A bike shop owner that I respect and who has both talent and a sincere interest in old classic bikes, told me recently that freewheel type rear hubs have a built in weight limit. He told me that a 200 pounder and up will tend to bend axles on freewheel bikes because of the location of the supporting bearing structures. I realize that this was the main selling point for Shimano's freehub design in the early 80's, but at my weight which varies between 150 and 160 I never have bent an axle. I have seen lots of them though that have that characteristic bend at the drive side from being ridden by riders in the low 200 lb. range. Isn't it strange that when classic bikes were at their height, the average "BIG" guy used to be around 190 to 200, and now so many men seem to weigh 210, 220 and 230. It almost seems that the average guy now weighs that. Bikes come from the factory now with thick heavy strong aero rims, and freehubs and strong aluminum frames. The reason I bring all this up is that I sold the Benotto, which I was comming to love for $250 plus another bike that I can sell parts off of on E-bay. The poor old Benotto seemed to strain under the weight of the new owner who is 220 to 230. I wondered whether the bike would resent me for abandoning her. After all, we did spend some quality time together this week. I even asked the new owner if he would prefer that I put on a solid axle to resist bending, but he said that just likes quick release. Then I insisted that if he didn't like anything about the bike he could return it. "No, it's just perfect.. Scratches and all."
Rationally, it doesn't seem that 230 lbs is that different from 160, and that these bikes had a built in ability to take the extra weight as part of the original design. The question is then,,, Were these old lightweight bikes with Columbus tubing and the like built to take the extra stress of a heavier rider?
Garth Libre in Miami Fl.