Best Bikes for Heavy Riders

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

The worst experience for a cyclist is to have to endure an uncomfortable ride.

If your body is larger than average, you may feel more discomfort if you are riding a bike that is just not right for you.

The good news is that you do not need to suffer any longer. Bikes for heavy people provide a solution and may give you the smooth and easy ride you crave and deserve.

You may be wondering how you can find a bike that offers everything you need as a heavy-set rider. These bikes for heavy riders offer the best combination of comfort and safety at budget-friendly prices. In this article, I review 10 of the best bikes for heavy people so read on to find the perfect fit for you!

1. Ride1up Core-5 (BEST ELECTRIC)
2. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike (BEST CHOICE)
3. Firmstrong Bruiser Man Beach Cruiser (BEST VALUE)
4. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycles
5. Tommaso Gran Sasso
6. iZip Alki 1 Upright
7. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser
8. sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser
9. Diamondback Metric 2 Fitness
10. Fairdale Lookfar 700c 2022

1. Ride1Up Core-5

Specifications

• 750w 60nm Motor
• Hybrid Frame Design Aluminum
• Disc Brakes
• 27.5” Wheelset
• Comfort Saddle and Adjustable Stem
• Shimano Gearing

The Core-5 is a very cool electric bike, and it has a serious amount of grunt to it. If you are looking for a bike, you can take on a ride with the family or get to work in a short amount of time. This is it. The Ride1UP bikes are what everyone is talking about these days, and you can see why they are fantastic.

The Core-5 Features a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, and you can see the motor and the battery of this bike is built into that. The quality is fantastic, and it has a very comfortable geometry, so all day riding is fine on this.

The bike has an incredibly powerful motor of 750w and can produce 60nm of force. The bike can go all the way up to 28mph and has a large battery of 10.4ah. It’s ideal if you are new to cycling and want some assistance. The bike will give you about 20-40 miles of cycling on the battery.

The wheels are 27.5”, and the bike will feel very fun and agile to ride. They are paired up with the Kenda Kwick tires, which are excellent for off road and on road riding. It also has disc brakes to help you stop, and whenever they are being pressed, it cuts off the electric assistance, which is amazing from a safety point of view. 

It is also equipped with a Shimano groupset, so you get incredible reliability, smooth shifting, and for when the service comes, round parts are very cheap. The Ride1UP bikes are excellent, and the cost is so low for what you get.

PROS

• Powerful Electric Motor
• High Quality Components
• Amazing Price
• Great to look at

CONS

• Needs Recharging
• Heavy

2. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike – Best Fat Tire Bike

Specifications

• Type: Fat Bike
• Size: 26″ Wheels 17″ Frame, Sized for adult riders 5′ 6″ to 6′ tall
• Number of Speed: 7
• Frame Material: Steel
• Suspension: Rigid
• Brake Type: Dual Disc Brakes
• Wheel size: 26″ X 4″ Wheels

I think you will love this attractive fat tire mountain bike with its 26-inch wheels and lightweight aluminum alloy rims.

The 4-inch wide knobby wide tires will give you excellent traction on just about any terrain and will make you feel safe as you ride even on hills.

The Shimano derailleur and twist shifter should make it easy for you to tackle inclines and to shift gears while the bike is in motion.

Coming to a sudden stop should not present any problems and I think you will be delighted with the way this bike handles overall.

If you worry about sizing, you will be happy to know that the Mongoose Dolomite features a threadless headset that can be adjusted for riders who are between 5’5″ and 6′ tall.

Even better, this fat tire bike is rated for a weight of up to 250 pounds.

