Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Newbi with Questions (Another what Bike post)

Hi guy's
I am a newbee to the biking world after a 20 year layoff, but decided to get into shape again, lose some of the fat that I have added, and start riding. I live in the DFW area so there are mainly roads and bike paths that I will be cycling on. Anyway, I have started the research and for what types of riding I will be doing and the low budget I have I have decided on a Hybred. That was the easy part:) Now for the harder decision. I am 5'11 and at 210lbs so I want something that'll hold me, and be comfortable, as of now there will be no 100 mile tours or anything like that just mainly getting into shape and losing weight.

I have a budget of under $300 and have narrowed it down to about 3 bikes
Trek 7000
Specialized Expidetion
Schwinn (WallyWorld) 700c Men's Schwinn Avenue Hybrid Bike

I would love to hear your thoughts, and suggestions, as I am looking to purchase something this week and to start riding.

Thanks,

Jim

First off, 210 will be fine on just about anything. No problems there. The bikes you listed other then the Wal-Mart bike will be fine for starting out. If you really get hooked then you will probably start looking at upgrading to a new bike fairly quickly.

Stay away from the Wal-Mart bike. They come poorly assembled and if you have issues with it you have no where to take it.

Both bikes are quite similar spec wise. Given the choice between the two I would opt for the trek. You'll get 700cm wheels in addition to the Trek dealer network. With your budget in mind, have you checked your local newspaper or Craigslist for used bicycles? You might be able to get something much better for 300 dollars. Deals can be found if your patient enough.

Given your budget and requirements, I think any of the three you mention will hold you and could be a good choice. There are a couple of other things to consider. The Expedition has a more laid back geometry with the crank pushed forward a bit. I liked the Trek geometry much better. It is a little more upright and will be faster over the long haul as your fitness increases. I am not familiar with the Schwinn Avenue, but the Schwinn Voyageur GS is another good choice in your price range. I test rode one and liked it better than the Expedition, but not as well as the Trek. You should go to your LBS and let them know what you are looking for and take any bikes you are considering for a test ride. The test ride will tell you a lot more about what bikes fits you than we can.

I have a Trek 7100 (very similar to the 7000) and it has held up very well for me and I weigh around 330. This only issue I have encountered is with the stock rear wheel popping spokes. At 210, that should not be an issue for you? BTW my LBS/Trek warranty replaced my rear wheel w/ an upgraded version. Please review this thread for more detail about my bike. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=337957&highlight=


BTW, I have not had any issues with my upgraded rear wheel and I have about 400 miles on it so far. Knock on wood.

Good luck with your new bike and keep riding.

Thanks for the input so far, I think the Trek is leading so far, and I will be going to the LBS later today to really look at both, With that in mind should I look at any others brands?

I'd definitely stay away from the walmart Schwinn, for a couple of other reasons besides the marginal at best assembly.....

Crappy components as well. It's not going to be of the quality a Schwinn Dealer bike is, even. It will have a third tier quality frame, and bottom of the barrel components, and that twist shifter, IIRC.

Again Thanks for the input, So there is a difference between the components of a Wally world Schwinn and a LBS Schwinn?
I have also been looking at Performance Bikes at a 2007 Schwinn Sierra GSD Comfort Bike which fit's in the budget, What is really the major difference in a 700 wheel and a 26" wheel? Which would be better suited for my application?

For roads and bike paths a 700c wheel would be my choice. A 700c x 35 roll a lot easier on pavement than say a 26 x 1.95", especially with slicks or the Bontrager Select Inverts on the Trek 7000. It also gives you more gear than a 26" wheel. The 700c will give you better performance on the road and on paved surfaces. It will also be fine on things like crushed limestone trails. If you are going off road or on loosely packed surfaces, the 26's w/ knobbies will be much better.

Don't forget, whatever wheel size you choose, you can always pick up a second set of tires later to expand your riding options.

Again Thanks for the input, So there is a difference between the components of a Wally world Schwinn and a LBS Schwinn? You might not even find the "Wally" model listed on the Schwinn website! I noticed this with some Schwinn bikes I saw at Target. It's kinda like they don't want to admit that they're responsible for it.

What does everyone think of the Raleigh Mojave 2.0, Are Raleigh a good bike in th same catagory as Trek, Specialized, Mongoose, and Schwinn (Not Wallyworld)?

I like my Trek 7000. Where in DFW are you? I have some decent roads in Mesquite to ride on. Maybe we can start a new Mesquite Clyde ride.

I am in the Corinth area, north of Lewisville, it'll be a long ride to mesquite, but who knows I may make it over there.

Well I believe I have decided on a bike, I am going to the LBS tonight and if it feels as good as it did last night I will be bringing home my new Fuji Odessa 1.0, this one felt the best of the ones that were in my Budget the Raleigh Mojave 2.0 was a very close second. I liked the Trek, but it was on the high side of my budget for now. Anyway I am looking forward to getting back on a bike again. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Well I believe I have decided on a bike, I am going to the LBS tonight and if it feels as good as it did last night I will be bringing home my new Fuji Odessa 1.0, this one felt the best of the ones that were in my Budget the Raleigh Mojave 2.0 was a very close second. I liked the Trek, but it was on the high side of my budget for now. Anyway I am looking forward to getting back on a bike again. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

If you go with the fuji, I would suggest slick or semi-slick tires if you plan on riding road or bike paths. If you ask when you buy the bike the shop can do it for you, usually for little to no cost.

Thanks I will take that in consideration, I did not get it last night I was going to get it today, but we have a nice snow storm in the DFW area, and for us Texans that pretty much shuts us down. So I will be picking it up tomorrow

Okay I can officially say I am a member of the biking world again, I picked up my 08 Fuji Odessa 1 on Friday night, and I believe I made a really good choice given my budget. It rides very smooth, gear selection is very smooth when shifting and it is very manuverable as well. Thanks to all of you for your responses.

Great to hear! Welcome back to cycling:D