The Best Bikes for Heavy Riders [Review and Buying Guide]

If you’re overweight, finding the right bike can be difficult, but it certainly isn’t impossible. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that can help you to shed a few pounds, but in the meantime, you’ll need to discover a model that can easily tolerate the excess weight.

Whether you’re looking for the best bike for overweight females or mountain bikes for big guys, we’ve got a list of the top eight models 2020 has to offer, so you’re bound to find one which suits your needs.

There are ample bikes for heavy riders. You can choose the Schwinn Bonafide mountain bike, electric bikes or gravel bikes from your local bike shop for big and tall riders.

Mountain bikes are appropriate bikes for heavy riders. The Schwinn Bonafide mountain bikes have mechanical disc brakes and suspension fork. A fat bike helps to lose weight. A lightweight alloy frame is a great option for bikes for big guys.

If you’re in a hurry, the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike is the best overall model. It can handle weight up to 500 lbs and can be ridden in snow, wind, rain, mud, and rough terrain. This model also has a sturdy steel frame, which helps the bike withstand heavier weights than most others.

The Best Bikes for Heavy People 

Not all bikes are designed for overweight people. Most simply aren’t strong enough to carry weight over 250 lbs, and this can leave those who are heavier feeling like they’re out of options. To find the best bike for heavy riders, we’ve compiled a list of some which meet the following criteria: strong frame, tolerate weight over 275 lbs, suspension system, and other additional features.

Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike — Best Overall

Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike

If you’re looking for a bike for a rider over 300 lbs, this Mongoose Malus model is an excellent contender. Its most impressive feature is its fat tires which enable you to enjoy cycling in a range of conditions, including snow, mud, rain, and even on rough terrain. Also, measuring over 4 ¼ inches in width, they are supersized, which helps keep you more stable during your rides.

This bike can carry riders weighing up to 500 lbs with ease. In fact, when we looked at customer reviews, we discovered that this Mongoose model caters for heavy riders. As a result, it can withstand heavier weight without putting any strain on the bike.

To keep you safe at all times when riding, the bike comes with front and rear disc brakes for stopping power, which even performs well when it’s dusty or wet outside. Consequently, you can ride this bike in a range of weather conditions without putting your safety at risk. Also, the braking system allows you to be more adventurous when riding.

It is designed with a steel frame, which may not be the most lightweight material, but it means that the bike can withstand a heavier weight, making it ideal for overweight riders.

Trek Bikes 520 — Best Premium Bike

It can be challenging to find a fat-guy bike that’s also made from premium-quality materials. Fortunately, Trek Bikes has developed the 520 models which are designed for the open road. This touring bike can carry you and your gear on long journeys without any issues.

It’s equipped with rack and fender mounts, a wide range of gearing for climbing up hills, and a stable touring geometry which makes it a high-performance bike for loaded trips. In fact, the 520 model is comfortable for all-day adventures. So, if you’re looking for a bike for heavy riders which is able to take you on adventures, this is the right choice for you.

This bike comes with a range of tech features too. For example, the Chrome Moly steel frame promises a comfortable ride and allows you to ride this 520 bike up and down hills as well as on bumpy and uneven surfaces. 

It features a 27-speed drivetrain which enables you to travel uphill at high speeds and adjust the bike to suit your riding preferences and style. You’ll also receive puncture-resistant tires with reflective sidewalls which will keep you safe at all times during your travels. not to mention that the mechanical disc brakes are suitable for all weather.

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle — Best on a Budget

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle

This is another of the best bikes for big guys, but it’s ideal if you’re on a budget and don’t intend to ride the bike all the time. It’s a great choice for commuting to work, thanks to the materials it’s made from and the bike’s design. In particular, it features a lightweight aluminum frame that helps you cruise at maximum speed.

The bike is designed to be easy and convenient to mount and dismount. It also offers an upright riding style due to the handlebar design and foot-forward style. In addition, you’ll receive greater leg extension with the pedals, and this helps make your ride much more comfortable and durable.

This Sixthreezero bicycle is designed with a dual-spring saddle which is the same colour as the frame. This saddle allows you to ride it for longer without any discomfort or irritation. It comes with a rack on the rear along with matching fenders. As a result, the frame is protected from becoming dirty or damaged during muddy rides or when cycling regularly. In fact, these features allow you to ride it over longer distances.

Let’s not forget that this model is a showstopper and will turn heads wherever you go. It’s also available in a variety of colours and styles, so you can find the design which best suits you.

Pure Cycles Adventure Gravel Disc Road Bike — Best for Comfort

Pure Cycles Adventure Gravel Disc Road Bike

The Pure Cycles Road Bike can withstand weight up to 275 lbs, which makes this model ideal for the average rider. Its most significant feature is that it’s comfortable to ride. Its lightweight, steel frame eliminates any pressure and shock caused by uneven surfaces and bumps. As a result, you can enjoy rides on tough terrain without feeling any impact.

You can also adjust the bike’s design and size to accommodate a variety of riding positions. In particular, the alloy drop bar is adjustable, which enables you to switch it up on longer rides, so you will feel more comfortable and secure when cycling.

