Weight limit questions

Hi all, I’m looking to buy a new hybrid bike for short distances (\~5 miles a day, 5 times a week on road/pavement). One of the deciding factors may be weight limit, since I’m on the heftier side (100kg, aka 220lb) and have no intention of dropping weight (I’m a weightlifter, so I need the muscle). I’ll also be hauling stuff in panniers, such as gym kit and shopping – say up to around 5-6kg (11-13lb). I know I can potentially swap out wheels for more robust ones, but I’d rather avoid the expense and faff if I can.

I’m somewhat confused and have a few questions. Would anyone be kind enough to help out please?

Do listed weight limits include the weight of the bike itself? E.g. if a bike weighs 12kg and has a limit of 120kg, does that mean it can only take 108kg of additional weight before reaching the 120kg limit?

Also, some of the weight limits for the bikes I’m looking at don’t seem to make a lot of sense. The [Raleigh Pioneer Tour](https://www.raleigh.co.uk/gb/en/pioneer-tour/crossbar/) apparently has a limit of 120kg, but the [Cannondale Quick 6](https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/cannondale/quick-6-hybrid-bike-934378#colcode=93437803) and [Cannondale Treadwell 3](https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/cannondale/treadwell-3-remixte-hybrid-bike-930455#colcode=93045502) apparently have 136kg for the rider alone, according to [the manual](https://www.cannondale.com/-/media/files/manual-uploads/cy23/138690-rev-2-cd-cannondale-bicycle-owners-manual-1122web.ashx). That doesn’t make sense to me given the Pioneer seems aimed at touring, unlike the others. Can anyone explain why this is please? I feel like I’m being dense and missing something obvious! The Pioneer being relatively cheap and coming equipped seems good to me, but with a 120kg limit I might be pushing my luck since the bike itself weighs 15kg.

Also, if anyone knows the weight limits for the following bikes (or at least which will be best able to stand up to a hefty load), could you let me know please?

[Carrera Subway 2](https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-2-mens-hybrid-bike-2020—black—s-m-l-xl-frames-346198.html)

[Trek FX2](https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/trek/fx-2-disc-equipped-hybrid-bike-930030#colcode=93003002)

[Whyte Carnaby](https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/whyte/carnaby-compact-hybrid-bike-930356)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

by Grenwaddle