Shopping for the best bike for big guys is far from easy.
It’s difficult enough to find a good bike. Now, you have to consider a bike that’s specifically designed to cater to larger and heavier men. This only complicates things further.
Lucky for you, you have us to help.
We’ve spent enough time researching to find the best bike for big guys.
A good example of this is the Mongoose Dolomite, which has a 350-pound weight capacity, attractive price point, fat and large tires, as well as powerful disc brakes. However, there are other bikes for fat people that are worth considering as well.
Read More: 10 Best Bikes For Overweight Female
Scroll down below to find out what other bike for fat guys we are recommending.
1. Mongoose Dolomite
Best Budget Fat Bike
Being large and heavy can make for a terrible combination when shopping for bikes. Your choices are extremely limited and often, you’ll have to spend a lot of money to get a quality bike. However, the Mongoose Dolomite is proof that this isn’t always the case.
While the Dolomite is not cheap by any means, it is relatively affordable as far as bikes for over 300 lbs riders go.
This big man bicycle is equipped with large 26-inch by 4-inch wide tires that perform well on all sorts of terrain. The width also helps make this bike more comfortable to ride on, especially for heavier folks. The 4-inch wide alloy front and rear wheel disc brakes then make sure that you can stop whenever you need to when riding this bike.
Speaking of heavier folks, you don’t have to worry about whether or not this cruiser bike can withstand your weight. It uses a steel frame that won’t snap in two or brake or bend unless you deliberately do it. Also adding to the functionality and appeal of this fat bike are the 3-piece crank and cruiser pedals.
Practical, comfortable, and reliable, the Dolomite is the ideal bike for most overweight riders.
Pros:
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Competitive pricing
- Super-sized fat tires
Cons:
- Heavy
- Pumping air to the fat tires takes a bit of time
2. Farley 7
Best Fat Bike
Fat bikes naturally handle better in snow. The oversized and fat tires create more low ground pressure than the typical bike. This results in better stability and riding comfort in the snow and other unstable terrain types. But, out of all fat bikes, the Farley 7 is what many recommend if you want a fat bike that rides just as well on snow as it does in another terrain.
Now, what does that have to do with the Farley 7 being great for larger riders? Well, fat bikes are naturally versatile, and the Farley 7 is arguably the most versatile of them all.
Put two and two together and you’ll see why the Farley 7 is the best bike for big guys.
The Farley 7 is specifically designed to handle like a regular bike wherever you go. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with a 300-pound maximum weight capacity. It is then equipped with a height-adjustable dropper post and a wide drivetrain. The Manitou Mastodon fork then completes the package by dampening the effects of rough terrain on your body.
Keep in mind that being heavy and riding on difficult roads make for a bad combination. However, you wouldn’t know that when you’re riding the Farley 7. The bike handles road imperfections like a champ.
Unfortunately, the bike is priced well beyond the reach of the average rider.
Pros:
- Suspension fork pretty much negates road imperfections
- Handles well regardless of the weather
- Excellent grip
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Changing directions could fee; more responsive
3. Roscoe 8
Best Mountain Bike
Your added weight might make you hesitate to take up a more extreme and challenging form of biking. However, with the right equipment, you can climb up mountains and trek through technical trails.
The latest Trek Roscoe 8 lives up to the Roscoe lineup reputation. It’s fun, versatile, and lets you ride rougher roads with confidence. The larger 27.5-inch tires give you plenty more grip and cushioning than other mountain bikes would.
In addition to this, the newest model uses a RockShox 35 Gold Fork with 120mm of travel, hydraulic lockout, and a motion control damper. This results in the bike feeling a lot more stable and smoother than its predecessor.
If you really plan on hitting descents, the Roscoe 8 won’t disappoint. The 130mm dropper post was a good design choice. You can still hit god own pretty hard and yet you’re also afforded the luxury of climbing while seated. But, of course, the main draw here is the NX 12-speed drivetrain that gives you responsive shifting on a dime.
Last, but definitely not least, is that the Roscoe 8 uses Maxiss’ Reckon 27.5 x.28 tires, which, by the way, are tubeless-ready.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Built tough
- Comfortable on all types of terrain
- Handles mountain trails with ease
Cons:
- Drivetrain could be better
4. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Casual
Best Cruiser Bike
The sixthreezero EVRYjourney Casual is not, by any means, something you’d take with you anywhere. Instead, it’s a chill and relaxed bicycle that lets you cruise down in style and with comfort. It’s also quite functional too. The front and rear wheels have fenders for added protection when you’re out riding in the rain.
Speaking of chill, the pedal and steering wheel design lets you maintain a comfortable position all throughout. Meanwhile, it comes with double springs that act as shock absorbers under the saddle.