This bike includes a 16-speed Shimano Claris STI drivetrain that delivers excellent gearing and enables you to embark on adventure gravel rides or customize your ride during your daily commute. Also, the front and rear alloy Promax disc brakes ensure that you’re comfortable and safe on your travels.

You can embark on rough routes and adventurous journeys with this bike. With beefy tires and plenty of clearance, this model is capable of tackling anything the trails throw at you. You can customize the bike according to your journey type or preferences, with optional racks, panniers, crates, fenders, and more.

Diamondback Overdrive 29C Hardtail Mountain Bike — Best for Quality

Diamondback Overdrive 29C Hardtail Mountain Bike

Diamondback designed this model, which has become one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders. In particular, it has a powerful, reliable braking system that keeps you safe and comfortable during your rides. It also features a tightly tuned suspension system, so you can take on virtually any conditions which are thrown at you.

This hardtail mountain bike can cut through branches, which is incredible given the bike’s size and design. It also features wheels with a high-traction rating, allowing the bike to easily travel through soil and damp environments without slipping or making you lose your grip.

The bike’s saddle is expertly designed, which allows you to stay comfortable during long rides, as well as improve the bike’s handling. Its frame is also strong, which is ideal if you’re a heavy rider, as it can withstand a range of sizes and weights. Also, the seat is cushioned and provides stability for your rear end at all times.

The bike includes 24 speeds, which is ideal if you’re an experienced rider who is looking for a bicycle that can be customized. Also, this feature means you can travel on different terrain types and uphill on a regular basis without the bike struggling.

Diamondback Bicycles Haanjenn Adventure Road Bike — Best for Speed

Diamondback Bicycles Haanjenn Adventure Road Bike

If you’re looking for the best bikes for heavy and tall riders but also want speed, this Haanjenn model from Diamondback is a must-have. When you first take a look at this bike, you’ll notice its design is elegant and sophisticated. This is due to an incredible paint job and details throughout its frame. Also, the curve on the top tube makes the bike look sleeker and more elegant.

This model is made from high-quality materials. For example, the aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy, and this allows you to travel at high speeds without the frame ever feeling weak. Also, the fork is made from aluminum, which is lightweight and precise.

Another standout feature of this bike is its high-quality braking system. It features Tektro Lycra mechanical disc brakes for ultimate control and security when braking and riding. As a result, you can stop instantly and this is ideal for when you’re riding either on or off-road.

Let’s not forget that the Haanjenn 3 has tires that are designed for the roughest terrain. You can also ride on smooth city pavements without feeling the sensation of being pulled back by heavy, wide tires.

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women — Best Suspension System

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women

This Schwinn model is easily one of the best bikes for a 300-lb man or woman. It’s a popular model with a lightweight frame, which allows you to reach high speeds. It also has a padded saddle for maximum comfort which won’t cause any irritation to your rear. Together, these features make the bike comfortable and enjoyable to ride.

We’re also impressed by the 21-sped shifters which guarantee good performance on smooth, inclined surfaces as well as on uphill climbs and tough terrain. This bike features large and thick wheels that play an important role in helping you ride faster and on a range of surfaces.

It also has a front suspension fork for a smooth ride, without adding much weight to the frame. As a result, you can comfortably ride on cobbled pathways or rough tracks while the suspension system absorbs any unwanted shock.

This Schwinn model features an alloy twist shifter with four-finger brake levers. As a result, it’s easy to bring this bike to a stop without having to twist your wrists to do so. This bike comes with fenders to keep dirt, grime, and stones away from your bike, which keeps it in good condition. 

Raleigh Bikes Tristar 3-Speed Trike — Best for a Trike

Raleigh Bikes Tristar 3-Speed Trike

Finally, if you want a good ride for heavy riders, this trike is a great choice. It’s ideal for beginners and great if you’re looking to purchase something for transportation and convenience purposes rather than for fitness.

This trike comes with a rear basket, which is ideal for grocery shopping and convenience. It can carry up to 45 lbs and is a great way to store food and accessories. 

This trike is safe to ride too. It features front V-brakes which lock to make parking easier. This reliable braking system brings you to a safe, smooth stop every time. It comes with 20-inch wheels, which are ideal for riding on smooth pavements as well as on bumpy surfaces without causing any damage to the trike.

A Guide to Choosing the Best Bike for Heavy Riders

To help you choose the best bike for your style, we’ve taken a look at some of the most important features you should consider. Take a look at these important components before you make your final decision.

Wheel Size

Choosing the right wheel size for your bike is crucial for stability and comfort. To decide the right wheel size for you, you should consider your height and riding style.

26 inches is the most popular size for modern bikes. This smaller size reduces the bike’s overall weight and allows you to cycle faster without needing to work harder to compensate for any extra weight.

Another popular size is 27.5 inches. This increased size offers slightly more stability and control for turning corners. It might be slower than a 26-inch bike, but it’s ideal if you love adventurous rides.

Finally, wheels measuring more than 29 inches are considered to be the thickest. These are generally wider than 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels and are designed for riding on tough terrain and on bumpy surfaces. As a result, they’re perfect for riding through mud and snow and are great in off-road conditions. 