PROS

• Lightweight alloy rims improve performance and reduce weight
• The beach cruiser pedals provide a comfortable and safe ride
• Your purchase comes with a limited lifetime warranty

CONS

• Steel frame construction makes this bike heavy

3. Firmstrong Bruiser Man Beach Cruiser – Best Value

Specifications

• Type: Cruiser
• Size: 26″ wheels 19″ Frame
• Number of Speed: 1, 21
• Frame Material: Steel
• Suspension: Pedal backwards coaster brakes in 1 speed Linear Pull in 21 speeds variant
• Brake Type: Caliper Brakes
• Wheel size: 26″ X 2.13″

The Firmstrong Bruiser is clearly a strong man’s bike with its steel frame and stainless steel spokes.

The weight of the frame is offset by the 26-inch aluminum wheels and rims, which make this bike not only durable but also rust-resistant. You know your investment will stay protected and looking nice for a long time. 

You will like the easy-to-use rear coaster brakes (read:what are coaster brakes?)on the single and three-speed models. 

The seven-speed model includes front and rear handbrakes for added safety and versatility on various types of surfaces.

You might appreciate this bike’s simple style with an extended frame that gives you a more roomy and comfortable ride.

Your best rides on this bike will be distances of up to about 20 miles on pavement, boardwalks and paths.

This strong sturdy bike has an over-sized seat with double coil springs that will keep you comfortable even on long city rides.

If you are between 5’4″ and 6’4″ tall, the Bruiser may be just right for you. Even better, this model can hold a maximum weight of 350 pounds.

PROS

• Consistent cruising speeds between 3 mph and 15 mph
• 2.125″ tires and comfort grips cushion your ride
• Comes 80 percent assembled

CONS

• Suitable for use only on flat surfaces

4. Schwinn Phocus 1400 And 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycles

Specifications

• Type: Road bike
• Size: 41cm Step-Through Frame, 56cm Step-Over Frame
• Number of Speed: 16
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Suspension: Rigid
• Brake Type: Caliper Brakes
• Wheel size: 700c

The Schwinn Phocus road bike gives you two great options that are built for men and women. Both models have a drop bar, an aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork.

The 1400 model has a 41 cm frame and is the ideal choice if you are shorter than 5’10” in height.

If you are taller than 5’10’, the 1600 model has a 56 cm frame and is probably the best choice for you.

This lightweight road bike with padded saddle is likely to provide the most comfortable ride you have ever experienced.

The bike’s powerful dual pivot caliper brakes and alloy quick release rims will keep you coasting happily and safely and can support a load of up to 250 pounds.

The shifting is built to provide smooth transitions across speed settings and will make this road bike a breeze to take for a spin on many types of surfaces.

PROS

• Two 8-speed clusters and 4 shift levers provide control
• 16-speed derailleur with integrated shifting and braking
• Easy to assemble at home with basic tools

CONS

• Inner tubes are thin and tend to blow easily

5. Tommaso Gran Sasso

Specifications

• Aluminum Hardtail Mountain Bike
• Suntour XCM 100mm travel Fork
• 29” Wheelset with WTB Tires
• Hydraulic Brakes
• 3×8 Shimano Gearing

I am a massive fan of a Tommaso MTB, not just because they use quality components but because they make a solid frame.

The Tomasso Gran Sasso is an epic bike. Starting with the lightweight aluminum frame. Not only does it look the part is absolutely solid. It paired up with the Suntour XCM Forks, which offers you 100mm travel, and these are great low-maintenance forks.

The wheels are 29” wheels. They have used them because they are better at mixed riding than 27.5” wheels, and also means you can get bigger tires in adding to the comfort of the bike. These wheels are paired with Kenda’s 2.1” excellent tires.

The gearing isn’t your standard 2×7 at this price. You’re looking at a modern Shimano 3×8 speed groupset. It gives you great options for climbing and descending. It’s a super reliable, low-maintenance group set that won’t give you any trouble.

Unlike many others on this list, the bike doesn’t just have great disc brakes, but they are Tektro Hydraulic disk brakes. These will stop you on a pin and have generally have excellent performance.

