General Cycling Discussion - Cruiser bikes for a couple of big guys?

Hey there!

Just joined the group here a little while ago, and have had a blast reading up on bicycling. I haven't spent time on a bike since I was about 17 yrs old. Now, having just had my 40th birthday,it's time to get back into it.

I have a friend that lives in the same sub-division as I do, and we were talking about getting a couple of bikes and taking advantage of the walking / biking trails(purely paved areas...not even gravel) that we have right in our area. We're both big guys...he's about 5'10, and 320 or so pounds. I'm 6'1, and about 295-300 pounds. We want to get a couple of inexpensive bikes to start out with...just in case it isn't for us. I do think I am more likely to stick with it since I was really into biking when I was a kid. Even so, I'd like to start out slow, and work up to a better bike once I drop some weight and get into some sort of shape(other than the round shape I am now).

Do you guys think a beach crusier type bike would be good to start with? I've been seeing them around a lot lately, and they look to be a lot of fun. They also seem to be well built, and pretty easy to maintain. I've done some research on them, and while they are easy to own and operate, they also seem to be good for beginners...which is what I am. I have a bad back due to an old auto accident, and the cruisers look to have a riding position that seems better suited to me...more upright. I would guess that our price range is in the $200-300 range...which should be more than enough for an entry level bike...right????? I've looked at Jamis, Trek, and Raleigh...and all have bikes that look pretty good.

If anyone has any advice, I'd really love to hear it. I'm getting really excited about being here, and even more so about getting back into cycling!

Thanks a lot!

You're looking at a reasonable bike group. Really, anything that gets you moving is good. Given your requirements you would do well to look towards a used model. Your weights aren't so high that you'll likely purchase anything you shouldn't. Don't fret over stuff, just ride. In a year or so you can reward yourselves with something a bit more fru-fru that suits your new found tatstes in the bicycling world.

The basics.......
NO **mart or big box bike...NONE. Forget'em.

Look for a older lugged steel bike with 36 or more spokes per wheel.

Other than that remember that any bike can be modifed to your taste IF you
get the basics.

If you want a cruiser, look into Electra Townie. They come in a good slection of componet selection, starting at a ridgid frame with a three speed coaster brake rear hub up to a front suspension with 27 speeds. Trek and Giant make simialar bikes now.

Well, the **Mart type bikes never even entered my mind...I never even had those as a kid...I won't start now.

I've gotten the basic idea of what to look for as far as rims,spokes,etc., and the idea of making the mods to suit my tastes is pretty cool.

I've looked into the Electra bikes, but can't seem to find a shop around here that carries them. I am going to be spending a lot of time in Chicago over the holiday weekend, so I'm gonna hit the bike shops and see what I can find. Who knows...I may even come home with one!

Thanks for all the advice...I'm getting really excited about getting back into cycling!

I've had a couple of Electras and they are nice bikes. If you go into a Giant dealer, check out the Simple 7. I rode one last year and liked the ride.

Cruisers feel aweomse. I just built one at my grandpas a few weeks ago, waiting for him to bring it up here. They are fairly easy to maintain. The older ones were pretty much always one speed, so no need to mess around w/ derailleurs, im not sure if new cruisers have speeds? But when I built mine (70's Ross Beach Commander) we spreaded the rear drop outs and used MTB wheels, and converted it to a 5-speed, just cause it's hilly here. I was able to make the gear identical to my 2nd chainring on my regular bike, which is the only chainring i ride in. I would say if you live in a flat area and want a bike just to cruise around on (pun intended) get a cruiser.

i weigh 280 and i've had much trouble finding a stock bike with a rear wheel that'll stay in true. i finally had to resort to a handbuilt 36 spoke rear wheel. the downside is that any bike i want will cost me an extra $200 for the hot rod wheel but the upside is that it works and i can get out and ride. if you just ride a mile or 2 at a time on a 26" wheel you may not have a problem. but if you start digging it and increase your rides to 10,15,20 miles you may find that 300 pounds is a lot of sustained pressure for a stock 32 spoke wheel to handle.

btw, ditto on the electra townie. really cool comfy design for a cruiser. the pedaling is forward a bit and the seat is lower and further back so you'll be able to put both feet flat on the ground whenever you want to.

http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/townie/t2.html

1 Year ago I was at 377 riding allot but not losing weight (I ate everything) I bent axles and popped spokes. My LBS worked with me and recommended a bike that would take my weight and size (7 foot tall) I have a Reilgh m80 that I have put 2000 miles on and have lost the weight, now at 275, and picked up a Trek 1000 that is treating me well. Get what you can but you will be hard on bikes. Your LBS is your best resource