If you’re a big guy, you’ve probably been told things like, “You’re too fat to ride a bike!” or “They don’t make bikes that strong!” However, these ideas couldn’t be further from the truth. If anything, fat people should embrace cycling. For one, it’s a more efficient way of getting around than walking or running. It’s also a fantastic form of exercise that can actually be fun. If you’ve never had the experience of riding downhill full-speed on a road bike, you’ve never lived. That’s why we’re presenting you with our choices for the best road bikes for big guys! (And gals, too)
Our Pick For The Best Road Bike For Big Guys
The Vitus Substance CRS-2 is the ideal road bike for a big guy. While it doesn’t offer the best color schemes, it has luxury electrical features, a high-quality carbon frameset, and the widest tires of any bike on this list. In addition to this, it offers the best cassette, a 10-36T, which is important for climbing hills as the more weight on the bike, the more torque you’ll need.
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Best Road Bikes Under $300 Overview
Image | Model | Features | Price |
 | EUROBIKE Road Bike |
| |
 | Schwinn Fastback Tourney AL |
| |
 | Vilano Urban City Commuter |
| |
 | Vitus Substance CRS-2 |
| |
 | Cube Axial WS |
| |
 | Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon |
|
EUROBIKE Road Bike
The EUROBIKE XC550 Road Bike stands as a robust choice for larger riders seeking strength and performance. With its 21-speed shifter combo and disc brake system, it offers precise gear changes and reliable stopping power. The 700C wheels with low rolling resistance enable efficient rides, while the ergonomic seat enhances comfort. The professional-grade frame geometry ensures a smooth ride, and the easy assembly process adds convenience. This road bike is a smart investment for strong riders, conquering various terrains with ease and efficiency.
Key Features
- 21-Speed Shifter Combo
- Reliable Disc Brake System
- Efficient 700C x 28C Wheels
- Ergonomic Comfortable Design
Why we liked it
- Precision in Shifting and Braking Enhances Performance
- Effortless Riding with Less Energy Consumption
- Professional-Grade Frame Geometry for Smoothness
- User-Friendly Assembly Process for Convenience
More road bikes in the same price category… 6 Best Beginner Road Bikes Under $300
Pros
Cons
Schwinn Fastback Tourney AL
Discover the Schwinn Fastback AL AO70 road bike, a testament to lighter, enduring rides. Crafted with a road-tuned N LITENED GOLD triple-butted aluminum frame and fork, it boasts performance geometry for expert-level cycling. The Shimano AO70 14-speed STI shift/brake levers ensure smooth gear changes, while Promax aluminum caliper brakes provide reliable all-condition stopping. High-quality Alex X2200 double-wall rims and Schwinn aluminum road hubs offer durability without excess weight. With Schwinn’s lifetime warranty, the Fastback AL AO70 promises enduring strength and performance, inviting you to explore the world one ride at a time.
Key Features
- Road-tuned N LITENED GOLD aluminum frame
- Shimano AO70 14-speed STI shifters
- Promax aluminum caliper brakes
- Alex X2200 double-wall rims
- Limited lifetime warranty
Why we liked it
- Lightweight, durable aluminum frame
- Precise gear changes with Shimano AO70 shifters
- Reliable stopping power with Promax caliper brakes
- High-quality rims and hubs for a balanced ride
- Schwinn’s lifetime warranty for lasting assurance
Pros
Cons
Vilano Urban City Commuter
The Vilano Gravel Bike is a robust and versatile choice for larger riders seeking the best road bike. Designed to conquer both city streets and rugged trails, this adventure road bike excels with its integrated brake lever shifters for precise control, making braking and shifting seamless. Its 700c x 38c dual-purpose tires ensure stability and traction on various surfaces, while mechanical disc brakes provide exceptional stopping power. The aluminum frame and steel fork offer a sturdy yet lightweight build. With features like mount points for accessories and effortless assembly, the Vilano Gravel Bike stands strong as an ideal option for adventurous biking enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Versatile Terrain Performance
- Integrated Brake Lever/Shifters
- Dual-Purpose 700c x 38c Tires
- Reliable Mechanical Disc Brakes
Why we liked it
- Ready for any adventure – from city commuting to off-road exploration.
