Touring bikes for heavy riders: At least durable up to... 6 bikes that can withstand more than 120 kg

It really wasn't easy to put together a test field for this class. The bikes had to have a system weight of 140 kilos or more, no motor and a touring character. By the way, system means the addition of the rider's weight, the payload and the bike's own weight.

The vast majority of bikes here are approved by the manufacturer for up to 110 or 120 kilos. However, cyclists weighing two hundredweights and more are not a total rarity, and they would not officially have the manufacturer's blessing to take even day luggage with them.

However, real touring bikers can easily load up 30 kilos, so the choice of models for such cases shrinks rapidly, even without a fixed price limit as in our test.

Something for specialists

Great potential, little on offer: this raises the question of why many brands do without such bolides. There are two main reasons for this. One lies in the design of the frameset, the other in the range offered by suppliers. After all, a bike is always as strong as its weakest link. When a product manager selects handlebars, wheels or brakes for a new model, the component with the lowest load capacity or load-bearing capacity decides where the limit of the entire bike will be.

We had expected the wide handlebars to be the limiting factor here, but Marc Kessing from Giant reports that it is often the wheels and even more often the brake systems that do not allow more mass and therefore higher forces. And the brands behind the bikes naturally adhere to the suppliers' specifications, if only for reasons of liability if something were to break or work to a limited extent due to overloading.

>> What the frame builder and material expert advises when buying bikes for heavy riders and lots of luggage

Mechanical brakes will or should be just as rare in this weight class as wheels with fewer than 32 spokes, and 36-hole rims are often used. For more resistance to rotational forces along the head tube - the part of the frame in which the fork rotates - it often makes sense to fit larger head bearings for heavily loaded bikes; firstly, to distribute the forces better and secondly, because thicker head tubes can support thicker top and down tubes. We asked one of the most experienced designers, Andreas Kirschner, what else enables the frame and fork to carry more than the typical 110 kilos (see page 52). If you add up the many adjustments for such elite frames, it becomes clear why the big players in particular, with their huge production volumes, shy away from the effort. This is in stark contrast to Giant: in addition to the Toughroad in the test, the brand even offers sporty lightweights with incredible payloads. Both of the bikes below have already been tested as sports bikes in issue 1/24, but we didn't want to leave them out.

Due to the small number of models, we had ample opportunity to test the models with several types of riders, from powerful to really powerful, with and without luggage, on a chase through the city and on short cross-country rides. Without anticipating the results: The stability and load capacity of the frames was impeccable and impressive, the differences were more in the riding behaviour depending on how and where the heavy loads acted. In the end, there are quite clear recommendations for which purpose they are best suited, our tip is for the bike with the widest range per euro.

These bikes are suitable for heavy people

Giant Fastroad AR Advanced 1

• Price: 2,299 euros
• Frameset: Full carbon fibre, max. system weight: 159 kg
• Frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL
• Seat tube / top tube: 475 / 575 mm
• Stack / Reach / SR ratio: 578 / 404 mm / 1.43
• Wheelbase: 1,058 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain: Shimano 105 2 x 11 groupset, NN 2-speed Hollowtech II crank 36 / 48 teeth, 105 cassette 12-34 teeth
• Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes, 160 / 160 mm, HD-R280 brake lever
• Wheels / tyres: Giant S-X2 Disc aluminium wheels, 24 Sapim spokes / Maxxis Receptor 700 x 40c, tubeless
• Saddle / handlebar: Ergocontact / aluminium 3° curvature 70 cm

Conclusion on the Giant Fastroad AR Advanced 1

The Fastroad is a great sporty all-rounder with clear strengths in the touring sector! Both the advanced wheel/tyre combination and the good rolling characteristics as well as the long-term comfortable riding position, but especially the robustness of the frameset with its many mounting options make it one of the best bikepacking models on the market. There are more dynamic bikes, but very few with this weight-to-cargo ratio!

For women: LIV Thrive Advanced GX

• Price: 2,199 euros
• Frameset: Full carbon fibre, max. system weight: 159 kg
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L
• Seat tube / top tube: 450 / 560 mm
• Stack / Reach / SR ratio: 590 / 385 mm / 1.53
• Wheelbase: 1,025 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore groupset, 1 x 11 gears, FSA Omega AGX+ crank (40 teeth), Deore cassette (11-42 teeth)
• Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes (160/160 mm), HD-R280 brake lever
• Wheels / tyres: Giant P-X2 Disc aluminium wheels (24 x 2.2 mm steel spokes) / Giant Crosscut Grip2 tyres (700x45c)
• Saddle / handlebars: Ergocontact ladies saddle / flatbar handlebars (70.4 cm)

Conclusion on the LIV Thrive Advanced GX

Even if the wishes of women and men for sporty bikes are not completely contradictory: With the exception of the handlebar width, the women's brand Liv has combined many features that experience has shown women like better than men. The short stem keeps the position moderately sporty, making the Thrive very versatile. The only things the bike doesn't like are slippery surfaces, full luggage at the rear and high mountain stages due to its balance and gear ratios.

