Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Newbie seeking advice on my first bike in many years

Let me start out by saying that I'm glad there is a forum for those of us with a bit of extra padding. I'm 5"11 and 340 pounds. I'm looking at riding as a way to lose weight and just get out into the world more. I'll mostly be riding on pavement but I'll be riding on dirt roads from time to time also. I used to ride a whole lot as a kid and teenager but getting a car ruined it.

I'm going shopping at my local bike shop this weekend and I've been "window shopping" in preparation. I've decided on two definite maybes. I'm looking at a Trek 820 and a Trek 7000 as possibilities. My local shop carries Trek, Cannondale, Haro, and Specialized as their main vendors. I'm trying to stay in the under $300 range if at all possible. Please tell me if I'm crazy or if you think one of those bikes would suite my needs or if I should keep an eye out for certain other models from those other vendors. I'm also open to used so anything you think might fit into that price is a welcome suggestion.

Either of the Treks will do you well, but I'd consider upgrading the wheels to a higher spoke count wheelset.

I'd also recommend....very strongly, a set of padded cycling shorts. If you feel self conscious about Lycra, you can always wear a pair of baggy shorts over them (ps: You wear the bike shorts "Commando", so ya know. underwear interferes with wicking and the seams cause raw spots in areas you don't want raw spots!).

Cycling clothes for Clydes: http://www.aerotechdesigns.com . If you are unsure about sizing, their customer service is GREAT!:D

Let me start out by saying that I'm glad there is a forum for those of us with a bit of extra padding. I'm 5"11 and 340 pounds. I'm looking at riding as a way to lose weight and just get out into the world more. I'll mostly be riding on pavement but I'll be riding on dirt roads from time to time also. I used to ride a whole lot as a kid and teenager but getting a car ruined it.

I'm going shopping at my local bike shop this weekend and I've been "window shopping" in preparation. I've decided on two definite maybes. I'm looking at a Trek 820 and a Trek 7000 as possibilities. My local shop carries Trek, Cannondale, Haro, and Specialized as their main vendors. I'm trying to stay in the under $300 range if at all possible. Please tell me if I'm crazy or if you think one of those bikes would suite my needs or if I should keep an eye out for certain other models from those other vendors. I'm also open to used so anything you think might fit into that price is a welcome suggestion.

Either of the Treks will do you well, but I'd consider upgrading the wheels to a higher spoke count wheelset.

I'd also recommend....very strongly, a set of padded cycling shorts. If you feel self conscious about Lycra, you can always wear a pair of baggy shorts over them (ps: You wear the bike shorts "Commando", so ya know. underwear interferes with wicking and the seams cause raw spots in areas you don't want raw spots!).

Cycling clothes for Clydes: http://www.aerotechdesigns.com . If you are unsure about sizing, their customer service is GREAT!:D

This is exactly the kind of info I need since this is my first attempt at serious cycling. Thanks so much.

This is exactly the kind of info I need since this is my first attempt at serious cycling. Thanks so much.
No problem! Be glad to help, anytime!:D

6' 260pounder here. I tell you what, being a big dog and riding is all about being able to breath. What ever you get, make sure it's more upright until you get down a few pounds. They also have a padded off road short that wears like a regular pair. All that I can say about the seat is I'm really comfortible on a padded WTB seat that has the butterfly split in it. Just gotta stay with it buddy and it just keeps getting better. It was funny, this weekend I got out to increase my distance and ended up riding into a time trial in the east bay hills. It was cool having a crowd clap for me when I crossed the finish line even though they knew I wasn't in the race. Always, enjoy the ride.

I'm nearly your weight and I have been riding a Trek 7200 for over a year now, I have nearly 5,000 miles on it. Here is my experience:

I got 2,000 out of the stock wheelset before a spoke popped on the rear. Got another 2,000 out of the LBS build before I decided to respoke.

I got 2,000 miles out of the rear rubber and 4,000 out of the front rubber. No flats to date.

I would recommend changing the seatpost to a Thomson ASAP as my cheap one snapped at about 3,000 miles (not a fun experience!).

The stock seat underside cracked after about 2,500 miles. You'll need to experiment with seats if you plan on going over 10 miles. I settled on a Brooks B67.

Other than that, the frame, hubs, cranks and forks have held up. Keep in mind, I only ride pavement.

Hi Alowisney!

May I recommend that you test ride an Electra Townie. If possible, ride a cheap one without a front suspension fork. The Townies are well-made, and durable enough to go off-road just fine. They're also much more comfy if you haven't been on a bike in awhile. Happy Shopping!

For what it's worth, I have a '07 Specialized Hardrock Sport that I paid $350 for (I think list is $399 maybe?) and it's held up amazingly. Annnd when I bought it I had probably 70 pounds on you, now still have 40 over you. So far, 700 miles and 6 months later, nothing has broke even with some HARD riding. Been very pleased.

If you can get that kind of deal on one, I'd consider stretching your budget if possible.