Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Narrowed down need help deciding

I have narrowed my focus to two bikes.

This one - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150114137405. Problem is that I can't get a test ride. Looks like a good deal.

Or this one - https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/14720. Rode it, like it, free tune ups for life.

Come on folks, help me out here, the only thing I know about bikes is how to ride one. My subdivision (if you want to call it that) is all gravel, some half the size of a golf ball.

Thanks - Roger

out of the 2, I'd go for the Trek.

what do you think of my choices? Is there anything else I should consider in the 300.00 range?

Did you look at the Trek 3900 and what other brands does that LBS sell? I'd also stay away from Ebay if your not more familiar on how something rides or feels and sizing.

They sell Raleigh as well as Trek and the 3900 is more of a hardcore mountain bike. I am shooting for more of a comfort bike thing without going peewee herman

At that price range, I'd bet there aint much difference. I'd go with the Trek cause you rode it and like it. You know what you're getting. If you liked the Trek, you'll like it even more when you start riding it and get a chance to set it up to your liking.

I myself like Trek. Just fit so well. I once had a Trek 800, paid $250, no shocks, just rigid. Wheels were shabby so I bought a set at Supergo Deore hubs for $99. Rode it for a year in the dirt (fire trails)with no problems.

First chance I got, I upgraded to a Trek 8000.:D

I liked the Raleigh 4.0 but it is considerably out of my price range

I liked the way the Trek fit, I also like the Specialized Expedition but it is 30 bucks higher than the Trek with no free tune ups so I don't see any difference on the surface, shifters and brakes seemed the same, seatpost seemed the same. I don't know what else to look for. I know that the prospect of buying a bike from Ebay spooks me though

...I know that the prospect of buying a bike from Ebay spooks me though

If $$ are a factor, e-Bay should scare you. If you get the bike you expect, it may or may not fit. If not, you've got to resell it on e-Bay for (hopefully) your money back less shipping. If the bike isn't what you expect, you may lose more.

Having bought several e-Bay bikes, I've yet to be as happy as with one that I rode before I bought it. If you buy locally, you know how the bike rides and fits. If you're not an owner of your own bike-specific tool set, you'll REALLY value the free tune-ups.

The only option I'd suggest to you is to look at yard sales, college bulletin boards, and Police auctions to see if you can't find a used bike that fits. It won't be as pretty or as clean as a new bike, but the savings may make up for that.

If you just can't wait, ride, like, buy at your LBS. You won't regret it! :) Happy shopping!

Thanks for the info...Ebay is OUT

I would go with a hardtail mountain bike and put road tires on it. There are tons of lightly used hardtails on Craigslist that you can test ride. I picked up a 2 year old Gary Fisher Tassajara on Craigslist for $300.
The advantage of this is that you can put the MTB tires back on if you ever get the urge to go on some trails. At least try one before you decide a hardtail mountain bike is too hardcore for you.

Is your sub division going to be gravel forever? I'd go more for a Trek 7000 with non suspension steel fork and 700c tires. The Trek 7100 gives you a suspension fork, but is over $300 List. You really don't need a suspension fork on pavement or hard packed crushed stone trails.

Thanks for the info...Ebay is OUT

Good call, until your comfortable tearing the entire bike apart, having a shop for problems will make you a happier rider.

I have been watching Craigslist closely and haven't come across anything yet. I am looking for a more upright riding position due to back problems, wouldn't a mountain bike cause a more bent over stance or am I mistaken?

I agree, the shops will pretty much service anything but always after servicing what they sell

Is your sub division going to be gravel forever? I'd go more for a Trek 7000 with non suspension steel fork and 700c tires. The Trek 7100 gives you a suspension fork, but is over $300 List. You really don't need a suspension fork on pavement or hard packed crushed stone trails.

I like both of thise bikes but yes, my subdivision will be gravel forever. I have been here 9 years and I am still the "newguy" They won't vote for paving I have tried.

Is your sub division going to be gravel forever? I'd go more for a Trek 7000 with non suspension steel fork and 700c tires. The Trek 7100 gives you a suspension fork, but is over $300 List. You really don't need a suspension fork on pavement or hard packed crushed stone trails.

+1. I predict it won't take you long to decide the suspension fork is a bad idea for bikes ridden primarily on roads, even not so great ones. I did a Navigator first myself and wished I had listened to those who said get a bike with 700C wheels and tires and a rigid fork. You get so much more out of the effort you put into riding with that sort of bike as opposed to a comfort bike with 26" tires and wheels. That said, my Navigator gave me good service, I rode the hell out of it for a year. But I cannot say it was trouble free either. The stem was replaced under warranty (creaked and popped from nearly day one), I hated that fat nosed cushy saddle (chafemaster 5000 I think they call it), the stock pedals were slick, I did not care for the twist grip shifters and upgraded to Shimano Rapidfires, I replaced the stock tires with 1.4 x 26 slicks to get a bit more speed, I broke one spoke (rear wheel, left side, not that uncommon and no big deal) and the rear derailler was and still is very picky about being adjusted just so to shift right. To my LBS credit, they did a great job taking care of my problems and the bike, it just seemed I was maybe a little harder on it than what it was set up to handle.

