Need a ebike rated for 335 pounds and 6-4 rider, or convert my Avalanche 3.0

[baneVader]

I watched the super long video from Luna and was hooked and ready to order, but I couldn't find the rated weight limits on any of their documentation. After spending 3 hours, I sent email. The reply was not helpful. Anyway, I still like the company and its products, it's just that I won't buy a bike that is not rated for my current weight (335). I only ride on dedicated bike trails, mostly flat and some sidewalks to get to the trails. I don't mind pedaling, but could use the E-assist. I'm interested in quality and durability. I would like to buy a complete rated for my weight, or convert my current bike. I stay in Orange county California, not too far from Luna headquarters in the next county. Can anybody help me? Thanks

[ncmired]

Hi and welcome to the forum. For Luna-modded bikes, sometimes you can find the weight limits by going to the base manufacturer's website.

It can be tricky to find the weight specs. Instead, the mfgrs may provide general guidelines, like these from Trek:

Rider weight limit of 275lb:

Road bikes with drop type handlebar

Triathlon, time trial or Speed Concept bicycle

Cruisers with large 26″ tires and swept-back handlebar, Bicycles that fold.

Rider weight limit of 300lbs:

Hybrid bicycles with 700c wheels, tires larger than 28c, and flat handlebars

City bicycles: hybrids with special equipment, cyclocross bicycles: with drop type handlebars, knobby 700c tires, and cantilever or disc brakes

Mountain bikes of all types including: standard, race, cross-country, heavy-duty, trail, all- mountain, freeride, and jumping bikes of both the hardtail and full suspension variety.

Combined Rider weight limit of 550lbs:

Tandem bicycles

I weigh a bit more than you. In general, I believe diamond-style bicycle frames are more than strong enough to handle us, though I prefer to stick with steel tubing. Low, single tube step-through frames and/or ones that fold I'd consider suspect. The next component I'd watch is the wheels, and I'd stick with wide rims and tires. Well-built, evenly tensioned wheels are the key, and not often found on volume bikes, IMHO. Worth the money to them checked. Finally, get or add strong, responsive brakes. Finally, no curb or mound jumps, please.

Have a look at the Zize Bikes and how they handle weight - pretty straight-forward, nothing magical.

Based on the above, I'd think any of Luna's present ready-to-ship bikes would be fine, except for the folder and maybe the banana. I can't tell much about your current bike from the picture, but from what I can discern it may be a good conversion candidate, as well.

Getting outdoors and rolling is good for us, er, Clydesdales.

[baneVader]

Thanks for your reply. I'd really like to buy a Luna complete, but probably won't because I'd be scared they cant handle my weight and I'll break spokes or something. I'll check out your other suggestions. Thanks

[tklop]

I'd recommend this anyway--but regarding spokes--stainless steel may sound good--but they're garbage. Stainless steel spokes are weak, brittle, and won't last.

Get those heavy-duty rims laced with galvanized steel spokes--and select a heavy gauge. #12 (light moped spokes) are a good choice.

This is standard advice regarding e-bike wheels (imo), but esp. important if you're dealing with heavy loads--and this would apply to cargo bikes, bakfiets types, pedicabs, and all sorts of other configurations--as well as for heavy riders.

Best of luck with your plans!

Tklop

[Retrorockit]

Surly is known for favoring strength over weight. You might see what they offer for heavy riders.
The inexpensive go to HD rim is the Sun Rhyno Lite. DH rated and comes in 26x32h, 36h,700c comes in 40h also. Or look for other Triple hollow rims with eyelets.
BBSHD and Sturmey Archer 3 speed IGH, single speed chain is not only a tough driveline. But the Large diameter and wide hub flange width makes for a much stronger wheel.
I'm thinking with that weight and speed you will want at least a 2.75" wide tire. I like Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes and 200mm would be the size for you. I use metallic brake pads which wear slower and can handle the speed of an Ebike. I would definitely put some Shimano crank arms on it. E5000 is very inexpensive and thicker than the E6000 cranks. At 6'4" you may like 175mm cranks anyway.
I think you will be shredding the dirveline on the GT Avalanche. I took me a while to find parts that will stand up to a BBSHD on my Gary Fisher.

[Retrorockit]

Surly Instigator comes to mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFWmpttDmLc

[Whale2]

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radwagon-electric-cargo-bike

The above is rated for 350 pounds. I weigh about 300 and ride a Rambo R 750 G3 from Costco. I am happy with my Rambo, and it has no problem getting me up some fairly steep hills. I do not know how reliable it will be since I have only put about 50 miles on it since it was purchased in October.