PROS

• Heavy Duty Aluminum Frame
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Suntour XCM forks
• 29″ wheels with Kenda Tires

CONS

• A little more expensive than the other bikes

6. IZip Alki 1 Upright Comfort Bike

Specifications

• Type: Upright
• Size: 700c wheels
• Number of Speed: 21
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Suspension: Rigid
• Brake Type: Front and Rear Brakes

The iZip Akli 1 Upright Bike is built especially for whose height ranges from shorter to very tall.

If your height is between 5’4″ and 6’4″, this bike may be the choice for you.

This classy single-speed 700c cruiser has Vee Tires 42mm tires to buffer you on a heavy duty against bumpy roads for extreme riding comfort.

You will be glad that the handlebar has synthetic leather grips that will make you more comfortable and keep your hands drier while you ride.

If you are on the tall side, you will appreciate the longer-than-average frame and forward pedaling that affords better leg extension.

For tall people who have struggled with too much leg in the way of the bike, you will be relieved to hear that this bike has a low slanting top bar that makes it really easy to mount and dismount.

I have endured many tortured and miserable rides on bicycles that had hard and narrow saddles and no leg room. I would be tempted to buy this iZip just because of its padded saddle and leg extension potential.

This model is available in a beautiful yellow which stands out and gives the bike a summer vibe.

PROS

• Very Comfortable
• Padded seat with coiled springs is exceptionally comfortable
• Cruising speed between 3 mph and 15 mph on paved surfaces
• Comes 80 percent assembled

CONS

• Not the lightest Bike

7. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser

Specifications

• Type: Hybrid Cruiser
• Size: 26″ wheels
• Number of Speed: 1, 3, 21
• Frame Material: Aluminum or Steel
• Suspension: Rigid
• Brake Type: Only Front Linear Pull Front and Back Or Dual Disc Brakes depending on the configuration
• Wheel size: 26″ X 2.125″

This 19-inch cruiser has a lightweight aluminum frame and 1.95-inch tires that will keep you cruising with little effort.

The upright style and forward pedaling keep your body positioned comfortably for those rides around town as well as on hills and trails.

The EVERYjourney can support up to 300 pounds and has a 7-speed hub that gives you multiple riding options.

It’s one off my favorite hybrid bikes, and also a lot of college students seem to enjoy riding this classic bike.

You will love the control that the front and rear handbrakes give you when you swing your bike to a quick stop.

PROS

• Sized for riders between 5′ and 6’4″
• Rear rack makes this a great bike for errands
• Wide saddle and padded handles provide extra comfort

CONS

• Some components may require professional assembly
• Handlebar may be difficult to tighten with basic tools

8. Sixthreezero Around The Block Women’s Cruiser

Specifications

• Type: Cruiser
• Size: 26″ wheels 17″ frame, Fits riders from 5 feet to 6 feet, 2 inches tall
• Number of Speed: 3, 7, 21
• Frame Material: Steel
• Suspension: Rigid
• Brake Type: Front and Rear Handbrakes
• Wheel size: 26″ X 2.125″

Women have a choice between the 24-inch or 26-inch sixthreezero cruiser.

Both sizes come in 1, 3 and 21-speed styles. The 26-inch bike is also available with 7 speeds.

With the Shimano derailleur and friction shifters, you have myriad riding options and can safely control stopping on any terrain.

Front and rear handbrakes that make it easy to come to a quick stop, to tackle hills and to bridge long distances in comfort.

The small size fits riders between 4’2″ and 4’11” in height. If you are between 5′ and 6’4″ tall, you will be more comfortable riding the 26″ model.

I am happy to tell you that this bicycle also comes with a rear rack that can hold baskets and panniers that you can use to accommodate nearly everything from groceries to your pet dog. 

The sixthreezero Around the Block is known to safely carry loads of up to 380 pounds.