- Effortless assembly and tuning process for hassle-free setup.
- Accommodates water bottles and racks, ideal for long rides or touring.
More road bikes in the same price category… 10 Best Road Bikes Under 500$ In 2023
Vitus Substance CRS-2
The Vitus Substance CRS-2 is a fantastic supersport class road bike. It has impressive features like electric braking assist and a full carbon fiber frame. It also has a set of 47 mm wide tires, which would be great for somewhat rougher terrain. It will disperse the pressure between the tire and the ground and smooth the ride out a great deal. It’s almost like a hybrid bike in this way, as not many road bikes offer such wide tires. The geometry of the bike is also phenomenal, offering great aerodynamics as well as aesthetics. This bicycle is definitely special and would be great for a beginner or someone with touring experience.
Key Features
- Carbon Fiber Frameset
- 12-Speed Groupset
- 10-36T Cassette
- 650 x 47B Tires
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Why we liked it
- The wider tires offer a very comfortable ride.
- The outstanding cassette offers a great mechanical advantage for hill climbing.
- It supports riders as tall as 6’5” comfortably.
More road bikes in the same price category… Best Endurance Road Bikes Under $3000
Pros
Cons
Cube Axial WS
The Cube Axial WS is the first and only bike on this list that was specifically designed for women! Yes, this article is called “best road bike for big guys,” but how about a bike for big gals too? This bike is great for mild trails as well as roads and smooth paths. It has a high-quality drivetrain and internal routing, making it an impressive bike for the price. It’s still an affordable bike, but it’s about 2 to 3 times the price of the other affordable bikes on this list, putting it somewhere toward the middle of the pack. It is offered in 19.5-inch, 21-inch, and 22-inch frames fit for riders from about 5’0” to 5’10”, which covers many women comfortably.
Key Features
- Aluminum Frame and Carbon Fiber Fork
- 2 x 8-Speed Groupset
- 11-34T Cassette
- 700 x 28C Tires
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
Why we liked it
- Not many bikes are catered toward women, but this is one of them.
- The powerful 11-34T cassette will carry even heavy riders uphill easily.
Related Articles … 10 Best Endurance Road Bikes Under $2000 in 2023
Pros
Cons
Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon
The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon is a top performer. Its combination of incredible color schemes and wonderful specifications offers a bicycle to be reckoned with. However, with those wonderful features comes a large price tag, which many riders may not be willing to pay. If the price won’t be stopping you, this may be the perfect bike for you. However, a very comparable bike at nearly half the price, the Vitus Substance CRS-2 is a very compelling option for price-sensitive cyclists.
Key Features
- Carbon Fiber Frameset
- 2 x 11-Speed Groupset
- 11-34T Cassette
- 650 x 47B Tires
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Why we liked it
- It accommodates large individuals up to 6’3” or taller and is sturdy enough to support a lot of weight.
- It comes with state-of-the-art specifications and features.
- It looks super stylish, and you’ll definitely be asked where the heck you got your bike!
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide: How To Select The Best Road Bikes for Big Guys
Materials Matter
Many big guys are concerned that carbon or aluminum bikes won’t be able to hold their weight. That’s likely not the case. Modern 6061 Aluminum is very strong, and usually, frames are made of that or a stronger aluminum alloy. Carbon fiber frames are even stronger while typically weighing less. If you aren’t sure what your bike’s weight limit is, a steel frame may be the safest. However, the frame will almost never be the failure point on the bike due to rider overload.
What About The Wheels?
A bigger person may feel more comfortable while riding a bike with wider tires. This is because the extra width of a fat tire absorbs more of the bumps in the road and helps cut down the fat jiggling that will occur. Also, better bump-smoothing will help make the ride more comfortable, even with a stiffer and less comfortable seat. Mountain bikes tend to have these fat tires, but some road bikes even come with tires as wide as 40 or 47 millimeters, as seen above.
