Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New to Biking (again) looking for some advice.

I'm glad I found this site. I am a former runner who can no longer run. I'm now 270 pounds and I'm looking to get into riding a bike again. I have narrowed my list down to the following hybrids. Bianchi Backstreet, Trek 7.5 fx Disc, Marin novato, and maybe for a little more the Gary fisher Mendota, or the Cannondale Bad boy disc. I am going to ride to work every day 12mile each way and maybe do some weak end riding on some light rails to trails type stuff. I ran in the rain and snow so I plan on biking in it also, so disc brakes are a must for me. Does anyone have any of the aformentioned bikes or maybe something else to consider. I would be greatful for any input. Good, bad, otherwise. I almost forgot, I;m gonna buy this bike in about 3 or four days. I can't stand the wait. thanks


shamus

Any one of the four are excellent bikes. I'd suggest riding one of each and go with the one that you feel fits your needs best.

(I'd favor the Bianchi, myself though!);)

I have one suggestion. Think about a road bike in a tourer or cyclocross frame type. I never got comfortable on my MTB, when I was younger and thinner. The hybrid has always seemed to me a relaxed MTB with a more upright position. With your terrain type and the fact that you are a former runner I would think you would be happier with the more slender and faster frame.

I could be completely wrong, but it is a thought. The road frame will more than handle your weight.

I have been thinking about a road bike. I have a very old specialized rock hopper that I just pulled out of the shed and I've been riding it around the nieghborhood, and I just don't like the uprite position, I want to go frikin fast, but every Bike shop I walk into, the guy steers me to a hybrid, I think they must have the biggest margin on them. I'm going to ride some road bikes in the morning if anyone can throw some suggestions of which models are good for big guys. My first one is the Bianchi Volpe. Any others?

thanks

shamus

Depends on your budget, Giant OCR is nice, just spec the wheels for your weight.

I still lean toward the Bianchi though!:D

I have been thinking about a road bike. I have a very old specialized rock hopper that I just pulled out of the shed and I've been riding it around the nieghborhood, and I just don't like the uprite position, I want to go frikin fast, but every Bike shop I walk into, the guy steers me to a hybrid, I think they must have the biggest margin on them. I'm going to ride some road bikes in the morning if anyone can throw some suggestions of which models are good for big guys. My first one is the Bianchi Volpe. Any others?

thanks

shamus


it's not the margin, for a decent road bike the margin is actually quite high. it probably has to do with your size, they don't want to work with you on a road bike. if you want the road bike you just have to be willing to get better wheels that are a bit more durable than a normal road rim.

The Volpe will hold you just fine, just get a 36-40 spoke wheel for it. I am 375 and will be getting my surly lht soon.

Tom Stormcrowe can talk you through it.

There is this blog (http://istanbultea.typepad.com/largefellaonabike/) that talks about big guys on road bikes as well.