Good luck with whatever you get.

+1. I predict it won't take you long to decide the suspension fork is a bad idea for bikes ridden primarily on roads, even not so great ones. I did a Navigator first myself and wished I had listened to those who said get a bike with 700C wheels and tires and a rigid fork. You get so much more out of the effort you put into riding with that sort of bike as opposed to a comfort bike with 26" tires and wheels. That said, my Navigator gave me good service, I rode the hell out of it for a year. But I cannot say it was trouble free either. The stem was replaced under warranty (creaked and popped from nearly day one), I hated that fat nosed cushy saddle (chafemaster 5000 I think they call it), the stock pedals were slick, I did not care for the twist grip shifters and upgraded to Shimano Rapidfires, I replaced the stock tires with 1.4 x 26 slicks to get a bit more speed, I broke one spoke (rear wheel, left side, not that uncommon and no big deal) and the rear derailler was and still is very picky about being adjusted just so to shift right. To my LBS credit, they did a great job taking care of my problems and the bike, it just seemed I was maybe a little harder on it than what it was set up to handle.

Good luck with whatever you get.

I appreciate the input

of the two in the original post, the Trek hands down. Especially with free tune-ups.

Other than your subdivision, what are your goals for riding? Just in the subdivision? Out and beyond? Charity rides? How many miles per week are you hoping for?

Primarily in my subdivision, trying for 50 miles weekly or maybe more (no experience) I need to lose weight and get back in shape. I am not working right now and interviews are not going real good and I attribute a large part of that to my body image. I am trying to use my time off constructively, quit smoking 2 1/2 months ago, now I need to whip myself into shape. I will be doing some trail riding on the weekends as well.

Thanks

+1. I predict it won't take you long to decide the suspension fork is a bad idea for bikes ridden primarily on roads, even not so great ones. I did a Navigator first myself and wished I had listened to those who said get a bike with 700C wheels and tires and a rigid fork. You get so much more out of the effort you put into riding with that sort of bike as opposed to a comfort bike with 26" tires and wheels. That said, my Navigator gave me good service, I rode the hell out of it for a year. But I cannot say it was trouble free either. The stem was replaced under warranty (creaked and popped from nearly day one), I hated that fat nosed cushy saddle (chafemaster 5000 I think they call it), the stock pedals were slick, I did not care for the twist grip shifters and upgraded to Shimano Rapidfires, I replaced the stock tires with 1.4 x 26 slicks to get a bit more speed, I broke one spoke (rear wheel, left side, not that uncommon and no big deal) and the rear derailler was and still is very picky about being adjusted just so to shift right. To my LBS credit, they did a great job taking care of my problems and the bike, it just seemed I was maybe a little harder on it than what it was set up to handle.

Good luck with whatever you get.

I second all this, since I currently ride a Navigator and have the problems outlined above.

Thanks for the input. It looks like a hybrid is the better choice but I am concerned with the 700cc tires holding up to my projected riding style

Grab some cross tires. I have a Trek 7.3FX and I did 10 miles on a crushed path last weekend (in addition to 20 other miles..) with no drama.. and it has SLICKS. I'm going to throw some cross tires on it when it goes in for a new wheelset later next week.

See how uneducated I am...lol...I had no idea you could do that, maybe I should lurk more

Heh, no problem, I was in the same boat as you :). In fact, I was downright terrified of taking my Trek on the crushed rock path, but in the end it worked out just fine. Heck, I heard all kinds of myths that I've since learned aren't true. This is a great group for dispelling those myths :)

This is a great group for dispelling those myths :)

Amen. Finally learning to listen to others here myself.:D

Amen. Finally learning to listen to others here myself.:D

I am sure I will figure that out too...lol

I have been watching Craigslist closely and haven't come across anything yet. I am looking for a more upright riding position due to back problems, wouldn't a mountain bike cause a more bent over stance or am I mistaken?
Mountain bikes may be a little more bent over than the "comfort" bikes you are looking at. It depends on the bike and the fit. But if your concern is your low back, that shouldn't really be a problem. Depending on the exact mechanics of your back pain, the more bent over position might be better for your back. It takes weight off your back and directs it thru the arms to handlebars. Think about sitting in an upright position. All of your weight is being transmitted right down your spine. I would think it would be more difficult to do 10 miles in one of the bikes in your first post than something more aggressive. Those bikes were made for a couple of miles stroll around the neighborhood. It might seem counterintuitive, but a more bent over position and a harder seat will be more comfortable in the long run. The first couple of weeks may actually be tougher, however.