Now, this doesn’t fully negate the effects of bad road conditions. What it does is that it makes the occasional bump in the road feel a bit better. This is especially useful when you consider it has 26-inch wheels with 2-inch thick tires.
All in all, this is a great cruiser bike for when you want to start shedding off the pounds but don’t necessarily want to go at it hard.
Pros:
- Stylish
- One-size-fits-all frame
- Low-maintenance
Cons:
- Not for long rides
5. C:1 City Bike
Best City Bike
Cruiser bikes might be great for leisurely rides, but they’re not exactly good daily drivers. For that, you need a dedicated city bike.
These days, no bike is better for the city than the C:1 City Bike.
What really sets this bike apart isn’t exactly the components themselves. Sure, they’re all high-quality. However, what makes this worthy of our seal of approval is that the manufacturers actually care enough about you. They have a dedicated team working to help you customize the city bike according to your weight, height, preferences, and needs.
This results in a bike that gives you a relaxed riding position without sacrificing the efficiency of each pedal stroke. In addition to this, because the bike is custom-built, it ships with integrated mounting points that specifically targets your body’s geometry.
Basically, what happens is that this city bike becomes the best big man bicycle only for its owner.
Unfortunately, this means that the bike won’t feel as good to ride on if you’re not the one that it was designed for.
Pros:
- Excellent customer service
- Custom designed
- Personalized
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited availability
6. Priority 600
Best Hybrid Bike
The Priority 600 is a good example of why you shouldn’t judge bikes by how it looks.
Understated and plain are two ways to describe the 600. It has a matte black finish that admittedly makes it look plainer than it should be. However, once you take the time to learn what makes it work, you’ll realize that it’s one of the best bike for big guys and other riders.
Let’s start with the aluminum frame. It’s heavier than other in its price range, but it’s also a lot more durable. At the same time, it doesn’t have much in the way of its suspension. Although it’s lacking on both accounts, it makes up for it in other areas. This includes high-performance alloy wheels that are tubeless-ready.
At the same time, one of the biggest advantages of the 600 is its Pinon C1.12 Gearbox. It’s low-maintenance and yet high-performance. It’s a traditional bike drivetrain with a 30-speed system that admittedly, will take some time adjusting to. It’s also fitted with another high-performance and low-maintenance option with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
Road-worthy and loaded with commuter features, the only thing lacking from the 600 is a more affordable price point. Also, check out this article is you are looking to buy a cheap hybrid bike.
Pros:
- Loaded with features
- 30-speed gear system
- Sealed
- Low-maintenance
Cons:
- High asking price
7. Priority Apollo Gravel
Best Gravel Bike
“Designed for performance with a low maintenance promise”.
That is how the manufacturers describe the Priority Apollo Gravel.
To be honest, it certainly delivers. You don’t have to worry about the derailleurs locking up with this model. It won’t have any of those caked cassettes problems. You won’t even have to worry about greasing chains. To top it all off, it’s a relatively lightweight model. It weighs just 24 pounds and that’s with the 700c x 40mm WTB Byway tires.
Now, if the Apollo Gravel has none of those, then what does it have? Well, for starters, it has drop-bar shifters. It also has a belt drive. Lastly, it has an 11-speed hub that’s internally geared.
All in all, the features that the Apollo have make it a great all-around and all-season performer. This makes it the ideal choice for heavier and overweight men who need a more versatile ride for daily use.
Pros:
- Internal gearing system
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Versatile
Cons:
- Not cheap
8. Trek Domane AL2
Best Budget Road Bike
The Trek Domane AL2 markets itself as an “entry-level” road bike. True to that, it has a budget-friendly price point. However, it doesn’t really feel like it has a low asking price and not for enthusiasts.
Admittedly, the 275-pound weight limit is a bit of a turn-off. This makes it a bad choice for obese men weighing over 300 pounds. It is a good fit for heavier men looking to shed some pounds off of their weight though. Not to mention, even though it’s great as is, it’s a great first road bike. It’s easy to accessorize and upgrade for when your needs grow and become more specific.
Now, what exactly is it about the Domane AL2 that’s so great?
Well, for starters, it has an IsoSpeed Carbon fork. This helps absorb road vibrations to make riding more comfortable. At the same time, Endurance Geometry gives you a lot more confidence to ride the bike, even on tougher roads. Lastly, it has DuoTrap S compatibility for easy wireless ride tracking.
Pros:
- Backed by lifetime warranty
- Reasonably priced
- Carbon fork
- Generous color options
Cons:
- Low maximum weight limit
9. Ecotric Fat Tire Beach Snow
Best Electric Bike
The truth is, heavier guys aren’t always the most effective. Even if they’re willing to give cycling a try, their bodies just aren’t used to high levels of activity. Or, at the very least, not yet.
