Mountain biking is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities around, as a growing number of people turn to outdoor recreation for entertainment. However, many are discovering that there are many types of mountain bikes and that they come in different sizes. For instance, to find the best mountain bikes for big guys, you must consider various factors, such as the materials it’s made from, its safety features, comfortability, and of course, size.
To help you in this quest, we’ve put together a list of the biggest mountain bikes for larger riders. Keep reading for more!
Best Mountain Bikes for Heavy Guys
As promised, we’re about to cut the legwork of looking for the best mountain bikes for bigger guys in half, with ready-made suggestions based on thorough research and testing.
1. Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
Mongoose has made yet another heavy-duty mountain bike. Known as the Impasse men’s mountain bike, this model comes with a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, a dual-suspension construction, and powerful brakes on the front and back.
You’ll be able to switch between 21 different speeds with this bike thanks to the easy-to-use Shimano rear derailleurs and SRAM twist shifters.
Not only that, but the 29-inch alloy wheels give the bicycle favorable traction in order to grip onto any surfaces with ease.
You’ll also find it easy to use this bike on the go and store it in tight spaces thanks to the quick-release front function.
2. SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike
Next, we have the Toray T800 Carbon Fiber bike, a very special model that’s designed to provide taller and bigger riders with a lightweight and comfortable ride while standing out with its attractive build.
It comes with an impressive 100mm suspension SR Suntour fork which makes it that much easier to maintain control of your bike even in difficult terrain.
This is complemented by its rear and front derailleurs, which are none other than high-quality Shimano M6000 DEORE models.
Not only is this well-made bike easy to operate but it’s built with safety in mind, as evidenced by the Shimano MT200 Disk Brake system, which includes a double mechanical disk brake. This means that you can bring this bike to a stop at a moment’s notice whenever you feel like it.
3. Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike
Considered to be one of the best full suspension mountain bikes for big guys, the Mongoose Dolomite is quite a unit. It comes with all the features that you need as a larger man to be able to enjoy more challenging trails without feeling out of place.
Of course, this comes as no surprise, as the Mongoose brand is well known for its ability to go the extra mile in providing riders with the best experience possible.
This bike was built for heavy-set riders, as evidenced by its 350-pound weight carrying capacity, knobby tires, and comfortable seat. It also handles like a dream thanks to its 26-inch wheels which are 4 inches thick to guarantee comfortable traction.
For safety, this bicycle features powerful disc brakes on the back and the front while the twist shifters ensure that you’re able to shift between gears with ease.
4. Max4out Fat Tire Mountain Bike for Heavy Guys
Next, we’ve got a fat tire mountain bike from Max4out, made with the best in welding technology to ensure long-term durability.
In addition to its high-end components and features, this bike is built for comfort with features such as its characteristic fat tires.
These are designed to tackle different road surfaces without causing you to feel the impact, a 21-speed Shimano rear derailleur that’s complemented by its own shift lever to help make the ascent and descent downhill that much easier.
It’s also worth noting that this bicycle is suitable for riders of different heights, which means that you can share it with different members of your family as well as friends that come to visit you.
5. Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle with Suspension Fork
Here we have a specially designed bike by the brand Merax. It’s constructed with a mountain bike ready front suspension fork design which will enable you to easily handle difficult terrain without losing wheel control.
You’ll be able to smoothly shift between the 24-speed Shimano derailleurs, which come with complimentary shifters for good measure.
When it comes to the brakes, this bike is fitted with disc brakes at the back and the front, providing you with a world-class braking system that enables you to control the bike effortlessly.
But, what makes this one of the best mountain bikes for heavy riders is the fact that it offers a combination of value-added features that you would expect in an upscale bike and an easy-to-use frame.
6. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
The Schwinn model comes highly recommended for adventure-seekers everywhere.
It comes with performance-enhancing features that make it possible to traverse different types of surfaces with ease, from uneven roads to rocky trails and smooth pavements.
This is all thanks to the bike’s sturdy steel frame and high-quality Schwinn suspension forks. Continuing with the quality features are the 7-speed Shimano twist shifters that allow the rider to easily shift between gears.
