Cycling has a weight problem: a call for the industry to be more transparent about its weight limits

www.cyclingweekly.com Cycling has a weight problem: a call for the industry to be more transparent about its weight limits

Cycling products’ weight limits are typically hidden deep within owner’s manuals or not listed at all. This is a problem.

Weight limits for bicycles need to be higher and more transparent, especially if the majority of people want to use them.

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Weight limits on performance bikes are total nonsense. Probably are there just to comply some law. A pro enduro rider weighing 20kg less than me would destroy my setup any day.
I find hard to believe a traditional 26er with 36 triple cross spoked wheel from a reputable manufacturer can't hold up to any rider capable of moving on their own and sitting on a saddle any amount of time.
Unless they are heading to Whistler's a-line
- Your MTB wheel set is tested on the standard it's meant for. There's really no reason to test downhill wheel set for maximum weight limit for commuting or road racing because it's not made for that purpose. It's a specialized product for niche sport.
  
  Although true, it isn't the point I'm trying to get across. My view is that weight limits aren't a great metric. You don't have to go for niche sports, the traditional xc/trail bike is what everybody starts with on mtb.
  Say this example xc bike has a weight limit of 150Kg. Rider A is at 170Kg buys this bike ignoring the limit and just rides smooth local fire roads for some excersise.
  Rider B is young, athletic 70Kg build. Buys this SAME bike and goes on rides with friends that know all the fun trails. Rider B is getting faster and stronger, and the bike starts to show it's limitations.
  It's clear which bike will fail sooner. Weight alone doesn't matter, and both riders are using the bike for it's intended and designed purpose.
  Manufacturers cannot reliably slap a max weight to their bikes because of all the other factors involved. And if they do, it will be way conservative to avoid getting into legal trouble.
  
  That's why the manufacturers clearly define what sort of abuse the component is expected to withstand.
  For example, take a look on this document on DT Swiss wheels (took it as example because I recently bought DT wheel set and checked the manual)
  https://d2a13k6araex7u.cloudfront.net/pmt/00/00/00/00/00/00/00/10/00/00/00/88/5/MAN_WXWASTMSWWRXXS_WEB_ZZ_001.pdf

110 comments