PROS

• Dual spring saddle and foam grips let you ride comfortably
• Waffle tread tires provide traction
• Upright seat provides a comfortable ride
• Lightweight at only 34 pounds

CONS

• May be difficult to assemble at home
• Purchase does not include all tools needed for assembly

Related: Best Bikes for Heavy Women – Reviews & Buyers Guide

9. Diamond Metric 2 Fitness

Specifications

• Flat Bar Hybrid Bike
• ALUXX Grade Aluminum
• 700c Wheels
• Shimano 3×8 Gearing

Diamondback is one of the biggest bike manufacturers on the planet, and they have been at the forefront of the market for so long because they just make well designed, good value bikes that look great.

The Metric 2 is a bike that I have a lot of time for. It is the 2rd Edition of the Metric bike. It is a simple flat bar hybrid bike made for road riding, emphasizing comfort more than anything. It has a strong aluminum frame that supports 300lbs, which is made of Diamnondbacks Aluminum.

The wheels are 700c Road wheels, and they are paired up with some oversized 35c tires. This is not just going to give it a lot of comfort, but it also helps for bigger riders.

The gearing is the legendary Shimano 3×8 Drivetrain. If you are worried about not being able to get up a hill, having this group set will make it easy. You also have Shimano quality and durability, so you can trust and rely on the bike to look after you.

PROS

• Diamondback Brand
• Aluminum Frame
• Oversized Tires
• Rack Mounts
• Strong and Comfortable

CONS

• Not very colorful

10. Fairdale 2022 Lookfar 700c

Specifications

• Strong Steel Frame 
• SRAM Gearing
• 700c Wheelset with 42mm Tires

The Fairdale 2022 Lookfar is a very cool bike, and you won’t see many like it on the market. It’s got a beautiful design that is adapted to make a bicycle just so much easier to use and more straightforward.

The first thing to speak about is that frame. It’s a very simple design which is going to work for lots of kinds of riding. It is a solid frame and has been designed with a strong base in mind. It comes in a beautiful matt black color, and just looks silky smooth.

The wheelset is 700c, so it will feel fun and agile to use. They have done something very cool with the tires and put on 42mm tires, which are absolutely massive and give the bike huge capability on and off road a fantastic amount of comfort.

The gearing is a SRAM 1×8 Speed. It has a good range of gearing, and SRAM components are just built to be so robust and give such great shifting.

PROS

• Relaxed Frame
• Oversized Tires
• SRAM Gearing

CONS

• Heavy
• Only 8 Speeds

The winner of the best bikes for heavy people is? 

All the bikes I mentioned above are very good bikes for heavy guys. But if I have to choose a winner…

Among all the  bikes for heavy people, I swear by the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike because of its unique combination of features that offer safety without sacrificing comfort.

This bike’s sturdy frame offers durability while its knobby wide tires offer excellent traction on all types of terrain.

The headset can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate the needs of any rider. The bike’s beach cruiser pedals add to the comfort factor that this lightweight bike offers.

To all the heavy guts out there, I hope that this review has given you all the information you need. If you have any questions, just let me know! 

Buying Guide & FAQ

What bikes are good for heavy riders?

Bikes can differ greatly in some of their key characteristics and all bikes are not the same. I have written this guide as a way to help you and other cyclists choose the best bike from among the many available options. 

Let’s begin by addressing some of the questions you may be having as you prepare to purchase your new bicycle.

What are the advantages of riding a bike that is built for heavy people?

Those of us who have larger bodies and people who carry a bit more weight with them, love to ride bikes as much as anyone else does.

We want a bike that can give us a comfortable and safe ride without breaking the bank.

Some bikes have features that better accommodate added weight and that can provide a comfortable ride.

Feeling comfortable while we ride will usually get us to ride longer and more frequently, thus helping us to enjoy the many benefits that riding can offer.

I think that this guy has a great attitude and a keen perspective on the relationship between riding and health. The video is only slightly over six minutes long and well worth the time. 

What is the best style of bicycle for heavy riders?

