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04-05-08, 10:34 AM
I am a big guy looking for a bike. All the details on who I am and what I will use the bike for are listed below.
I have been looking at and considering the Schwinn bikes at Target. They are definatly better quality than any bike I ever had before (Huffy, Murry, Magna.) The bike I most recently rode (2 years ago) was a Magna. The Magna broke due to my weight on a cheap crank/pedal. The pedal threading on the crank was weak enough that it stripped itself causing the petal to sit at a weird angle in the crank before falling out about a block from home.
Based on what I have read I am going to guess that you don't recommend the Schwinn bikes I mentioned. I was hoping to get the bike for under $200, but could go as high as $300 if absolutly required. I expect with my budget, a used bike off craigslist or similar would be the best choice, but I don't know what to look for. I would be really greatful if any of you bike experts could either tell me what to keep an eye out for, or point me to a specific listing you would recommend.
About Me:
Weight 350 lbs (was 375 lbs, 2 months ago, targeting 275 by Oct)
Height 6' 1"
Age 24
Location: Inver Grove Heights, MN (55077) - Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St paul)
I have been overweight nearly my entire live, but never really tried to lose weight. I decided a few months ago that it was time to get into better shape. I have set an aggressive goal of getting down to 220 lbs by this time next year. That means I need to lose atleast 2.5 lbs per week. I have been able to meet that goal over the last 2 months with diet change, and adding a little bit of walking in (about 2 miles a day.) Starting monday I am going to the gym every weekday morning prior to work for about an hour.
Expected Bike Usage:
City Streets
Paved Trails
Dirt Paths
Grassy Fields
(Trips to Stores, friend's house, exploring my town, paved/dirt nature trails)
Not Expected:
Steap Inclines
Mud or Loose Dirt
Frequency and Duration of Use:
3-4 Times per Week
1-2 Hours per Use
I have been looking at and considering the Schwinn bikes at Target. They are definatly better quality than any bike I ever had before (Huffy, Murry, Magna.) The bike I most recently rode (2 years ago) was a Magna. The Magna broke due to my weight on a cheap crank/pedal. The pedal threading on the crank was weak enough that it stripped itself causing the petal to sit at a weird angle in the crank before falling out about a block from home.
Based on what I have read I am going to guess that you don't recommend the Schwinn bikes I mentioned. I was hoping to get the bike for under $200, but could go as high as $300 if absolutly required. I expect with my budget, a used bike off craigslist or similar would be the best choice, but I don't know what to look for. I would be really greatful if any of you bike experts could either tell me what to keep an eye out for, or point me to a specific listing you would recommend.
About Me:
Weight 350 lbs (was 375 lbs, 2 months ago, targeting 275 by Oct)
Height 6' 1"
Age 24
Location: Inver Grove Heights, MN (55077) - Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St paul)
I have been overweight nearly my entire live, but never really tried to lose weight. I decided a few months ago that it was time to get into better shape. I have set an aggressive goal of getting down to 220 lbs by this time next year. That means I need to lose atleast 2.5 lbs per week. I have been able to meet that goal over the last 2 months with diet change, and adding a little bit of walking in (about 2 miles a day.) Starting monday I am going to the gym every weekday morning prior to work for about an hour.
Expected Bike Usage:
City Streets
Paved Trails
Dirt Paths
Grassy Fields
(Trips to Stores, friend's house, exploring my town, paved/dirt nature trails)
Not Expected:
Steap Inclines
Mud or Loose Dirt
Frequency and Duration of Use:
3-4 Times per Week
1-2 Hours per Use