Entry level racer for 6'5" (Is a Trek 1.1 suitable?)

dnme

Hi again folks,

After a few years on a hybrid, and a recent discussion about getting into clip on shoes, I went into LBS just now and had a browse around. I'm considering making the step up to a racer. The assistant showed me a Trek 1.1. he reckons its a good bike to start out on. Reviews seem to back this up. My question is about size and weight. I'm 6'5" and about 17-18 stone I guess. Would this bike be able to carry me without buckling? If not any other recommendations?

Many thanks

endacl

dnme wrote: »

Hi again folks,

After a few years on a hybrid, and a recent discussion about getting into clip on shoes, I went into LBS just now and had a browse around. I'm considering making the step up to a racer. The assistant showed me a Trek 1.1. he reckons its a good bike to start out on. Reviews seem to back this up. My question is about size and weight. I'm 6'5" and about 17-18 stone I guess. Would this bike be able to carry me without buckling? If not any other recommendations?

Many thanks

Bike will carry you all right.;-)

Would by worth getting a fitting though to make sure the geometry suits you. If your long in the body, a frame with a longer top tube might fit you better etc.

You may find the 17-18st figure alters as well....;-)

Mycroft H

The frame should do, I'm not entirely sure about the stock rims though.

dnme

BX 19 wrote: »

The frame should do, I'm not entirely sure about the stock rims though.

Yea the shop assistant said that to me too. He showed me other wheels with flat spokes, said they were very strong and would do as a replacement to stocks. €550 for the wheels though

manwithaplan

If you want wheels with a higher spoke count, you don't need to spend anything like €550. Bladed spokes are mainly for better aero performance rather than for strength. They are utterly unnecessary on a starter road bike.

I'd say the stock wheels on a starter bike would be fine - they are generally built to be durable rather than to be light or aero.

Mycroft H

dnme wrote: »

Yea the shop assistant said that to me too. He showed me other wheels with flat spokes, said they were very strong and would do as a replacement to stocks. €550 for the wheels though

Forget that. Buy a decent (I like mavic) rim with 32-36 spokes and get someone to hand build them with the stock hubs on the wheels already. Should cost less then 175 euros including someone to build them.

lennymc

i was 17.5 stone on a carbon bike with the stock rims. i also had shimano rs50 (i think) chep rims with no problems, aswell as other bikes with other rims, and dont think i ever have a problem with the rims.

stock rims (imho) can be fine for the bigger boned gentleman.

petethedrummer

dnme wrote: »

Yea the shop assistant said that to me too. He showed me other wheels with flat spokes, said they were very strong and would do as a replacement to stocks. €550 for the wheels though

You could get handbuilt 36 spoke wheels for less than that. I would go with the stock wheels and only change them if you are getting repeated spoke breaks. A set of 25 or 28(if they fit) mm tyres should provide more protection to the rims than standard 23s.

dnme

Many thanks all, some great advice and food for thought.

couerdelion

I was nearly 20st when I got my bike last year (6ft 4"). Under 17st now but still got a standard Specialised Allez. Had problems with a couple of wheel sets but ended up with Planet X Model "C" and they've stayed true for the last year or so.

Had problems with Shimano RS20's breaking spokes and being a nightmare to get replacement spokes for.

dnme

I notice the Trek 1.1 only goes as far as a 62cm frame. Now I'm not overly fussy about science and precision at all. I just want to be able to go for a spin and be comfortable for a couple of hours. Is a 62cm frame enough for me?

couerdelion

Should be fine, but just ask the bike shop to help with fitting. It might need a slightly longer stem or some other small modification.

dnme

Meant to ask, and I forgot to look when in the shop. Does the Trek 1.1 have quick release wheels by default? I kinda need them for getting the bike in and out of the car.