Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Newb looking for a good setup...$500 - $600 range

I am new, and so far this place is GREAT.

Here is my little intro thread.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4628508&postcount=1111

As the title says I am looking to upgrade from my schwinn prelude to something a little nicer for me to ride. My range is about $500 - $600. I know most people on here have a lot more experience and can help me out.

Thanks

Do you want another road bike?

Great job on the weight loss man! I would look at craigslist and ebay for a decent used bike and slowly build up looking for quality used component upgrades.

If you were going new I would want to bump the budget up by 4-500 and look at a pre-built Surly Cross-Check or Long Haul Trucker. Trek 520 and some Fuji bikes would be great buys too.

Do you want another road bike?

yes, sorry, :o

yes, sorry, :o

Ok, so 260 is pretty heavy, but not that bad (I've been 245#), especially if you're still dropping weight. You'll probably be fine on a number of bicycles. But the issue isn't which bikes you're going to be fine on, it's how to get a solid bicycle that will serve you well at your weight.

Were I you, I would keep riding that Schwinn for a few more months until I could up my budget to $1000. In my opinion, clydes looking for road bikes get more bang for their buck at that price point (solid frame, 105 components, higher tension wheelset). In the meantime I'd test ride everything my LBSs have to offer at that range. Just remember that the frame is the heart of the bicycle so you're concerned with how the bike fits and responds to your weight.

Were I absolutely limited to $600, I'd probably try to buy something used. We can try to talk you through that process but it might be best to stick with your LBS until you get more experience.

Were I you, I would keep riding that Schwinn for a few more months until I could up my budget to $1000. In my opinion, clydes looking for road bikes get more bang for their buck at that price point (solid frame, 105 components, higher tension wheelset). In the meantime I'd test ride everything my LBSs have to offer at that range. Just remember that the frame is the heart of the bicycle so you're concerned with how the bike fits and responds to your weight.
Right on... I agree!

Mark

(solid frame, 105 components, higher tension wheelset).
I understand the frame and wheels having just broken another :cry: spoke on my rear wheel which my LBS had retrued and all that jazz 200 miles prior. But what would the 105 components be for? Are they more sturdy then say tiagra stuff or just lighter and/or shift nicer?
I was tipping 300 and I'm on a Fuji Touring bike with 32cm road wheels. It is nice but I'd recommend getting a surly LHT over the Fuji. I got it because my wife being happy we had matching bikes and getting it at a bike shop within an hour was worth it.

I understand the frame and wheels having just broken another :cry: spoke on my rear wheel which my LBS had retrued and all that jazz 200 miles prior. But what would the 105 components be for? Are they more sturdy then say tiagra stuff or just lighter and/or shift nicer?
I was tipping 300 and I'm on a Fuji Touring bike with 32cm road wheels. It is nice but I'd recommend getting a surly LHT over the Fuji. I got it because my wife being happy we had matching bikes and getting it at a bike shop within an hour was worth it.
For info: Fuji has had issues with spoke breakage on their wheels, if it continues, there should be warranty coverage....;) Maybe replacements for the wheels?

For info: Fuji has had issues with spoke breakage on their wheels, if it continues, there should be warranty coverage....;) Maybe replacements for the wheels?
I actually just picked up a new set of handbuilts from the LBS :D Nothing special but they aren't fuji. Right now I'm more concerned about the 1" threaded fork and the fork/frame seemingly too thin to be a real touring bike or Clyde bike. 520 miles on it in the last 30 days and it is taking the abuse ok so far, minus a few spoke breakage incidents. Hopefully soon i'll lose some weight and be able to take it easy on 'er :)

I understand the frame and wheels having just broken another :cry: spoke on my rear wheel which my LBS had retrued and all that jazz 200 miles prior. But what would the 105 components be for? Are they more sturdy then say tiagra stuff or just lighter and/or shift nicer?In theory, the 105 group is a step above the Tiagra. Yes, they'll be a few grams lighter and yes, the shifting could be a mite crisper and nicer. I suspect the 105s could be a little more durable, as well. That being said, I am of a mind that Tiagra stuff is pretty decent. I wouldn't be too afraid of it. Run it until it breaks and then replace it with 105, or Ultegra. As long as you are happy with the frame, both the fit and the ride, just keep it going.

Mark

But what would the 105 components be for? Are they more sturdy then say tiagra stuff or just lighter and/or shift nicer?

I like 105 because I believe it tends to give you a good return in terms of durability. I don't know about you, but I tend to chew up components and frames which makes 105 and ultegra worth the extra money.

But again, I believe that the frame is the heart of the bicycle. You can replace any individual component or sub-system that is not working for you, but you cannot replace the frame or make it ride better. Don't buy a bike just because it is the only 105 bike in your budget.

hi josh, I live a few rock throws down the road (NE Al). if you ever happen to be inb scottsborro al then drop in unclaimed baggage. it is hit or miss but I saw a canondale frame for $75 the other day. several months back i got lucky and found a Trek 520 for $500 that sat there over a month. went back and got it marked down 20%, every time i go to scottsborro i stop in to see what bikes may be in. bought a bean elite last week for 25. the wife had just ordered the reg bean with instruction cd a week earlier. wanted the elite but it was a lot more. now we can both work out together. makes a good chair too....

Flamesuit on.
http://www.bikesdirect.com
Components for the buck the best you can get without going used.

Props on the weight loss, Josh.
I'm in the same boat myself.
Was 340 last Nov. 270 now.
Looking for a bike myself but more MTB than road.
Good luck.
SpokeApe

Props on the weight loss, Josh.
I'm in the same boat myself.
Was 340 last Nov. 270 now.
Looking for a bike myself but more MTB than road.
Good luck.
SpokeApe

Thanks! I still have a good way to go. Congrats to you too

Man, I wish I could snap my fingers and be down to 270 now. You are doing great.

Man, I wish I could snap my fingers and be down to 270 now.

Patience, Grasshopper.

Yeah, me too!!
I had to literally run my a$$ off!! :)
That's why I'm looking into biking now, and digging it.
To give my knees a lil time off the pavement.
SpokeApe
.........sorry for the unintended hijack, Josh......

Yeah, me too!!
I had to literally run my a$$ off!! :)
That's why I'm looking into biking now, and digging it.
To give my knees a lil time off the pavement.
SpokeApe
.........sorry for the unintended hijack, Josh......

hey its all good. i used to run 3 - 5 miles a day. my knees took a beating. cycling is so much easier on the knees. i still will after a long ride, go run for 1/2 mile or so just so cool down. A man told me in the club, that you can cycle 4 times more than what you can run.

As the title says I am looking to upgrade from my schwinn prelude to something a little nicer for me to ride. My range is about $500 - $600.

I'll hijack this thread back to the topic....

A lot of clydes (including me, once I get done saving my pennies) go for Surly, either the Long Haul Trucker or the Cross-Check. Excellent, reasonably priced steel bikes with a reputation for being nearly indestructible. You can buy surly-built complete bikes for around $900 (kinda over your budget), or find a decent used one in your price range.

There're a couple on ebay even as we speak, both under $600:

Surly Cross-Check 56cm (http://cgi.ebay.com/Surly-Cross-Check-Bike-56cm_W0QQitemZ120129507769QQihZ002QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Surly Cross-Check 58cm (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:US:11&Item=250127056924)

The first one is almost gone....

Wait until September and start shopping on ebay. Best deals after the riding season. You could probably pick up a nice steel bike with a decent group...Take your time.