From:	Jerry Hatfield	e-mail:	beemer73@sbcglobal.net
Subject:	RE: RE: Can a 300 pound man ride a 165?	Date:	Thu Jul 17 16:59:42 2008
Response to:	11454

I weigh about 190, suited up, and my dorsal posterior is suitably over-sized. The saddle on my 165 gets uncomfortable after about 30 minutes of non-stop riding. This is caused by the small saddle size relative to the large posterior. But what's a little pain between friends? I just stand on the pegs for a few seconds and then I'm good for 10 more minutes. At 190, the saddle springs give a lush travel from their movement at the slightest bump. The foam rubber and leather are great. The problem is the small saddle size. But I would never trade the great looking saddle for a Cushman-style "tractor" seat. Thirty minutes will take me anywhere I want to ride in this metropolitan area (Arlington, TX). I've ridden the bike on one trip of 45 miles through back roads, a two-hour jaunt, going and returning. I plan to do this again, so the discomfort is only slight. As to a 300-pounder, I'm not sure the saddle springs would be up to the job. If not, there may be a work-around. I know that riders of bikes of the 'twenties and 'thirties with extension-spring saddles, solved their supply problem. They did this by using garage door opener springs. Perhaps a suitably stronger compression spring exists in industry inventory and can be cut to length for "Hummers." ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS ----- I don't think weight is an issue; buddy seats were an option which would equate to close to 300 pounds for two riders. The "bigger" issue is ride comfort. The bikes are not ergonomically set up for larger riders. But that is up to you. I wouldn't plan a cross country trip on one! ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS ----- Just wondering, I used to ride a two-stroke 125 dirt bike in high school and I weighed 225 then? I really have an itch for a '58 165. But will give up plans if I can't ride it. What should be the riders top weight be, in your opinion? Thanks for your help. Dan