Some of the best models for heavy riders who weigh up to 275 pounds include road bikes with drop handlebars, hybrid bikes with flat handlebars and mountain bikes.

Bikes for over 300 lbs include mountain bikes perfect for heavy riders and bikes that are made of steel alloy.

Bikes can be customized to accommodate larger loads. You may be able to do some of this work yourself or you can get assistance from a bicycle repair technician.

You may want to look at the page on the REI website for suggestions about assembling a bicycle repair and customization toolbox. (1)

Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find links to a free bike maintenance class and information on how to perform a pre-ride inspection.

What features should I look for when purchasing this type of bike?

There are some features that are perhaps a bit more on the cosmetic side but that most riders look for when choosing a new bicycle.

I am referring to features such as foam grips, padded seat and extra-wide saddle.

Tall riders may look for features such as low top bars and good leg extension potential.

Still other riders really want features like rear or front racks, especially if they regularly cart loads like groceries, books or newspapers.

I think these features may be more a matter of personal preference and taste that are less likely to impact safety and overall ride quality.

Riders may decide to include some of these comfort features or they may decide to forego them.

Structural features, however, are probably worth discussing in greater detail because they can impact safety and overall experience.

In addition, you can always customize features like the saddle and grips. A bike that is poorly built or that is just not right for a heavy person, however, will likely result in long-term dissatisfaction that cannot be easily corrected.

For this reason, I will discuss some of the structural features that are likely to impact safety, including frame, the wheel system, the brakes and the gears.

We will discuss each feature in turn.

Frame Materials On Bikes For Big Guys

Frames made of steel alloy are very sturdy, but lightweight frames of this type tend to be fairly expensive.

Steel frames are very heavy but they are also among the most durable of all frame types. Steel frames are also more affordable than titanium or aluminum models.

There are bikes that have aluminum frames of a less expensive grade and that can provide a lightweight alternative to steel.

Wheels Made For Heavy Rider Bicycles

Rims that are made of steel alloy are particularly sturdy. A double-walled tire construction provides additional cushioning, ensuring a better experience on longer rides.

Tires that are 26 inches (or 700C) are ideal to put on a bike for heavy riders. For added traction, choose the bigger wide tires that have thick waffle tires or knobby tread. (2)

Braking And Shifting Mechanisms

When we ride, we exert downward pressure on the brakes and gears. This pressure can make it difficult and even unsafe to move between gears.

Closely examine the shifting and derailleur mechanism to ensure that there is a smooth interface at the points of contact. Otherwise, the chain can slip off the sprocket and cause you to lose control of your bicycle.

Brake systems can be either caliper or disc type, and can be mechanically operated or hydraulic.

Mechanically operated brakes may give you better control on a variety of terrains and this type of system is what you are most likely to encounter when you shop for your new bicycle.

Are there any accessories that are made especially for this type of bicycle?

There may not be accessories that are especially made for this type of bicycle, but there are a number of accessories that can make a heavy rider much more comfortable in the saddle.

Bigger extra-wide seats and padded saddles can be bought separately if your bicycle does not already have one.

Some bicycles also have frames that let you attach a back support or that have an upright riding style that increases comfort and eases pressure on the back.

Flat and drop handlebars increase the comfort level for heavy riders. These handlebars can be bought separately if you wish to customize your bike after purchase.

Read more: Detailed Buying Guide – Buying Bikes for Heavy Guys

Are there any precautions I should take before I start to ride when I’m overweight?

If you are a bigger, heavy rider, there are some things you should know if you want to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Bikes that are made of steel alloy are the sturdiest and may be the better choice if your weight is above 250 pounds.

If you will be carrying heavy loads on your bike, make sure that you distribute the weight evenly across the frame. This is especially true if you will be using your bike to haul items on hills or rough ground, both of which can quickly destabilize a load that is not well balanced.

Review the user manual for your bicycle to make sure that you are not exceeding the recommended weight limit.