New to the forum and haven't ridden a bike probably in 6 or 7 years. That's not the point though. School starts in a few weeks (Aug. 16) and I'm looking for a bike because of my relatively close distance to campus. I used MapQuest to assist me, and found that buy using major roads it's about 1.8 miles from my apt to the edge of campus. Not sure entirely how far it is to the farthest buildings, but I figure less than a quarter mile from where I searched. I've walked to campus a couple times already and its about 35 - 40 mins in Texas weather (read: hot). I'm interested in a bike because there's no point in buying a car when gas is $3.00 a gallon, and while public transportation can take me there in 10 minutes, it's not worth the $2.50 round trip a day. I have friends who can drop me off, but no need to be dependent.
Anyhow, I'm intrigued by getting a bike to use probably five days a week to commute that 2 miles or so. On average I'd probably ride no more than 25 miles a week, unless I got obsessed (which will probably happen). I'm really ignorant of bike knowledge, and I've spent some time browsing various forums and searching wikipedia to feign intelligence, but I honestly still feel over my head. I'm just wondering if anyone else who knows more than I do can help. I would rather buy a cheap Wal-mart bike, but every post I've read everywhere says to stay away from the cheap-o bikes, but the terrain is completely flat and the distance is not very far to warrant an incredibly expensive bike. However, I'm about 6''0, 330 lbs so I figure my body type would kill that kind of a bike, if not sooner then later. Anyhow, I'm terribly sorry for going on and on, but if anyone could advise some decent bikes to get for my size, I'd be appreciative. Oh, and as for budgets, probably anything more than $450 would break me. My optimal price point is probably $350 because I can make that in a paycheck and it won't break the bank. Thanks for any and all the help.
(51)
07-30-07, 07:01 PM
At 330# you will want to stay away from Wal*Mart or discount bikes. I am about your weight and I have had good success with my Trek 7200 ($500.00 brand new). You might visit your local bike shop and see what they have for you and get a fitting. You don't have to be knowledgeable, that is what the bike shop folks are there for. You will learn as time goes on.
Being on campus you will want to get a good lock as well. http://www.jms101.btinternet.co.uk/full_sets/gold/circular_bold_std/policeman.gif
Dr_Robert
07-30-07, 07:26 PM
You'll probably have about 25 people recommend the Specialized Hardrock. For good reason. The frame's a tank, and the base model (Sport) can be had for less than 4 bills. Plenty of us clydes got our start on a Hardrock:
Replace the tires with some smoother, narrower, kevlar lined tires for street use and you're good to go. Plan on replcing the seat if you want to ride longer distances - it's not very comfortable, but it'll do for 1.8 miles no problem. And get some lights - at least a red blinky for the rear - if you plan to do any street riding at night.
Being on campus you will want to get a good lock as well. http://www.jms101.btinternet.co.uk/full_sets/gold/circular_bold_std/policeman.gif
+1
-DR
bdinger
07-30-07, 07:32 PM
^^^ +1 to what (51) said! I know someone with a Trek 7300 that is very happy with it as well. I'd also second his suggestion to go ride different bikes.
Another good option that many of us like (and I'm sure everyone saw this coming! :)) is the Specialized Hardrock sport. The '07s are likely on closeout, and have (IMO at least) a more big guy friendly wheelset on 'em. Heck, most brands/shops will have sales right now, as the '08s are hitting the floors.
Just.. find the one that you want to ride. You'll know what I mean when you find it.. :D
fc_
07-30-07, 07:39 PM
If you're planning on hauling a load, a rack and panniers on any bike is a worthwhile investment. A backpack with books/etc. is just plain painful imho.
Sean
Fleet
08-01-07, 01:16 PM
I have both a Hardrock and a Kona Dew. The Dew is very quick on the road compared to the Hardrock. Of course it is not built like a tank. Both are about the same price (~$400) and will handle your weight. The only weight related issue I had with either was the Hardrock's Suntour Fork is extremely weak with no lockout. You may enjoy that sensation of pogo-ing, but I sure didn't, and replaced the fork.
thenewdanger
08-01-07, 03:43 PM
Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. I'll start searching the net to learn more about these bikes. If anybody else has any ideas, please, throw them out there.
v1k1ng1001
08-02-07, 12:59 AM
The Kona Dew is a great choice if you can find a Kona dealer. Great if you wanna spend your spare time in town.
Specialized Hardrock would be fine to commute on. It would be a great choice if you wanted to ride off road in your spare time.
