Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - And yet another new Clyde

Just joined the forums a little while ago. I started riding because my truck gave out and I got tired of asking for rides. I was 402# on a Walmart bike, boy those first few rides were painful. Now I am between 290# and 315# I used to ride as a kid everywhere, and I realized how much I miss it, so I havent replaced my vehicle. Four bikes later (wore out 3 Walmarts and had one stolen) I have decided it is time for a good bike. I have spent the last two days going through posts and I am leaning toward a Specialized Hardrock pro disc. I love the Kona Hoss and Surly Long Haul Trucker as well though. I feel like a kid in a candy store. The Walmart bikes get me where I am going, but by the end of the week my body hurts, and my monkey butt has monkey butt. All the years I have ridden though I have ridden cheap bikes so I don't know Jack about bikes...I have one question. The bikes I have been riding are 15 to 21 speeds, looks like the one I am buying is 8 speed (Unless I am reading the specs wrong) should I upgrade? I ride 8-12 miles a day to and from both jobs, and I would love to ride more on days off. I hit a couple of kinda steep hills to and from but I can ride on black top doing this.

Welcome! As far as gearing...8 speed on the rear plus 3 chain rings on front = 24 speed.

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

Oh, and you will notice a big difference between the bikes you are looking at and the bikes you have been riding. There will be a world of difference in comfort and enjoyment.

I have been able to rig my HardRock up a bit for commuting and such but, something like the Long Haul Trucker is going to be more versatile in being able to attach racks/bags/fenders, etc.

Welcome! I'd be interested to hear how those Wal*Mart bikes held up, and what happened when they did give up the ghost!

Congratulations on the weight loss! That's no small feat, no pun intended.

I'd lean towards the long haul trucker too. But what is your commute like?

My Commute is not bad...some higyway, only a couple of hills. A couple of streets are kinda rough though. As far as wearing the bikes out, broken pedals, tacoed wheels. It was cheaper just to buy a new bike and give the frame away. Considering my weight they held out well, just kinda uncomfortable. The one that was stolen was the best one...a $53 bike that I had added Kenda semi slicks too, plus different handlebars that gave me different riding positions. Gonna go poking around the other bike shop next week and see what they have.

An LHT with a good set of wheels and puncture resistant tires should do the trick.

Welcome to the stable!

Welcome and congrats on your weight loss. It's a great feeling isn't it.