Adam,
This is some good Softride info. Do the newer beams still have a rider weight limit? I stopped considering Softride when I found out the new beam was for those of us under 200 lbs.
If so, please sell me on the old beam for a 220-30 pound rider.
Actually, I’m 250 now, but if I ever get back to cycling regularly, 220 will be the target.
According to the website, the “classic” beam is good for rider up to 240lbs while the “rocket” beam is limited to <200lb riders.
I’m sure Adam can fill you in on any new details, or correct me if I’ve misread something.
Bruiser98,
Glad to help you out. A Classic Beam will take a rider up to 240lbs. Currently four Softride models use the Classic Beam and have been very successful throughout the years.
Many riders have used the Classic beam that are over the 240lb recommendation. Former offensive tackle from the New England Patriot’s, Darryl Haley, set a record in Kona as the biggest athlete ever to compete in the Ironman. Standing 6’5" and weighing in at 295 lbs., Darryl rode a Softride Solo equipped with a 530 Softride beam.
Thanks,
Adam
So if a 295 pounder can use the classic beam rated to 240, can I use the new beam at 230 when its rated to 200?
Do I have to sign a waiver?
I was a part of Team Clydesdale way back when Haley was racing, and was just waiting for the day when that classic beam would snap. It never did, always tempting me to press my luck and not heed the weight limit with the new. His Hed 3s never seemed to show any unusual wear either. I guess the good stuff just stands up to more abuse than the engineers (and lawyers) would like.
You really don’t have to answer than question. I’m well aware of the world of shit you would be putting yourself in if you said ‘Sure, go ahead and use the new beam, you’ll be fine’. 200 pounds means 200 pounds. People could make a living off the law suits you’d generate.
But on the same token, are there any similar stories about riders who have blown off your reccomendations with the new beam?
Is it the beam itself that is the weak point? Maybe the hardware or frame attachment? Can I be a test dummy (literally) for Softride and see how big the pothole required to break the beam is when exceeding the limit?
Again, don’t answer if this could get you in any trouble.
It soothes my bitter soul to read so much good feedback regarding the Softride experience. I’m “this” close to hanging up my new Rocket TT7 in frustration and disgust; maybe, just maybe, there might be a solution. I spent so much money and time on the purchase of this bike; I had really high expectations. Now I wonder if I can even ride the thing for the bike leg of an upcoming 1/2 IM. When I read of folks riding for hours in comfort, I just shake my head in wonder.
adam
i have an old qualifier, it actually says ironman on the frame. the beam is a 412, what type of dinosaur is it.
Bought it in 94 or 95
My wife and I both have nothing for love for our softrides, I personally fit and built the bikes for both of us through the teachings of slowman, a bit of trial and error, and some suggestions from softride and Hank at Edge. I had the ability of my wife taking angle and length measurements while I was on a trainer, and I think correct geometry makes all the difference on power, efficiency and comfort. If you do not have anyone to help with this, find one of the FIST certified fitters and make an appointment. It will be a cheap investment compared to what you have spent already. I have done plenty of painful miles on poorly fitted bikes (LBS fitted bikes) before I found enlightenment on slowmans sight, I am sure there is a solution to your problem. Best of luck
Dude,
The Ironman frames rocked and still do. The number on the beam (412) represents the weight at which the beam was tested at. At Softride we test every beam that leaves the building at a x3 rating. X3, meaning 3 times the amount of weight that would be placed on the beam.
To follow up with Bruiser; Softride is pleased to offer support for Clydesdale competitors this year and feel we have the perfect product for everyone. In being careful to stick with our manufacture recommendation, because lawsuits don’t look good on my resume, I will say that people ride above the weight limit and can do so by the forward position ridden on the beam. Positioning that puts you closer to the pivot area reduces the load placed on the pivot area and hardware in the beam.
adam thanks for the quick response. i love that bike and haven’t sold it for some reason even though I had a frame built for me. It’s not light but it’s the fastest 23 pound bike around.
I had a tt7 but it was a pain to work on, who knows I still might end up on another softride.
What made the TT7 so hard to work on?
trying to dial in the beam raising and lowering it. Removing it to fit in a case to travel. Having to tighten things to a certain torque. Also a bit harder to lock down in a stand.
I’ve found in general that my softrides required more wrenching than my double diamond frames. softrides are great bikes, corner like they are on rails, at least when I rode it it did, and are probably the most comfy bike out there.
one leg drills…