Living Car Free - About to buy a bike after 13 years...need advice.

Hi guys, I need some advice. Hopefully you all can help.

About 13 years ago, when I was 10, I got hit by a bus while on my bike. The bus hit the wheel, sent me flying face-first into the concrete and I slid about 2 feet. Ever since that time, I haven't ridden a bike. Not because it was too traumatic, or because it gives me flashbacks, but simply because I never thought to. When I was living with my parents, they'd take me where I needed to go, or some friends would, since I don't drive. But now, I've been out on my own for 2 years now, and frankly, I'm tired of walking. It's not the walking the bothers me, it's the amount of time it takes me to get to where I need to go. And in the summer, it's killer. So I've finally decided to get a bike. Admittedly, I don't walk, or ride the bus THAT often. I mostly just walk to work and back (just a lil over 2 miles to and from) and ride the bus if I wanna go out to the mall, or go grocery shopping. And I would only use the bike for work, or going around campus when I have classes this coming semester.

Long story aside, what I need advice on is finding the right back for my situation. I'm 318lbs, so I'd need one that can handle at max, 300lbs, since I've been losing weight like crazy (~ 12 - 15 pounds a month) since moving out on my own. (415lbs at max, before I left home.) so I'll probably be 300 by the time I actually buy one. Another hitch is that I'm seeing all these bikes that are $1500, and that's totally not within my budget. I'm looking to spend, at most, about $200. And I was told by a friend that since I haven't ridden a bike in so long, I shouldn't go headfirst into something like this. Is there any truth to that? I don't see how, considering I still know how to ride a bike, and I'm not exactly scared to ride around town.

Are my goals realistic? Is it possible to find a bike that can handle my weight and not be worth an arm or two? And if so, what bikes do you recommend?

Thanks to anyone whe replies.... take care.

At the $200 price point, your best option is to look at used bikes. Some bike shops have them, and check the classifieds as well. If you move up to ~$300 or so, then you start seeing some reasonable hybrid bikes that might work for you.

If you've been walking everywhere for two years, you're going to really love cycling! It feels like flying compared to walking and you go at least 3-4 times faster.

I think that in general the heavier the bike, the better it will tolerate a heavy rider. The heavier bikes are usually the cheapest. No one can really say for sure what the weight limit is for most bikes. Think of increasing weight as reducing the margin of safety for things like hitting potholes and so forth. What you have to look at is the wheels and the spokes because those are the things that support all your weight. 1.5 inch wide tires and wheels with 36 spokes should do the trick.

Another thing to bear in mind is, as you regain your cycling skills what you perceive as comfortable riding posture may change. I got a bike with a more upright riding posture because at first I thought it was more comfortable. But after only a couple of months I was regretting that decision, after having the opportunity to feel how inefficient it was.

You'll wind up spending a lot on accessories, too. I focused on the price of the bike and I didn't realize that I'd be spending that much or more on accessories such as locks, helmet, gloves, headsweat, lights, etc.

Congrats on riding a bike again. Check-out the Worksman bikes (www.worksman.com). They're made in the U.S. and although originally designed for factory/industrial use, they do make a line of roadsters and cruisers for the general public. It'll cost you more up-front, $250-300.00 estimated, for a bike but it'll probably outlast you. Anyway, have fun. Thom.

Do you have a decent local bike shop?
For a big guy on a budget, consider a used (but not worn out) , mid-range MTB from a major brand. Go for one with no rear suspension and make sure it has threaded eyelets for fitting a rack and fenders. The 26" wheels should have a many spokes as possible (36 not 32) and you may need to have them checked and tensioned by a shop.
Budget for some accessories which make cycling safe and practical:
rear luggage rack
fenders
lights
helmet
pannier bags
lock
basic repair kit
A fat, slick tyre with kevlar puncture protection will make your bike comfortable and efficient. Specialized Armadillo tyres are highly recomended.

Long story aside, what I need advice on is finding the right back for my situation. I'm 318lbs, so I'd need one that can handle at max, 300lbs, since I've been losing weight like crazy (~ 12 - 15 pounds a month) since moving out on my own. (415lbs at max, before I left home.) so I'll probably be 300 by the time I actually buy one. Another hitch is that I'm seeing all these bikes that are $1500, and that's totally not within my budget. I'm looking to spend, at most, about $200. And I was told by a friend that since I haven't ridden a bike in so long, I shouldn't go headfirst into something like this. Is there any truth to that? I don't see how, considering I still know how to ride a bike, and I'm not exactly scared to ride around town.
.

I can relate completely. I started riding my walmart bike when I was at your max weight. I was told to get a bike with at least 36 spokes and that wider wheels were better. I use heavy duty inner tubes. I check the air in my tires every couple days. I have had no issues with my bike. I am sure that going to a bike shop that you will be pleasantly surprised at your choices.

What MichaelW said. Finding a quality used mountain bike without suspension is going to be one of your more durable and cost efficient options. Definitely get the smooth street tires. Riding on pavement with knobbies blows.

Some of the OLD mountain bikes are heavy, sturdy, and built like tanks. Mid to early 80s is where to look, some of them were really top-flight bikes when they were new and have good parts on them as well as a good frame.