I'm a clydesdale (rhino?) looking to get back into biking after a 20-yr hiatus, mostly for the health aspects, but also to give me a way to get the kids off the couch, too. We will be riding the roads around our house and some dirt roads in the campgrounds we frequent.
I've been reading your threads for a week or so and would appreciate some help with my bike purchase.
Background: 41 yrs, 310# (down from 335 at New Year's), 5' 9".
I have three LBS in the area. I've been to one (Specialized, Giant, Eastern, DK, and Schwinn). I asked the shop owner for "something that would stand up to me" and he put me on a stock Schwinn Sierra Sport 7spd. He has 'lots' of guys bigger than me (one came in while I was there) and felt that was all I needed.
I still have the other two LBS (the smaller one is a KONA dealer!) to visit, but any thought on this first 'fit' would be helpful.
ladrones
05-10-05, 05:00 PM
I go about 375 I got a bike for health reasons also. I know most of the big guys in here speak highly of the kona hoss but it was a bit over my budget. I ended up with a giant yukon and it seems to be doing good so far.
perleykeene
05-10-05, 05:20 PM
Thanks for the info on the Yukon. If/when I go back to the same LSB, I'll see if they have any.
dirtbikedude
05-10-05, 06:49 PM
Just about any major manufacturer will have a frame that will work for you. Especially if you are not jumping and such. As mentioned, the Hoss is a very nice bike if it is in your budget and will work if you start to ride aggresivley. As you may have read, find a bike that works for you and that you find comfortable. You may get a 300/400$ bike or a 1000$ bike but be sure it feels right when you are on it.
:beer:
PinkFloyd
05-10-05, 08:54 PM
For the type of riding (and rider) you've described, a Giant Cypress would be worth a look. It comes with suspension forks, a suspension seatpost and 700x38C tires that are great for neighborhood riding or mild trails. They run about $300.
I'm 250 (+/- 10 lbs) and bought one last summer before I was sure if I'd like cycling on a regular basis and stick with it. The Giant, later modified with 700x28C tires and Crank Brothers Mallet C clipless pedals, now has over 1200 miles on it. The few minor problems (loose fitting tires and a couple broken spokes) I have had were taken care of quickly by my LBS under warranty.
I've now moved up to a road bike for longer courses and club rides, but I'm keeping the Giant for shorter (12-15 miles), before-work morning rides with my biking buddy (who, after chasing me for a while on his MTB, bought a Cypress DX) or if I want to do any trails.
Bigmark
05-13-05, 11:44 AM
I was 372 on January 3, and now I am 315. I picked up a Gary Fisher Tiburon, in March, and have just under 200 miles on it now. (not to bad for Youngstown Ohio.) I like the bike, I have nothing bad to say about it. I picked it up with a cyclometer and a helmet for $412.00.
This Sunday I am planning on riding my first 40 mile in one day ride in about 30 years.
I would highly recommend toe clips. What a difference, and I never thought I would say this, but I am going to get bike shorts this Saturday.
Mark
perleykeene
05-16-05, 10:36 AM
Thanks for the input, everyone.
I stopped into LBS#2 on Friday and checked out the TREK Navigator 100 & 300's and the DIAMONDBACK Wildwood & Wildwood DLX's. A much better reception there than at LBS#1.
I liked the DLX the best, they assembled a 20" for me for a Saturday morning test ride. Helmet, roof rack, credit card and away I went. I haven't stopped smiling since.
Again, thanks for the support and you'll 'see' me in other threads in the future.