With that said, an electric bike is a good compromise. You can still pedal them if you like. However, you can rely on the electric component to power you through a couple of kilometers too when you get tired.
A good example of this is the Ecotric Fat Tire Beach Snow.
As the name suggests, this fat e-bike has large 26-inch and 4-inch wide bike tires. This allows it to ride through all sorts of road conditions without any problems. Also, because it’s an e-bike, you can choose to use its 500-watt motor to move (Throttle Mode) or let it help you out (Pedal Assist). You can also pedal on your own and use the bike as if it were any other regular bike.
On a good day with pedal assist, you could get around to 25 miles at around 20 miles per hour on this bike.
Other notable features of this electric bike include the aluminum alloy frame, mechanical disc brakes, and smart LCD display.
Pros:
- Well-made
- Ships 90% pre-assembled
- Battery holds its charge well
Cons:
- Heavy
- No fenders
Bike Rack for Big Guys Buying Guide
If you’re looking for the best bike for big guys, you must knowwhat factors to consider.
Type of Bike
The type of bike generally isn’t as important but is worth considering too.
Case in point, you wouldn’t want to do be doing cross-country riding if you’re overweight. It’s just so much more physically taxing on your body. Not to mention, bikes that can handle your weight falling down from significant heights can get quite expensive.
With that said, we do recommend sticking with road, mountain, and cruiser bikes.
They’re generally made out of sturdier and heavy-duty materials and don’t prioritize lightweight as much. They also often have wider and larger wheels than most. This makes the wheels easier to pedal. At the same time, the larger wheels are better suited to carrying significant loads, in which case, is you.
Durable Frame
Carbon frames are not advisable for heavier riders. Although they’ve become quite stronger in recent years, they’re still prohibitively expensive. In comparison, steel and aluminum bike frames are more sturdy, heavier, and significantly cheaper. But, if you really prefer a lightweight bike, titanium bike frames are just as light as carbon frames and as strong as steel.
Comfortable Saddle
A lot of non-enthusiasts make the mistake of neglecting the saddle of their bike. This is a big hiccup because the saddle can make or break the ride quality of your bike. This is especially true if you’re heavier than most riders.
Remember, saddles support pretty much your entire body weight.
There’s no exact science here when it comes to choosing the right bike saddle. However, it is widely accepted that wider saddles with more padding are more comfortable. Albeit, this comes at the expense of speed. Also, the saddle should be designed to distribute weight evenly to the seat, pedals, and handlebar for optimal performance.
Try to ask your local bike shop if they can help you measure your sit bones so you can find a proper saddle.
Brakes
In general, disc brakes work better than rim brakes. It doesn’t matter if both or one is mechanical or hydraulic. By design, disc brakes are just better because of many reasons. This includes more precise braking with minimal wheel lockup chances. Also, disc brakes are known to be more resistant to bad weather.
The advantage of using disc brakes only grows more significant as you weigh more.
Many avid riders who weigh more than 250 pounds feel much better and confident to ride if their bike has disc brakes. The level of braking precision that the disc brakes afford heavy riders is crucial for safety.
Bike Weight
Heavier bike frames are usually more durable and have higher weight limits. This is why heavier bikers are recommended to go with bikes that have all-steel frames. But, don’t just get a heavy bike just for the sake of it. That’s not good for your body too, since you’ll have to lug it around and exert far more effort just to pedal.
Exerting too much effort can be detrimental to your physical health. It can also put you at risk of both minor and grave injuries.
Size
Bike fit is incredibly important when purchasing a bike. Much more so if you’re on the heavy side.
Ill-fitting bikes are already uncomfortable enough for regular-sized people. This is further amplified in larger and heavier riders. This is why it’s recommended to get a professional bike fit. This way, you’ll know your fit dimensions better and be able to get a proper bike size, among other things.
A proper bike fit will also help you set up your bike better. This can help minimize any pain and discomfort, as well as your risk of injury. A properly fitting bike can also make cycling more fun and enjoyable.
Conclusion
The best bike for heavy riders is, by far, the Farley 7. However, the C:1 City Bike isn’t half-bad either. This is especially because it’s tailor-made according to your own specifications and measurements.
If, however, you prefer something more versatile, it’s a toss-up between the Trek Domane AL2 and the Priority Apollo Gravel.
If it were up to us, we’d go with the former. It’s far more customizable and more affordable. It’s also the kind of bike that will last you even way after you’ve shed as many pounds as you would like. But, we do see the appeal of the latter as well. It is also an excellent choice if you want a low-maintenance daily driver.
With that said, we’re confident that you’ll find the best bike for big guys sooner or later.
Feel free to use our list of recommendations as a reference, and do your own research with the help of our tips.
