I think you will get quite a few different opinions here. Good luck with your goals! I started out at 5'7", 280. I started riding on an old mountain bike. First ride, I barely made it two miles, felt unbalanced and took a nap when I got home. I kept at it, and ride as often as I can now. My weight has stabilized at about 180-185, and I can ride 50-60 miles when I have time. I've been at it for about 2 1/2 years now. I went on Weight Watchers for Men, online, and still follow that plan. One thing that happened to me was that after I got comfortable riding the old mountain bike around, I had a need to get myself a better bike, and then another one, then another one, etc. Be warned, you might get addicted to riding and rewarding yourself with bikes as you make progress! Good luck.