Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - too much to choose from

Ok, in my last thread I was shopping for a bike, still am. Have been to several bike shops and there is just too much to choose from. I definately was a more upright geometry and am looking to spend $2500.00 on bike, shoes and possibly a upgrade on saddle. I hope this gives everyone a little more info to give some opinions on possible choices. Again, I plan on using this on training, group rides and a century or two, currently at 6'2" and 252lbs. Every bike shop has had different opinions on frame size also, from 57 to 61cm, I'm so confused. Any help would greatly appreciated.

It's actually pretty simple! Pick the bike that makes your sense of kid-dom sing! Ride a lot of them and choose the one that calls your name ;)

I like Specialized, personally.

I am on a 61cm Jamis Ventura Sport frame and I am 6'3" with a 33" inseam. The Jamis fits me just fine. But, a 61cm Jamis is different than a 61cm Specialized, or TREK or Gary Fisher, or etc.....

Ride the bike that feels the best to you. I went to the expensive/new style bike shops and was truely disappointed in the sales people and what they wanted to sell and PUSH on me. I went to a smaller store in an older building with old wood floors and wood racks and pieced together show cases. Bike owner spent an hour or so just talking to me on the phone and then another 45 minutes or more with me while in the store. I ended up buying three NEW bikes from him this summer and fall, and I have sold two more to friends that I recommended the store and they liked the store and the owner.

Find what you feel comfortable with and go for it. They will all let you ride the bikes and see what you like. Watch the craigslist.com in your area and maybe find the perfect used bike for a lot less.

I hear you on the sales, like I said, several shops and all different opinions on size. I went one shop that had a used but great condition Lemond buenos aires, 2002, steel with carbon fork and ultegra in 58cm that touched as i stood over it and a 2006 new Bianchi Eros in 58cm with Campy and he said "you look good on both of them". Definately different feels and I'm not so sure what is the best feel since I haven't ridden for so long. The Lemond is $500.00 and the Bianchi is $799.00, marked down from $1299.00. I've been reading and am not sure if carbon or steel is the way to go, a new Roubaix comp looks real nice though.

How about a Trek? There are some really nice ones to choose from. All kinds of prices. I have a Cannondale. I like it, but am not pleased with the Shimano wheels. I have ALL kinds of problems with them.

How about a Trek? There are some really nice ones to choose from. All kinds of prices. I have a Cannondale. I like it, but am not pleased with the Shimano wheels. I have ALL kinds of problems with them.

Which ones are in my price range? How do they compare to the Roubaix? thanks

For comparison, I'm 6'1" 252 lbs and ride a 58cm 2004 Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple. Rode the Lake Tahoe Century on it a couple of years back so it seems to fit your requirements :) That said, the advice to ride a bunch of different bikes and find the one that fits and turns you on is the best advice. The right size can make a world of difference in comfort. If your LBS will let you, ride a mile or two on each possible choice and let your body settle in a bit.

If this is your first "real" bike you might want to consider finding a cheaper used bike and riding it awhile. A year from now you'll much better know what you want.

The reason for me to say buy used, is that you will ride a bike for a while and get used to it, but then you might know what you want in the next bike. Or, go get a professional bike fitting and then you will know what the exact measurements should be for your body. I don't know of any place that can do it, but talk to some shops and one will have the equipment to do it.

I don't think you can go wrong with a tarmac or a roubaix. Specialized is a good company and they make a good product. If that's what is available, go for it.

Don't buy from someone that puts you on a bike that is obviously too big for you and says "you look good."

Different frames fit well, differently. For example, I'm 6'0" and a ride a 56, 58, 59, 60, and a 62, all which fit me just fine due to the differing geometries of the frames. The one thing they have in common is top tube length, +/- 2cm.

Hey Ziemas! :D Welcome to Clyde's!

Why don't you have a custom frame made instead of trying to get what you want from a stock frame. If you are going to spend that type of money and want something more upright...... it might be affordable.

Personally I have been through a lot of frames and it has come down to the qualty of ride for me as well as the the fit. I'm luck in the phlia area to have 3 established frame builders. In the end I am having a Bilenky made...... something to take me into the next 10 years of my cycling life.

Go get fitted. Try and narrow it down to 2 maybe 3 bikes and then pick the one that calls out to you.

I am 6'2" as well and ride a standard geometry 61cm Bianchi but that does not mean we would ride the same size bike because there can be to many variations in body type. If I were to ride a Trek, Kona, Cannondale, Orbea, etc then the frame size will be different unless the geometry was identical. Also, a compact geometry will really change the size you get.

Also, if there is a bike that fits you but you want to be more upright, ask the shop if they will swap out the bars and/or stem to get you comfortable.

DBD:beer:

Find a shop that will recommend a size and model that isn't on the floor that day. That is an honest recommendation.

Bike fit is a really personal thing. Depending on riding style, type of riding, body size and proportions, terrain etc... etc... I've been thinking about a custom bike recently but have gotten a bit confused as to what to do given the myriad conflicting articles online. I've read a lot and haven't been able to draw too many conclusions. I think that perhaps ultimately the proof is in the test ride but it's hard to tell what might become uncomfortable after a few hours in the saddle vs. the 10-15 minutes of a test ride. Good luck and as usual Sheldon Brown's site is a good place to start.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

Personally I vote steel, not as s**** as CF but it will most likely last a lot longer and can be repaired if need be.

Agreed on Steel. CF is sweet, light and a very nice ride, but one good crash can total the bike :eek:

Another alternative is Titanium, by the way ;)
http://rbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=11061

It's around $3300.00 though. This is Litespeeds "Entry" bike. ;)

There are a ton of great bikes out there. You could choose any one of a dozen and not go wrong. Find the one that fits, looks cool, and has a great LBS to back it up.

It's actually pretty simple! Pick the bike that makes your sense of kid-dom sing! Ride a lot of them and choose the one that calls your name ;)

I like Specialized, personally.

I like that "the one that calls your name"