The linear brakes also allow you to comfortably stop the bike whenever needed.
7. Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike
When it comes to big man mountain bikes for large guys, the Diamondback brand consistently delivers with the best and toughest models on the market. This particular model is the leading hardtail mountain bike on the market and is one of many offered by the Diamondback company.
It’s made from an aluminum 6061 frame which is both lightweight and extremely durable, making it suitable for riders of different heights. In fact, of all the materials that can be utilized to construct a bike, this one is considered to be the ultimate.
It’s very similar to carbon and comes with wheels that perfectly compliment the frame, measuring at dimensions of 29 inches. These are the types of wheels that you’d expect from a swift yet sturdy bike that allows you to enjoy a smooth ride on difficult roads, and that’s exactly what this model offers.
Other features that make for a smooth and enjoyable ride include the effortless suspension and high-quality forks which are made from durable metal.
8. Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Heavy Duty Mountain Bike
Schwinn has made one of the greatest mountain bikes for fat guys with this Bonafide model. It comes with superb front suspension, powerful disc brakes, and large 29-inch wheels. Taken together, these features make for a versatile bike that you can ride across the country and on different trail levels.
It has a weight carrying capacity of up to 300 pounds, providing effortless support with the 2.25-inch-wide stock tires. The front and back sprocket allow this bike to reach up to 24 speeds and it’s super easy to shift between these different speed levels due to the quality of these shifters.
It’s worth noting also that this bicycle is geometrically designed for ease of use which makes it suitable for riders of different experience levels, even newbies.
However, it’s quite aggressive when compared to other road bikes but it handles like a dream considering its 29-inch frame. You’ll find that it’s super easy to stay stable on this bike, even when coming up on tight corners.
How to Buy the Best Mountain Bikes for Bigger Guys
Purchasing mountain bikes for bigger guys requires a lot of thought and consideration.
Here are some of the most important features to keep in mind as you take your pick between the available options:
Brand
As with most things, the brand is important in determining the quality and durability of a product because not all manufacturers are the same.
Now, typically, mountain bikes that are designed for heavy-set riders usually come with heavy-duty materials that are durable yet lightweight enough to make for easy handling.
Just make sure that the bike manufacturer you pick has a positive track record and a good reputation in the weight class that you’re shopping for.
Frame
Next, consider the materials that the bike frame is made from.
There are many different bike frames to choose from and obviously, the one you want is one with a durable and reliable frame that can remain steady when traversing different types of terrain.
Suspension
Bike suspension is one of the main features of a bike as it works to absorb vibrations when you come into contact with surfaces.
This means that high-quality suspension has the ability to protect you from bumps and shocks so that you don’t feel them on your body and get tired.
The bike will take the hit for you with a good suspension system, and most budget women’s mountain bikes come with both front and back suspension. This makes for a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable ride overall.
Tires
Heavy-duty bike tires are needed to ensure optimal traction and we’re talking large tires here that can handle the extra weight regardless of the terrain.
For best results, it’s recommended to opt for a 29-inch tire bike here while making sure that they’re grip-friendly, preferably with metallic rims, which are made more for heavy-set riders than carbon rims.
Wheels
You should also make sure that the bike you pick comes with the right wheels.
This means that they should be a perfect size, with the right treading and width to ensure proper handling and prevent damage while being able to handle your weight.
Saddle
You also want to take a closer look at the bike saddle to ensure that it’s the type of saddle that can provide you with a comfortable journey.
One way to ensure this is to check for how wide it is. The wider it is, the more support it can provide you, allowing you to maintain a relaxed position while riding your bike.
Avoid hard saddles if you’re a casual biker and soft saddles are not recommended for long-distance and competition bikers as they tend to fray and get damaged easily.
Weight
You obviously want to take into account weight, particularly your weight and that of the bicycle because the two are mutual to one another.
The faster you can determine your current weight, the faster and easier it’ll be for you to find the perfect bike for your needs. Experts recommend purchasing a bike that’s 50 pounds heavier than your body weight.
That’s because the weight carrying capacity shown on bike packages is usually 50 pounds shy of its actual carrying capacity. So, if a bike promises to be able to handle 350 pounds of weight, it probably only tests for 250 to 300 pounds.