Btw, where you going to school in TX?
thenewdanger
08-05-07, 04:23 PM
v1k1ng1001, I'm going to school in Richardson, UTD. Thanks for the advice, as well. I'm still considering my options. I have to finish up my work-study for the summer, so I can go to my LBS and check out some bikes, otherwise I don't have the time.
hamr26
08-06-07, 05:05 AM
Your post sounds like me 1 1/2 weeks ago. I just bought an '07 Hardrock soprt disc Saturday. I've been reading every clyde forum or any other forum recommending bikes for 250+# riders and everyone kept praising the hardrock. I work as an engineer (ultra low level lol) and details are what I look at all day, the features on the hardrock line are hard to match for the money. The other contender was the Giant rincon. Frankford BMX has new '06 models on clearance and will probably mark down the '07 soon. In the end, I decided to spend the extra $50 and get the bike I wanted more, the hardrock. The LBS that sells Specialized was out of '07 HR sports in 19 and offered a disc model for $400 which I purchased. What I'm trying to say is get the bike that suits your needs AND the one you really want to ride. Hopefully you luck out and find all of that in your target price range like I did.
Dave
Bill Kapaun
08-06-07, 01:30 PM
Looking at the Dallas Craigslist, it appears they have some reasonably priced bikes.
For campus, I'd want something really ugly to try to prevent theft.
thenewdanger
08-13-07, 04:22 PM
Hey guys, just to update, I went to the LBS and got my bike on Saturday. I got to ride the Trek 7300 (whoo! that bike was a speed demon) and a Specialized Expedition. I got the Expedition just because I was definitely nervous about the Trek, it was too fast for me and I haven't ridden a bike in years. The funny thing was, just trying to dismount I nearly fell. I was set back a good deal, but I also got a lot of accessories, a couple guppy lights and some reflectors with a strobe feature for night riding. Anyhow, thanks to all of you for all the help. I've gotten to ride it everyday and I just love it. Much more pleasant than driving and walking. Now I just have to remember to stay hydrated. Thanks, again.
e0richt
08-14-07, 01:45 PM
Hi guys!
New to the forum and haven't ridden a bike probably in 6 or 7 years. That's not the point though. School starts in a few weeks (Aug. 16) and I'm looking for a bike because of my relatively close distance to campus. I used MapQuest to assist me, and found that buy using major roads it's about 1.8 miles from my apt to the edge of campus. Not sure entirely how far it is to the farthest buildings, but I figure less than a quarter mile from where I searched. I've walked to campus a couple times already and its about 35 - 40 mins in Texas weather (read: hot). I'm interested in a bike because there's no point in buying a car when gas is $3.00 a gallon, and while public transportation can take me there in 10 minutes, it's not worth the $2.50 round trip a day. I have friends who can drop me off, but no need to be dependent.
Anyhow, I'm intrigued by getting a bike to use probably five days a week to commute that 2 miles or so. On average I'd probably ride no more than 25 miles a week, unless I got obsessed (which will probably happen). I'm really ignorant of bike knowledge, and I've spent some time browsing various forums and searching wikipedia to feign intelligence, but I honestly still feel over my head. I'm just wondering if anyone else who knows more than I do can help. I would rather buy a cheap Wal-mart bike, but every post I've read everywhere says to stay away from the cheap-o bikes, but the terrain is completely flat and the distance is not very far to warrant an incredibly expensive bike. However, I'm about 6''0, 330 lbs so I figure my body type would kill that kind of a bike, if not sooner then later. Anyhow, I'm terribly sorry for going on and on, but if anyone could advise some decent bikes to get for my size, I'd be appreciative. Oh, and as for budgets, probably anything more than $450 would break me. My optimal price point is probably $350 because I can make that in a paycheck and it won't break the bank. Thanks for any and all the help.
I recommend a dawes lightning sport... I got it off ebay new not used from chicabike and its a good solid beginner level bike... it has a chro-moly frame (fancy way to say steel) with 14 speeds with indexed stem shifters... its a touring/road bike. I have put about 900 miles on mine and I am over the 3 dollar amount (though I was 30 lbs heavier when I started...)
it costs about 240.00 including shipping...
jaxgtr
08-14-07, 05:25 PM
Hey guys, just to update, I went to the LBS and got my bike on Saturday. I got to ride the Trek 7300 (whoo! that bike was a speed demon) and a Specialized Expedition. I got the Expedition just because I was definitely nervous about the Trek, it was too fast for me and I haven't ridden a bike in years. The funny thing was, just trying to dismount I nearly fell. I was set back a good deal, but I also got a lot of accessories, a couple guppy lights and some reflectors with a strobe feature for night riding. Anyhow, thanks to all of you for all the help. I've gotten to ride it everyday and I just love it. Much more pleasant than driving and walking. Now I just have to remember to stay hydrated. Thanks, again.
It's a nice bike I have one and put about 2500 mile on mine so far in the last 14 months. Watch the bottom bracket at about 2000 miles, mine was cracked.