With more and more people now trying to live the outdoor lifestyle, mountain biking is something that many consider to get them outside. Instead of walking miles upon end, riding your bike is a simple way to not only explore but have fun at the same time. The best mountain bike for big guys might seem tough to find and expensive, but this is where we come in. After numerous tests, the Diamondback Overdrive stood out for the quality and the affordability it offers.
Comparing myself to the norm, made me realize that I am quite a large person myself and even though I love mountain biking, finding the right one to hold my weight seemed tricky. I did some in-depth research to help narrow down some of the options and simply just point me in the right direction. However, this was really timely but did help me find what I was looking for.
With many of you being in the same situation, I decided to simplify the process and help you on your journey to find a top bike as a larger person. These mountain bikes were tested and they all came out on top for their specific purposes. If you are looking for a specific mountain bike as a large person, this article will be perfect for you and you should easily find what you are looking for.
Top Mountain Bikes For Large Riders On The Market Today
The size of the bike and the purpose that you will be using it for will be fundamentally important. However, you might need something versatile and this is the focus point of the bikes we have chosen. Here are the top bikes for larger riders on the market today:
Top Pick: Diamondback Overdrive 29er
Diamondback is regarded as one of the best brands on the market today and they offer a massive variety of different bikes for all riders. Diamondback is also the brand used by the professionals and the Diamondback Overdrive 29er is one of the top options for larger riders. This is mainly due to the massive 29-inch wheels.
The bike has been constructed with a durable 6061 aluminum frame and this is the same quality aluminum that is used for many aircraft. The materials are extremely durable, but also rather light and can be closely rivaled with carbon. The SR Suntour suspension forks are a little expensive, but they offer some added control for beginners.
Finally, the bike includes an 8-speed drivetrain and this adds a lot of functionality for the rider. Mechanical disc brakes have also been included, which makes the bike perfect for riding in all weather conditions. While it might be a little expensive, if you are serious about mountain biking as a big guy, this is the bike to consider.
Best High-End Bike: IMUST Carbon 29er Mountain Bike
If you are serious about mountain biking, you will be looking for a serious bike, and the IMUST Carbon 29er Mountain Bike is made from durable carbon fiber and features a lightweight frame of just of 2700 g. It offers much more versatility to users with an impeccable Rock Shox Yari fork that helps you in virtually any condition and terrain.
Additionally, the handlebar and seat posts are also made from carbon fiber. With 2 available wheel sizes, you should not have any issues finding the right one for your needs. We would recommend the 29-inch wheels to the largest of riders around 300-pounds.
With everything being constructed mostly from carbon fiber, this can be considered an entry-level professional bike. Starting out as a mountain biker can be really expensive, but this bike will help you cut the cost a little. The only real downside is the assembly and this bike is rather tough to put together without the right knowledge and skills.
Affordable Mountain Bike Option: Schwinn S29 Men’s 29″ Wheel Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Schwinn is one of the more affordable options on the market today and the Schwinn S29 Men’s 29″ Wheel Full Suspension Mountain Bike is one of the top options for those looking to break into the sport. The bike is constructed with a durable aluminum frame and the SR Suntour 3.0 cranks will make the transitioning from gears that much smoother.
The 29-inch wheel size will be what makes the ultimate difference for the larger rider to keep them comfortable. Additionally, the full-suspension system should help with navigating virtually any terrain and getting you over the larger obstacles.
Nevertheless, the best part of this bike is the price. Compared to many of the elite bikes, this bike is really affordable for the beginner. Since mountain biking is a great way to get outside, an affordable bike like this will be perfect for starting out.
Best Fat Tire Bike: Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Bicycle
Have you ever considered riding with a fat tire bike for a little more traction on more surfaces? If not, the Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Bicycle is one of the top options for the heavier riders. Made from aluminum, the frame will help the weight of larger users and offer excellent durability.
The tires are the main draw of the bike and with a 26-inch wheel size; they should be perfect for taller riders. Additionally, the wheels are around 4-inches thick, which should add to the overall traction that you have available as well as the stability of the bike on all surfaces. Wet weather conditions should now be a breeze with the inclusion of disc brakes at the front and rear end.
One of the downsides is the low profile handlebars and this might not be perfect for everyone. Even though it can be used in any terrain, the bike is mostly used for cruising and it should not break the bank either. We wouldn’t certainly recommend this bike for all users looking for something to cruise the streets.
Best Mountain Bike For Cruising: Schwinn Men’s Suburban Bike
Cruising through the neighborhood is a great way to have some fun and get outside. With a decent cruiser bike, you should not have any trouble when it comes to enjoying your day outside. The Schwinn Men’s Suburban Bike is one of the best options and it features a durable aluminum frame that offers excellent durability.
The bike only features a 1-speed drivetrain and this will offer excellent comfort for the rider. With no issues when it comes to selecting the right gears. Additionally, the bike also features a suspension fork that makes it easier to navigate tough terrains on the sidewalk.
With such an affordable price, the bike should not force you into any financial troubles. It is also worth noting that comfort grips have been added, making everything much more comfortable and easier for you. We definitely recommend this as one of the top affordable bikes.
Key Features To Consider When Buying The Best Mountain Bike For Big Guys
Before you simply make your decision and choose your bike, you need to keep the most important features. To help push you in the right direction, these features will help you make a decision:
Size
As a larger rider, the size is fundamentally important and for heavier riders close to the 300-pound mark, we recommend anything above 26-inches. The wheel size will be what gets you over the obstacles and offer comfort. Larger riders should consider the 29-inch wheels for maximum overall functionality on all terrains.
Drivetrain
I know many heavy riders that love cycling sports. Whether this is road riding or mountain biking, the drivetrain is fundamentally important. Shimano is a top-rated brand and they offer excellent derailleurs that will help you when it comes to overall versatility.
Tire Thickness
Tire thickness is most important when selecting a bike for cruising purposes. A wider tire base is ideal for the larger rider and it offers excellent traction on all surfaces. These tires can also carry a little more weight and should enable you to ride off-road as well.
Suspension
Having a suspension system might cost you a little extra. However, it is a fundamental part of the bike and without a decent suspension; you might find yourself having a painful off-road journey. Most modern bikes have a front suspension, but if you are an avid mountain biker, we recommend having 2 suspensions. Adding in some disc brakes will make the bike perfect for all conditions.
Final Thoughts
Being a big guy should never keep you out of the saddle and having a decent bike will enable you to enjoy your hobby. Compared to some of the other bikes on the market, these have stood up to our tests. We would recommend them for the quality and value they offer. They won’t break the bank and could keep you on the road for a couple of years.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts. Let us know if you have ever used any of these bikes before. We would also like you to recommend any other options you think we might have missed.
