Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Bike for my 240 lb Father

Christmas time!

My 240 pound dad is buying a new bike for my Nephew (currently living with us) and I know he wants to have a bike to ride with him into town and possible commute to work (about 3 miles each way). We have a well aged aluminum frame "Trek 1000" bike in the garage. Would it be advisable to fix up the Trek 1000 (it needs a tune up and possibly a new saddle) or get him a nice new commuter (stronger frame?, more upright posture). I was thinking an REI bike for ease and because my dad is not picky.

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Seneca

Depends on how much that Trek 1000 needs and whether or not the frame fits him correctly.

If it's just a tune up and saddle, then by all means, use it, if it is the right size :D 240 pounds isn't real heavy.....
Christmas time!

My 240 pound dad is buying a new bike for my Nephew (currently living with us) and I know he wants to have a bike to ride with him into town and possible commute to work (about 3 miles each way). We have a well aged aluminum frame "Trek 1000" bike in the garage. Would it be advisable to fix up the Trek 1000 (it needs a tune up and possibly a new saddle) or get him a nice new commuter (stronger frame?, more upright posture). I was thinking an REI bike for ease and because my dad is not picky.

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Seneca

I think they Trek would be fine. What does your dad think? Is the Trek in good enough shape for him to test ride? You could put upright bars on their if he doesn't like bending over.

...Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated = Seneca

Hi Seneca!

If you haven't already purchased, may is suggest getting dad to test-ride an Electra Townie. Their coaster & 3-speed models are cool and sit VERY comfortably with upright posture. I had one & now wish I hadn't sold it!

I think he should make his decision regardless of weight. At 240, you really shouldn't have to take any special considerations. You should be able to ride any frame without problem.

+1 on checking how much repairs it needs. If all you need is a minor tune up and a saddle, it might be right. Depending on how old it is, though, you might need a new head set or bottom bracket or worse, and at that point it might be worth getting him an entry level bike at the LBS, or buying used.

Oh yeah, and fit is obviously the biggest deal. If the frame doesn't fit him, I wouldn't even consider it. At least you own the bike though. You can let him try it, and if it does fit, than it might be the bike for him. Good luck. That's awesome that you're helping your Dad. I'm sure he'll really appreciate it.

Hi guys!

Your replies have been awesome, thanks!

I think we will try the Trek 1000 based on your advice. I will order a springy B67 Brooks Saddle (I like Brooks any other recommendations?) and getting the bike fixed up and looking spiffy. Of course I will check the cost of fixing it up at my LBS.

As for fit I am not too sure. He rode this bike a long time ago but we got it for $20 from a neighbor and I am not sure it really fits him. I think the frame size is pretty close to correct but otherwise I don't know.

Anyway we'll give it a try and if it doesn't fit him we can get him into a nice new commuter transferring the Brooks.

Sound good?

Seneca

If the frame size is right, then you should be able to get a nice fit with relatively low cost. You could get it professionally fit, or just ride and change what needs changing. Just my $0.02.