So, when I was younger, I used to LOVE riding bikes. In college, I used to ride my bike to class every day.
But one day about 8 years ago, I got too heavy and bent my back rim I was about 330 lbs at the time. I went to a local bike store and bought the strongest rear wheel they had, and about 2 months later I bent that one too. And I gave up on biking, gave up on doing something that I loved that was good exercise for me.
Of course, that only made things worse. I recently caught myself as high as 450 lbs, and had to do something. I've been busting my rear for the past 2 months to lose weight, and I believe I'm down around 400 lbs at this point (there was a bunch of water weight to lose early on).
For 8 years I've wanted to get back on a bike, and I've been jealous of those I see on it. Then imagine my surprise and excitement to see the Mongoose Beast in Walmart today. I got on it, and rode it up and down the aisle. It felt GREAT. But I'm so worried about it supporting my weight long term.
So my question to all of you Beast owners out there is two fold.
First, how strong are the wheels that come on the bike? I understand that not many people my size will even consider a bike, but if there's someone out there around, say, 300-330lbs that can tell me they have rode off curves with no issue, that would make me feel better.
Second, if the rim ever did break, what are the aftermarket replacement options like for getting a stronger wheel? Since the wheel is wider I would assume that it spreads the weight out better, so a double walled wheel of that size would likely work great - if it exists.
I'm really ready to pull the trigger on this bike, but it's not easy for me to throw away $200 if it doesn't work out.
Help me out here, what do you think?