Delano I saw your post on the bike forums and now here. I didn't have time to respond previously, so I'll weigh in now.
I own both a 60cm Bombadil and a 64cm Atlantis. I am 6'2" @ 220 and a fairly aggressive, higher mileage rider. I've done long, loaded tours on the Atlantis and I'd guess that my weight total (body and gear) was around 270. The Atlantis was fine, though I really felt that it was a little too flexy on dirt roads with the load. However, that's with a touring load and I'd guess most of the flex I didn't like was coming from the gear on the racks. It was fine on the road. You are within the weight range for the Atlantis and I'm sure it would work for you in any wheel size given good wheels and wider tires. I bought the Bombadil because I wanted a stiffer frame for loaded desert touring on rough roads and off road. I've got a short torso and long legs. Most mountain bikes just don't fit me all that well and require a long steer tube with ton of spacers to get the bars up to seat height. Because the 60 Bomba fits like the 64 Atlantis and the Atlantis fits me really well, the Bombadil seemed like a great choice for me. Actually, if the Bombadil had existed when I bought the Atlantis, I probably would have bought it instead. I really like the Bombadil, the frame is not noticibly heavier, it handles great and it is certainly more stiff. I can stand on the pedals and jam even with a full touring load. I have not felt impaired by the bike's weight at all. I like RBW, I prioritize bicycling in my life and I thought the bike was interesting and unique, so I bought the Bombadil. I'm not a racer, but I love to ride long and hard and I have not been disappointed in my purchase. The Bombadil is a great bike. There are no downsides other than the price. I've discussed the Bombadil because that's what you originally asked for and no one else seemed forthcoming with the answers to your questions from the perspective of actually owning the bike. If having a beautiful lugged bike like the Bombadil will inspire you to get out and riding so that you can make changes in your health, great! However, other folks here and on the other forum have given you some good advice about other options - most of which cost a lot less. Good luck, Dave --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