More: Check Our Guide To The The Best Fixed Gear Bike For Men and Women Here

Gears

You’ll discover a range of gears when choosing a bike for heavy riders, but the number you choose should reflect your budget, riding style, and the environment to which you’ll be exposed. Specifically, the more gears you have, the more speed options you have, and the more expensive the bike will be.

If you plan to cruise comfortably on smooth surfaces with little exposure to bumps or hills, a bike with fewer gears will be suitable. Choosing fewer gears means you can reduce your budget and the bike will provide you with the speed you need.

Alternatively, if you intend to ride up and down hills, we recommend the higher spectrum of gears. This is because you’ll need to adjust the bike’s speed both when you’re cycling up and downhill. 

Bike Suspension

The most basic suspension system on a bike is a hardtail. Alternatively, a full suspension system offers the most protection and is generally more expensive. This is preferred by cyclists who travel on rough terrain.

If you’ll be riding on smooth roads, hardtail suspension will suffice. For some riders, this is the preferred suspension system, even on rough surfaces, because you experience more of an adventurous ride.

However, this style means that you have to take control when riding. If you’d prefer the bike to do the work for you and handle most of the impact, we recommend a full-suspension bike. This type of suspension is much easier when steering corners, and riding steep climbs, and it handles descents much better. Also, you can use the bike for rocky sections without feeling any impact.

More: Check Our Guide To The Best Bikes For Seniors And Adults Here

Brake Type

It’s important that your bike has a high-quality, reliable braking system. This can be either mechanical or hydraulic. The former is the cheapest, making it ideal for beginners or those on a budget. Mechanical brakes are designed to be simple and easy to use, with no confusion for riders.

The disadvantages to this braking system include the fact that they are difficult to maintain. Mechanical brakes are also susceptible to damage, particularly if used regularly or when using the bike vigorously. You’ll also need to apply more pressure to the bike in order to bring it to a stop, which may be a problem for a rider with sore hands.

Alternatively, hydraulic brakes are the most preferred brakes. This type of braking system brings you to a smooth stop and is also responsive, so you don’t need to apply much force to the brakes to stop. In addition, with more control and response when applying the brakes, you get peace of mind as you’re always in safe hands.

On the other hand, hydraulic brakes are expensive and are not ideal if you’re a beginner or on a budget. Also, if you don’t ride on rough terrain or at high speeds, you won’t make the most of its features. You should also consider that bikes with hydraulic brakes can be complex and difficult to adjust, and they may require some biking experience.

More: The Best Tandem Bikes For Family

Bike Frame Materials

When looking at materials for heavy riders, we’ll immediately dismiss carbon fibre and titanium. Although these materials are highly beneficial for speed and durability, they don’t offer the versatility and maximum weight capacity of aluminum and steel.

If you’re looking for the best bike for heavy riders, we recommend an aluminum frame, together with aluminum forks. This material is lightweight but strong. As a result, you can cycle fast without the bike’s weight holding you back. Aluminum is also sturdy. In fact, it’s anything but a feeble material and can carry up to 400 lbs. 

Steel is another preferred material as it is also strong. Although steel-frame bikes can’t travel as fast as their aluminum counterparts, they can carry excess weight. Not only is this suitable for overweight riders, but it means that you can use a commuter bike to travel with groceries or work equipment.

More: The Best Road Bikes Under 500

Handlebar Shape

There are various handlebar shapes that you should consider when choosing the best bike for heavy riders. To determine what is the best design for you, you should make sure you know how you like to ride and what you’re looking for. For example, if you want to ride fast, you should consider a shape that is aerodynamic that will help you cut through the wind. Using deep drops helps you to ride your fastest.

The shape also affects your comfort and performance when riding. Handlebars with a flat profile can spread the pressure across your hands, which helps prevent any hand discomfort. 

You should also consider your hand size when choosing the shape and design. If you have larger hands, a flatter top will be the best option for you. Alternatively, those with smaller hands should make sure they can grab the brake lever when on the drops. If the shape is too compact, it can cause your hands to cramp when riding.

More: Brilliant Bicycles L-Train Review

The Best Runners-Up

We rate the Trek Bikes 520 as the best runner-up bike for heavy riders. It can comfortably handle a weight of up to 275 lbs, which makes it versatile for most adults. With a range of gears, it can climb up hills and the 27-speed drivetrain means you can travel at high speeds and customize the bike according to your riding style and conditions.

Fat tire bikes are great for mountain biking and give you a comfortable ride. The aluminum frames determine how much weight is added to fat bikes compared to an electric mountain bike.

Get the best mountain bike or a folding bike made with a lightweight aluminum alloy frame and disc brakes for heavier riders. The steel and aluminum frames and dual mechanical disc brakes in the Malus fat tire bike maintain weight limits. A strong aluminum frame on an e bike with pedal assist is an amazing bike.

Alternatively, the Pure Cycles Adventure Gravel Disc Road Bike is also a great option. It’s designed to alleviate any pressure from riders by absorbing shocks from bumps and tough terrain. You can also adjust the drop bar to suit your riding style and surfaces, which increases comfort and stability.