[Evo.]

I have a friend that is looking to get into DH. He weighs like 270 lbs, I told him I would do some research and see what bigger people are riding.

I am assuming, if he gets the proper springs for his suspension it would be ok???

Anyone know?

 

[ianjenn]

I have a friend that is looking to get into DH. He weighs like 270 lbs, I told him I would do some research and see what bigger people are riding.

I am assuming, if he gets the proper springs for his suspension it would be ok???

Anyone know?

He will be fine. Just get a STIFF bike, Fork and wheels. Say a FOX 40, TR 450 and 36 spoke wheels

 

[ruralrider528]

I have seen some pretty big guys riding downhill before, however I dont tend to notice what they are riding. As for the springs yes there is a good range of weights for him to choose from. I have seen rear shock springs in the 700 lb range and extra firm fork springs so he should be covered.

 

[fixbikeguy]

I buddy of mine is riding an old Banshee Scream and it is holding up really well. Look for one of the older Giant Glorys as well.

 

[Iceman2058]

I have a good friend who was that and more...he rides a Faith with a Boxxer, extra-double-stiff springs all around...he did break a few parts (and himself a few times), but he rode that frame for a few years being that heavy and it's still going strong. He has since dropped a ton of weight (I mean A TON - like 70lbs or so), been replacing springs (and all of his wardrobe!) as he goes. Cool to see (he has now also turned into one of the fastest sport class riders here).

 

[OGJON]

I buddy of mine is riding an old Banshee Scream and it is holding up really well. Look for one of the older Giant Glorys as well.

another vote for an older Glory 2007 model had mine from almost new & it's still going strong

 

[DeanH]

old glory, 888 and 36 spoke wheels.

saint cranks..

sorted

 

[pitbull592]

I see alot of larger and somewhat overweight riders doing dh. It kind of inspired me. I'm not really fat, but I'm built like a fire plug 5'8 240 I was riding xc for years and just got bored with it. Traded my xc bike for a am setup & haven't looked back. I want to start some dh this season, and plan to pick up a more dh specific bike. The advice given to me was going for a long travel 8" bike to ease my introduction.

 

[big_slacker]

I've seen many a hoss running around on burlier bikes. As stated the key is just to have the right springs and suspension settings.

 

[k1creeker]

All good comments above. I'd add to look for frames with lower leverage ratios so he can run spring weights commonly available on the market.

If he has limitless cash perhaps a Foes...if not, maybe something like a used Demo 9. Those things are beefy. I happen to have a friend selling a Medium Demo 9 with 15-20 days on it, shoot me a PM if he's interested.

 

[CaveGiant]

As a clyde I can say that DH bikes are the best for the big boys. They are stiffer and stronger allowing not only control, but the ability to put the power in without flexing the frame (I hate chain induced flex).

All I would say is get something strong and the KEY thing is to get the shocks damping turned by the like of push. Shock tuning is so important if you are not usual size.