mountain bikes for heavy riders feature durable wheels, too much weight will damage them in the long run. The M1900s arent noticeably harsh, nor too soft, as 28-spoke alloy wheels can tend to be. If you like the graphics and can afford them, the Sector 9i wheels are well worth considering. (source). Nukeproofs Horizon V2 hub has heftily-sealed bearings and a satisfying buzz. You can figure out the degrees of engagement by dividing the points of engagement by 360. It also has Tektro brakes that are powerful enough to stop the bike no matter how fast you are going. For this reason, it will not be difficult to pedal your mountain bike. The wider the bikes wheels are, the better the traction they can provide. You can ride your bike even when you are a few pounds more than the manufacturers stated weight limit. Additionally, this fat bike has a Suntour XCR fork with 100mm of travel, Kendra tires, and WTB alloy rims. At 36mm, they are also noticeably deep, giving these hoops an aggressive appearance. Increasingly, high-end wheelsets are built around carbon fibre rims. Ride quality is good but we couldnt notice any significant performance improvements over the five-star scoring and less expensive E 1900. The freehub has 24 points of engagement, which can create feelings of pedal-input lag under very specific circumstances. Therefore, choosing the right option for your budget and riding style is key. The lightweight construction of this mountain bike makes it comfortable. We found ride comfort to be similar to most other alloy wheels and more comfortable than a lot of carbon hoops on offer. The hub is one of the best, and its easy to access the well-sealed bearings. This standard increases the axle width further, in theory, to improve stiffness once more. For the money, it should be better. As such, we were able to hold our lines easily over off-camber roots and never felt as though we were being pinged all over the place. Overall, pricing is good, weight is average and theyre easy to live with. You cannot identify the weight limit by looking at the wheel size alone. High Timber 27.5, Schwinn. The Marin Pine Mountain 2019 features incredible features. The freehubs 15-degree engagement angle is wider than most, so doesnt give the snappiest acceleration. (source), DIY MTB Tip: Ive called out a couple Schwinn Bikes in this article. Read more about David HERE. Its buzz is fairly loud, though, and servicing the rear bearings requires cone spanners. Also consider how hard you ride. While not the smoothest, they have a similar firm-yet-muted feel. For this reason, it can be difficult for the big guys and gals to find the right mountain bike for them. This distance determines the shape of your tyres. We found the ride feel to be on a par with most of the alloy wheels here. The Enduro Alloys are comfy on fast, rocky tracks, and track off-camber lines and rough corners well. It has 29-inch tires, alloy rims, and single mechanical disc brakes for easy stopping. Super Boost hubs are 157mm wide, and just like normal Boost spacing the increase in width is seen with wider-still hub flanges improving strength further. Accessed March 16, 2022. The damage will show mainly on the mountain bikes wheels. Nukeproof claims the rim material has the hardness of a 7-series alloy but the ductility of a 6-series, to balance strength, stiffness and weight. (source). Bicycling Magazines Cycling for Health and Fitness: Use Your Machine to Get Strong, Lose weight, and Feel Great. Does the riders weight affect the performance and lifespan of a mountain bike? Over the past five years, axles have transitioned from decades-old quick-releases to thru-axles, which offer a stiffer, more secure interface. The 36-spoke rear wheel is stiff and can handle a lot of abuse, while the 32-spoke front wheel is a little more compliant. Mountain bikes with steel, aluminum, and carbon frames are also ideal. However, this mountain bike is built for guys with a height of 54 to 57. They are a touch softer than some when youre really pushing them hard into corners, or where super-precise lines are needed. Pine Mountain, Marin. The Schwinn Bonafide mountain bike offers a lot for big guys, making it one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. He started racing downhill at the tender age of 11 before going on to compete across Europe. At the back, the fast pick-up of Hunts own alloy hub proved reliable throughout testing. The critical dimension to keep in mind is the internal width. If youre not concerned with ultimate weight savings or ultimate stiffness, but are looking to upgrade to a higher performance wheelset with an affordable price, then there are many quality aluminium wheelsets to choose from. But riding it at peak weight capacity can create minor damage until your bike reaches the breaking point. Constructed with a hand-built aluminum frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and Tektro Aries disc brakes, it can provide the durability you need for your weight. The freehub also engaged quickly and was quiet when freewheeling. And if youre also looking for a set of tyres, once youre done here, head to our guide on the best mountain bike tyres. As a