Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Newbie looking for what to buy.

Hey all, I am looking to get into riding for some exercise. I went out and bought a cheap bike last week and broke the chain earlier today and I am taking it back. So I am looking for advice on what bike to get started on, any gear I may want/need, any tips for good work out for someone who is not that active to begin with. Any help is greatly appreciated.

-Joseph

Holy crap, I just started reading the FAQ thread and it is a little overwhelming. I guess I need to pinpoint what it is I am looking for. I live in the city and it will see mostly city streets though I like the look of the mountain bike style and have some friends that ride that would like to get me in the dirt. The main focus is comfort however because I would like to be able to put on some miles with out that familiar pain in the crotch feeling. Thanks again.

-Joseph

Holy crap, I just started reading the FAQ thread and it is a little overwhelming. I guess I need to pinpoint what it is I am looking for. I live in the city and it will see mostly city streets though I like the look of the mountain bike style and have some friends that ride that would like to get me in the dirt. The main focus is comfort however because I would like to be able to put on some miles with out that familiar pain in the crotch feeling. Thanks again.

-Joseph

Comfort bikes aren't really comfortable. If you don't care about racing USCF, then your options are wide open. I'd highly recommend a Bacchetta Giro (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/recumbents/bikes/giro26.htm) recumbent, your buddies won't be able to keep up though. :) Check out http://www.bentrideronline.com or the recumbent section here.

If your friends mountain bike then maybe you wanna look at something in the specialized hardrock line.

The crotch pain is an issue of getting the right saddle and shorts once you get the right size bike.

Head over to your LBS and go for some test rides. Chat with the salesperson.