The MYBIKE tip: Koga Worldtraveller

An uncompromising load donkey with incredible stiffness values and robust components, a top globetrotter at an entry-level price.

The frameset of the Worldtraveller could not be more uncompromisingly designed. We have no concerns at all that the aluminium could become soft over time. During the test rides, we almost maxed out the 180-kilo maximum load, but neither the lowrider nor rear panniers were able to move the bike. The tensile, angular tubesets are oversized at the critical points, the double weld seams are virtually seamless and the cables are integrated into the frame. The clean look is modern and leaves room for plenty of (travel) equipment.

The gear ratios, choice of tyres and riding position are designed for long cruising rather than sporty riding, but that suits travelling with a full load. The fact that the groupset is no longer completely up to date even has advantages if you are looking for spare parts away from civilisation. The large brake discs may get hot downhill, but they keep control of the heavy transport. Accessories suitable for travelling, ergo components and fixed points for bags round off this well thought-out bike.

• Price: 2,749 euros
• Frame sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Test bike weight: 20.9 kg (without accessories)
• Max. System weight: 180 kg

Equipment

• Frame: Aluminium, integrated cables, smooth welded and ground, angular and oval tubesets
• Fork: Aluminium rigid fork, 7 lowrider threads
• Gears: derailleur gears, 30-speed Shimano Deore XT
• Gear ratio: 44/32/24 / 11-34
• Brakes: Shimano MT400, hydraulic disc brakes
• Wheels: 29" aluminium rims, 36 holes, Shutter Dynamo
• Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency 55-622
• Lighting system f/h: B&M Eyc Senso T / B&M 2C plus Toplight
• Luggage rack f/h: 15 kg / 45 kg frame-integrated

Conclusion on the Koga Worldtraveller

Aluminium from its solid rather than feather-light side. There is no excessively high-quality equipment to go with the tough frame, but there is a lot of it. The result is a thoroughbred touring bike or "just" a trekking bike for real pound guys at a sensational price.

Giant Toughroad SLR EX: High load capacity does not automatically mean a cosy riding style

Weighing only around 14 kilos and with its slim silhouette, it's hard to believe that this bike can carry almost 150 kilos. Our sturdily built little test crew are probably still raving about the acceleration and comfort of the Toughroad. Both enthroned on the long and slightly flexible seat post and when pedalling in the saddle, the bike really moved forward without any rotation or deflection in the frame being felt. However, the sporty aluminium frame prefers heavy riders to full panniers.

With 10 kilos at the front and 20 at the rear, the bike is easy to control, but with a little experience you can feel how the frame wants to twist. This is not a problem for one long tour a year, but if we were travelling the world, we would be concerned whether the material would suffer despite the good alloy, see interview. The conflict of objectives has been resolved here in terms of weight, apart from the tyres, the bike is trimmed for fast progress, the dual drive fits in well with this, and without thick panniers, the 160 mm brake discs were also sufficient. With its discreet design, the slightly higher torso angle and the weight, the bike is ideal for short, fast tours and commuting with a little time pressure.

• Price: 1,499 euros
• Frame sizes: S / M / L / XL
• Test bike weight: 14 kg
• Max. System weight: 161 kg

Equipment

• Frame: Aluxx SLR (6011A aluminium alloy), multi-butted, cable cover, lifetime guarantee
• Fork: Composite carbon fork, oversize headset
• Gear system: Shimano Deore Shadow, 2 x 10-speed
• Gear ratio: 44/32 / 11-42
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200, hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm disc diameter
• Wheels: GIANT GX28 aluminium rims, 32 steel spokes, hubs - Shimano DH-T4050 / FH-RM35
• Tyres: GIANT Sycamore S, 700 x 50c
• Lighting system f/h: B&M One Five / B&M Toplight plus
• Luggage carrier f/h: 15 kg /25 kg, 2 packing levels

Conclusion on the Giant Toughroad SLR EX

The pannier rack and lowrider do their job well when necessary, but without a lot of luggage you protect the frame in the long term and utilise the dynamics of the lightweight much more - the speed commuter among the heavyweights.

Pegasus Strong SL 27: No ambitions for best times or chases, but comfortable and stable

The eye-catcher of the Strong is its oval head tube with suspension fork and many, many spacers. This raises the handlebars for an upright position, but does not create a buttery-soft front end as is often the case with "long necks". The designers have solved this very well with the oversize head tube. The wide, adjustable stem also has no play, nor can it be twisted. Suspension forks for touring bikes are often overstretched with high payloads, because the rider's weight increases with impacts. However, the centre of gravity, which is shifted backwards due to the riding position, takes pressure off the fork, which more or less balances itself out - it does what it should and never bottomed out, even with a 130 kilo payload.

Disadvantage: It is difficult to mount luggage on the suspension fork. If you make full use of the rear rack, there is even more weight on the rear axle. This makes steering commands sluggish and is probably not good for the bike in the long term. With its weight distribution, the bike isn't exactly a cornering predator anyway, but it rolls well, and even if the 9-speed Acera groupset is already a few years old, it shifts crisply and its gear range is almost too wide thanks to the triple cranks - but in cruiser mode you can also get up a climb.