Saddle
The saddle is the seat of your bike. As the primary contact point between your bike and your body, its size, shape, and cushioning all make a profound impact on the comfort of your ride. A properly shaped, cushiony seat enables you to ride the bike for extended periods of time without feeling any major discomfort.
We recommend the comfortable saddle …
Number of Spokes
Another chief concern of large guys is that 3-spoke wheels won’t be able to support them because all of their weight might be on one spoke per wheel at any given time. While most bikes with these designs will have the materials and designs to support whatever weight they claim, be sure to check on the seller’s page to make sure your bike is rated for your weight. In general, more spokes will be stronger and support more weight, while the 3-spoke design has a superior aerodynamic profile.
Braking And Shifting Mechanisms
The braking and shifting mechanisms on your bike matter a great deal, regardless of your weight. For instance, disc brakes, especially hydraulic ones, offer superior reliability and durability. However, another desired perk that comes along with more expensive road bikes is the option of electrical systems like eTap and AXS. These can make shifting and braking even simpler and may be preferred by people with more cash to spend.
Suspension Forks
Many road bikes now offer suspension forks. While not strictly necessary, they provide a lot of benefits to heavier riders using an aggressive riding position. Putting all of that weight on the handlebars without some way to cushion it can be really jarring, especially for heavier individuals. A suspension fork will make your ride more smooth on your shoulders, elbows, and hands by absorbing some of that shock.
FAQs About Best Road Bikes for Big Guys
What Is The Maximum Weight A Bike Can Take?
Most modern road bikes can support at least 300 pounds. To be sure your road bike will support your weight, be sure to check the seller’s page for details. Some of them won’t have that listed, so you may have to ask the seller a question below the listing to be sure.
Are carbon bikes suitable for heavy riders?
Carbon bikes are typically suitable for heavy riders. Carbon fiber is an advanced composite material and has better compressive strength than many forms of aluminum. It’s a lightweight, high-performance material that will offer the strength and durability of an aluminum bike at a better weight. Carbon fiber bikes are almost always more expensive than aluminum and steel ones, though, so it’s important to understand the trade-offs.
Is cycling beneficial for overweight people?
Biking is an excellent form of exercise for a big guy. The most important factor in whether a type of exercise is right for you is whether or not you enjoy the activity. Cycling is a very fun activity that you’re likely to enjoy, especially if you’re able to ride with friends. However, even if you’re just using a bike to commute to and from your job or take an adventure down the back roads, it will be great exercise!
Are there any precautions I should take before I start to ride when I’m overweight?
It would always be a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen. Yes, that applies even to casually riding a bike. However, chances are your doctor will be elated to hear about your healthy new choice.
Also, make sure to get a bike that will support your weight. While it’s totally possible for people as big as 6’5” and 500 pounds to start riding a bike, not every bike will be able to handle that. You definitely don’t want broken parts to get in the way of your healthy new habit. However, make sure you get a bike you’ll want to actually ride because what’s the point of a bike that will last a long time if you never even ride it?
Lastly, wear clothes that you’re comfortable in and be prepared to shrug off judgment. You’re doing this for yourself, not the random bystanders on the town square who may laugh at you. Don’t pay them any attention. Simply pedal away.
Explore the best-reviewed bikes for every price point from $200 to $20,000 … Best Road Bikes In 2023
Conclusion
While the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon offers the best specifications, and the Trinx Tempo 1.0 road bike is stylish and very affordable, there is one clear winner for the best road bike for big guys. That bike is the Vitus Substance CRS-2! The Vitus Substance CRS-2 offers the amazing specifications, barely differing from the Diverge Comp Carbon. Also, with a great range of potential riders and an impressively comfortable seat, it’s ready to go upon assembly! This bike simply offers a high-performance ride at a bargain price tag, making it our choice for big guys!