result, you may wonder: is tubeless sealant bad for the environment? So, instead of getting an MTB with a suspension frame, it is better to focus on a mountain bike made with a rigid frame. For a given tyre, a wider rim will increase tyre volume and give the tyre a flatter, squared-off profile. Looking for more How To MTB articles? The best mountain bikes for heavy riders should have the best features while providing riders with comfort. Instead, it will gradually show up in the form of minor problems. But apart from this benefit, fat-tire cycles can support more weight. Riding those famous tracks day in, day out for eight years, he broke more bikes than he can remember. Since every mountain bike is built differently, they possess different resistances to weight. Through rock gardens, they feel a little less composed than some, but we were still able to hold our lines with confidence, and they feel great tearing around berms. Each wheel has 32 bladed, J-bend spokes and five spoke lengths are used. The best mountain bikes for heavy riders should come from a top-rated manufacturer. Aluminium rims are more likely to be dented or dinged in an impact before they crack or fail entirely. In addition to a three-year warranty, Hunt offers a 35 per cent crash-replacement scheme. As a result, you will need to replace the wheels one after another. It even features multiple frame mounts for a better riding experience. (source). However, it would be best if you didnt put too much weight on your bike, as the extra weight can make the bike collapse while you are on the trail. Its tubeless valves, which channel air past tyre inserts and have a valve-core tool in the cap, are a nice touch. There are several MTB axle standards to be aware of. The following mountain bike wheelsets scored fewer than four stars in our reviews, but are still worth considering. It can be a bit tricky to get tyres on the rim, but inflation is easy. As a result, it will be easier for you to pedal uphill. In all, a quality build. (source). We found them to be compliant enough to not generate any unwanted hand pain on long descents and they retained crucial stiffness to give plenty of steering accuracy. The first thing you should consider when buying a new set of wheels is what sort of rider you are. The back wheel is built to be stiffer, with a 29.1mm rim and 32 spokes, for optimal tracking and acceleration. Hunt will sell you the wheels with Schwalbe or Maxxis tyres pre-installed, but tyres are easy to fit and blow up with just a track pump. Although they arent the lightest on the market, their performance to value ratio is top-notch, making it tricky to tell the difference between the Horizon wheels and a set that cost double the cash. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! At the front, theres a calmness that helps you hold a line over roots and rock gardens. It is most often discussed in terms of points of engagement or degrees of engagement. DT Swiss wheels have an excellent reputation. Mavic also gives you a special tool to access the hub bearings. We found it tricky to fit tighter tyres due to the shape of the rim bed. For example, a hub with 36 points of engagement will have 10 degrees of free play. The tires and the other parts of the bike are made of sturdy material, allowing it to hold extra weight while withstanding abuse. Since working for MBUK, Alex's focus has moved to bike tech. Theyre fairly low-priced for carbon hoops. Before purchasing a new wheelset, make sure it uses the same axle type and width as your frame. Different mountain bike models have different sizes. Accessed March 16, 2022. If youre a cross-country racer looking for all-out speed then a wheels weight is going to be your primary concern over its strength. They need to withstand the abuse, such as constant vibrations on bumpy roads, high jumps, and forceful descends. The 42-point engagement hubs that have been redesigned since the first iteration to fix issues we highlighted engage plenty quick enough and create a loud buzzing sound when youre freewheeling. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Mountain biking is undoubtedly an excellent sport for many people. Already have an account with us? Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Big and tall riders may find it challenging to find a bike that can support their weight. Carbon material makes the lightest frame for mountain bikes. The Mountain Bike Experience: A Complete Introduction to the Joys of Off-Road Riding. We found the 28mm internal width to be a good compromise for most tyre widths, especially if youre planning on using 2.4in or 2.5in tyres. While both rim profiles are the same, the rear is built with thicker sidewalls to boost its strength. Therefore, heavy riders need to find a bike with wide wheels, such as a fat tire bike. The aluminum frame and 24-speed Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifter ensure that you can go to your destination without any hindrance. The debate over whether to run inner tubes or to rely on a tyre containing only sealant boils down to personal preference. On top of that, the durable suspension absorbs bumps to provide you with a smoother ride.