Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Any special considerations for 225 lbs.

I'm 56 years old, 5' 10 and weigh 225 lbs. I'm back in school and thinking of getting a bike. Looking at Trek 7100 or 7200 or navigator. Also looking at a used Schwinn Sierra for $75. I looked at bikes in the racks at school today and EVERY ONE was an old beat up bike. I never noticed that before so that got me thinking that I should get a used bike and not tempt the odds. If I enjoy biking I'll bet something better in the future. This kind of philosophy, by the way, I just learned on this forum as prior to that I was thinking of plunking down $400+ on a new bike.

My question is...

Do I need to consider my weight as I make bike choices? Wheels? Tires? Road bikes and tires are out of the question for now. They look too skinny and sensitive.

Thanks in advance,

Mirkee

What you have looked at will work for you without any addtional expense. Those bikes are engineered for riders upwards of 300 pounds plus.

Just about any bike on the market will work for someone 225 pounds. Just avoid the super light-weight stuff,(the super expensive stuff), and pay attention to the wheels regardless of what you ride. Road bikes are fine for heavier guys, I have 25,000 miles on a Cannondale and I'm 210. A good used bike might be the best way to commute and find out if you're going to stay with it, but if you decide to get a nice bike, don't worry, be happy.

If it doesn't cost much then you haven't got much to lose by trying it. :)

I'm also 225 and don't like riding a road bike. As others have said, there is really no issue about a bike holding up under your weight. However the problem will be finding a good condition hybrid/comfort bike used. Far fewer of them out there. My local used bike shop actually stocks new lower-end hybrids due to the shortage of used ones.

But it isn't impossible. Or you could find something that lets you sit fairly upright and get a nice, comfy seat. Or you could go with a road bike without worrying about the weight issue. Personally I've had it with road bikes and now consider them to be a form of bike hell. But that's a personal choice.

On my campus there are a lot of nice student bikes. And a lot of beat-up road bikes. If you will be parking it in a well-travelled area during daylight hours and use a good lock, odds are that you won't have a problem. And a Trek 7100 isn't the biking equivalent of a Porsche. Still I understand your concerns. Probably worth spending a bit of time looking for a used bike.

A Trek 7100 is about to sell on ebay for over $200, which doesn't seem like such a good deal since my local shop has them at $289 now. I'm tempted to pull the trigger if I don't find a good used bike. I guess a tune up on a used bike can cost over $100 so buying used may not be such a good deal after all. My concern is: "What if I spand $400 and then ride it twice and it gothers dust in my garage?" How embarrasing would that be? :-)

Then you sell it in barely used, mint condition for $200.

There are billions of these old, rigid frame mtb's on your local CL. No question on the strength issue. Forget the saddle, tires, fenders, and bars - that's just my own zone. Even if you get a new bike, you'll probably end up changing that stuff, too. So, since you ask, I'd opt for the used one.
http://i12.tinypic.com/433ep0m.jpg
http://i12.tinypic.com/33n8car.jpg

I bought a nice road bike (2003 Trek 2300) and was 225+ at the time -- no worries at all. They look skinny and fragile, but they're not :D

edit: (reread the post) -- don't ride something to school you don't want stolen. The two bikes above look perfect--

I bought a nice road bike (2003 Trek 2300) and was 225+ at the time -- no worries at all. They look skinny and fragile, but they're not :D

edit: (reread the post) -- don't ride something to school you don't want stolen. The two bikes above look perfect--

Thanks, but it's a crappy camera. Definitely not perfect, just functional. The thing about is, a lot of punk thieves might take one look at the bars and 'hard' saddle and probably walk away wondering what kind of bum rides that thing. :D

BTW: I also ride a roadie. I'm 230lbs and have had no problems, but the road bike is definitely one that I wouldn't take my eyes off of.

Thank you all for our input. I bought a new Trek 7100 and so far I'm happy with it. Already spent another $100 at Performance last night!