Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - looking to start out, need advice

I am looking to get going with a bike i can ride every day about 20 miles from downtown honolulu to pearl harbor and back and more on the weekends. it will be all road riding and the morning trip will take place with the sun down. comfort is important to me and i don't want to bend over at too extreme of an angle. I have the itch to really get started quick but i want to be happy with my choice and I would rather pay a little more and have something that will keep me happy down the road. I am 5'10" and 228lbs so I dont look like the typical guy I see on a bikes. I have set a goal of <200lbs and i think riding everywhere instead of driving will be an important part of getting there

can you guys make suggestions as to what bikes to look at what size frame? also i will need to carry a bag with boots, uniform, lunch, I am not opposed to just carrying a backpack.

-Mike

Several response questions for you before we can give you more answers. But be patient, we'll do what we can.

As for size we will need some more information, particularly what is your inseam length, but even then, I think that you will likely need to ride a couple at a local shop to get that figured out. There are alot of idiosyncrasies there.

What is your price range?

My out of the chute recommendation would be to look at a touring type frame that you can put a rack for panniers (saddle-bags) and fenders on. Will likely give you drop handlebars to allow various hand positions as 20 miles on a flat bar is a pretty good ways, especially when first learning, but because of the more relaxed geometry will keep the bars pretty high up.

Also as you will be riding when the sun is not up lights will be ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL. Once more for effect now. LIGHTS WILL BE ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL. A good set of lights, white front and blinking red rear light can be had for 20-50 dollars and is much cheaper than a doctor, emergency room, or operating room visit.

My other big piece of advice would be to ride everything you can that is in your price range, that you think might be what you want, and is capable of doing what you need before you actually buy one.

Standby I'm sure there will be more forthcoming from others.

inseam is 30-32 on my pants

price range is flexible I would rather buy quality but i wont be looking top of the line 4000 dollar bike either anything around 1500 or less would be fine

it wont be 20 miles straight ever day more like 10 each way: 20 total but i will be taking longer rides if i start riding with some of the guys from base

not really sure what teh different type of frames are aside from the obvious mt bike/bmx/road bike

I will be getting all the appropriate safety gear, my medical treatment wouldn't cost me a thing it would be uncle Sam's bill, but I would really rather not become someones hood ornament. that is one thing that is in the front of my mind since most of my riding will have bike lanes but there are a couple short stretches where i will share the road 35mph zones.

any links with basic info so i don't ask too many stupid questions

thanks again

-Mike

Something to keep in mind- the most comfortable saddles rarely come stock on the bike.
Be prepared to shop for an aftermarket saddle for maximum comfort.

You mentioned comfort. Would you consider a hybrid or comfort bike? You ride in a more upright position. I have a Trek 7200 (http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest-bikes/hybrid-bike/trek/PRD_291124_5672crx.aspx) that I ride 20-25 miles on every day. I put a sprung Brooks B-67 (http://www.wallbike.com/B67.html) saddle on it.

This might sound flip, but it's not. Go to a bike shop and try out a few, that is really the only way to find something that you like, fits and that you can and will ride in comfort. A $1,500 budget opens up a LOT of very good quality options. Do buy the best bike you can afford, you'll never be sorry.

Go to a few different bike shops and ask them the same questions and see what bikes they will show you to ride. I have a road bike and a comfort/hybrid bike that I use on the trails. We did a very easy 25 miles on the comfort bike, and I had no problems without bicycle shorts. It is a stock Jamis seat and I had no problems. I have done 30 or more miles on my road bike without any stops and had not problems, but it is a hard/small seat that is also a stock Jamis. I may upgrade it later, but I doubt it.

Ride some bikes. Talk to the dealers. When you find a good LBS, that wants to work with you on a bike, use them.

See if you can test ride a Jamis Aurora or a Bianchi Volpe at your LBS. There are lots of other bikes at the $1000 price point, but if your going to ride every day you'll need fenders and racks and panniers, so you'll probably be best with a touring bike. If your shop doesn't have any touring models, then try out a cyclocross bike or two. Good luck and have fun!

any links with basic info so i don't ask too many stupid questions

No stupid questions - but you may find a whole bunch of answers you didn't know had questions in my sig ;)

thanks for all the advice so far guys i am going to head to the local shop tomorrow right after work to see what is available

shoot me any more advice i am going to go in with a list of questions and notes form what i get in here to help guide me

-Mike

5'10 and a inseam of 30-32 is in the range of a 54-56, depending on arm length, bike design etc. Like other posters have said, check your LBS and ride anything and everything you can to get a feel for what you like.