The most important thing is to purchase a bike that is within your specific weight range. Plus, there’s also the option of purchasing a customized bike from other retailers, who will make the bike to measure.
Size
When it comes to size, you should make sure that the bike you pick is made to handle a weight of 300 pounds as the bare minimum, and the wheels should measure around 26 inches to 29 inches.
This is the size range that’s required to help you ride through different trails and handle any resistance that you might come across with ease.
Drivetrain
When it comes to the drivetrain, they don’t come better than the Shimano derailleurs. They come with advanced shifters that enable you to shift between different speeds.
Although they are costly, these derailleurs will take you to any mountain region of your choice. Again, ease and quality are what you should look for here.
Brakes
Brakes and gears go together when it comes to mountain bikes for big men because they affect each other’s function.
Here, you want to ensure that it’s easy to shift gears when you want to so that you can determine your speed, your way. Brakes, on the other hand, help to guarantee your safety by allowing you to stop the bike when necessary at a moment’s notice.
Disc brakes are the best kind available because they are durable, long-lasting, and very reliable on the road.
Ground Authorization
Ground authorization is a feature that’s designed to give your bike the necessary grip on uneven terrain.
The most important thing to look for here is a bike that offers balanced support as you paddle through different conditions. The pedals are what will determine this effect, specifically durable ones.
Price
If you’re taller and heavier than the average guy, then you’re probably accustomed to paying a little extra for everything that you purchase.
The same goes for bikes too, but since mountain bikes are already constructed to handle heavy-duty applications, they’re usually more affordable than road bikes for heavy-set riders.
Accessories
Modern bikes usually come with all types of different accessories to make your riding experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
For your convenience, a bike might come with extra storage for your groceries or camping gear, or even help carry a small dog or cat on your rides.
You might need that extra rack to store your backpack on your way to work or school if you plan to use your bike for commuting reasons, while bike locks are an excellent way to protect your bike from theft, especially when it’s parked in dodgy areas.
Other accessories to consider include lights to keep you visible in low-light conditions. These can be fitted on the front and/or back of the bike depending on the model, and then there’s the water bottle holder to help keep you hydrated on the go.
Benefits of MTB Bikes for Big Guys
Why go out of your way to find the best mountain bikes for big guys? Here’s why:
Sturdiness
The great thing about fat man bikes is that they are typically made with heavy-duty frame materials such as steel and aluminum.
This is in addition to high quality components that are designed to help handle different types of terrain especially since you’re more heavy set.
Comfort
Mountain bikes that are specifically designed for larger people typically come with thoughtfully designed features such as cozier saddles, wider wheels, and handlebars.
They usually also come with an upright design to help you maintain your natural posture throughout. Some bikes even come with a geometrically designed shape to accommodate a large belly.
Balance
Larger mountain bikes can often handle a wider contact surface for superior balance. This makes them ideal for riders of different experience levels.
However, it does require a lot of experience and muscle power in order to reach super-fast speed levels in a fat man bike, so make sure to pace yourself and don’t get too excited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a weight beyond which I can’t ride a mountain bike?
It is difficult to provide a straightforward answer to this question because it depends on the bike’s weight carrying capacity and your own individual needs.
Can a big guy that weighs 400 pounds ride an MTB?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible for a 400-pound person to successfully ride a bike, so long as it’s a bike model that’s designed to handle that weight capacity. The good news is that most mountain bikes with fat tires come with a weight carrying capacity of up to 400 pounds.
Conclusion
Well, there you go! That’s all you need to know to find the best mountain bikes for big guys. As you can see, it’s not at all difficult to find this type of bike, and there are actually many different, high-quality options available for you on the market.
The most important thing is to make sure that the bike you pick comes with all the features that are important to you, including accessories such as a bottle holder and front and rear lights, as well as more important features, such as durable, heavy-duty wheels made from steel, reliable brakes, and front and rear suspension to top things off.
Now, if we were to pick just one option it would be the Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike. It comes with 29-inch wheels and allows you to shift between 21 different speeds.