Tip: Tester Horst complained about back problems over roots and kerbs - a disadvantage of the upright position, which can easily be compensated for with a spring support. The price leaves room for manoeuvre.

• Price: 1,299 euros
• Frame sizes: M / L / XL / XXL / XXXL
• Test bike weight: 18.2 kg
• Max. System weight: 180 kg

Equipment

• Frame: Aluminium, tapered headset
• Fork: SR Suntour NEX-E25HLO (63 mm travel)
• Gears: derailleur gears, 27-speed Shimano Alivio / Acera
• Gear ratio: 48/36/26 / 11-34
• Brakes: Shimano MT200, hydraulic disc brakes
• Wheels: 28" aluminium rims, 36 holes, quick-release axles, Shimano hub dynamo
• Tyres: Schwalbe Citizen K-Guard 47-622
• Lighting system f/h: Fuxon FS-50 with sensor and parking light / Fuxon R121 with parking light
• Luggage carrier f/h: - / 27 kg

Conclusion on the Pegasus Strong SL 27

The emphatically upright position certainly suits connoisseurs, and the Strong is also a pleasure for everyday journeys. It can easily cope with riders up to size XXXL, but the rest of the riding dynamics come at the expense of very large luggage.

Rennstahl 853 Pinion SE: Investing in a high-end steel wheel is an investment that will last for decades.

With a steel bike with so many additional parts, you would expect a sluggish, heavy bike. But even the tubesets, which are unusually thick for steel, only weigh 16.7 kilos, the result of a lot of effort in design and production, see interview. The extremely rearward sloping frame geometry has two advantages: The fork blades could be welded over a very large area with the extremely long steerer tube protruding from the headset, which provides enormous support in such a difficult position. The seat post is almost twice as long as usual, so the thin tube swings slightly backwards on uneven terrain and softens impacts considerably.

If you pack the "beast of burden" really full, you can also feel minimal movement in the frame. This may cost you a µ (My, read: "effort") in pedalling power, but makes for a more fatigue-free ride on long journeys, just like the great grips, the top saddle and the balanced riding position. Incidentally, the 853 hardly ever loses its agile handling characteristics with a payload of 80 to 150 kilos as long as the load is evenly distributed. The equipment is top-notch, but the highlight is undoubtedly the gearbox. A single rotary switch provides us with gear ratios for 98 per cent of all cases, the shift logic is simple and operating errors are impossible. Together with the belt drive, the maintenance intervals are huge!

• Price: 4,999 euros
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Test bike weight: 16.7 kg
• Max. System weight: 201 kg

Equipment

• Frame: Steel frame, multi-butted, forged dropouts and gear bridge
• Fork: Forged steel fork, lowrider eyelets
• Gear system: Pinion C1.12, 12-speed, belt drive
• Gear ratio: 32 / 28 - internal 1.46 to 8.75
• Brakes: Magura MT5 (4 pistons), hydraulic disc brakes (180 mm discs)
• Wheels: 28" Mavic aluminium rims (32 holes), Son hub dynamo
• Tyres: WTB Riddler TCS 37-622
• Lighting system f/h: Son Edelux II / Son K 920 (without reflector)
• Luggage carrier f/h: loadable up to 17 kg / 26 kg (unofficially up to 50 kg)

Conclusion on the Rennstahl 853 Pinion SE

Thanks to the well thought-out frame construction and virtually maintenance-free equipment, this bike should provide faithful service for decades, the riding comfort and directional stability are incredible - suitable for world travelling. Theoretically one for everything, but who can safely park such a luxury mule in the city?

VIP - Very Impacted Parts: Components that have to withstand particularly high loads

There are parts of the frame that are subjected to less stress and others that literally and proverbially take the brunt of it, and even more so with large payloads, which includes the rider. In addition to the fork and the head tube, which are subject to extreme stress due to the long levers when braking and tilting the bike sideways, the bottom bracket and the rear dropout in particular must be built to be stable - or, as Rennstahl boss Andreas Kirschner would say, durable.

On inexpensive bikes, the mount for the rear wheel is not made from a solid, ideally forged plate like the one on the Pegasus in the picture below, but more like a sheet of metal. But this is where a large part of the rider's weight, the support of the pannier rack and forces from the disc brakes come together in a very small space, and in exceptional cases the tensile load of a trailer. In addition to the thickness of such a component, the size and surface area also play a role. When welding the chain and seat stays, you need a minimum of space; small "contact surfaces" do not really make the weld seams more stable.

Lateral deflection forces act on the bottom bracket, which can be clearly seen when pedalling. The mounting plate for the Pinion gearbox at the top, known as the "bridge", is one of the particularly tough forged parts in racing steel. High rider weight and high pedalling forces harbour the risk of the bottom bracket area becoming softer over time on lightweight or inexpensive bikes.