Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Big guy from Lewiston, Maine

Hi folks, my name is Ron. I live in Lewiston, Maine.

I have allowed myself to get vastly out of shape (6 ft tall, 325 pounds).

I want to get back in shape... I always enjoyed biking when I was younger, and lighter.

But things have surely changed in the past decade or so. There are so many choices.

I'm looking for something that will easily handle my weight, allow me to sit up straight and comfy... probably some good padding for my butt. "Multiple" speeds would be nice, but I often get confused by all the choices. I think Cruisers look nice?! I also have some budget considerations, since I live on a fixed income.

I'd appreciate any insights and suggestions.. and would like to meet any people in the Lewiston, Maine area that might want to get together for some "easy biking," shopping tips, etc.

Welcome to the forums. Scan down through the posts here and I think you'll find some answers to your question from previous people asking- get some good reading in at least. :)

Welcome, good luck with the weight loss and bicycle hunt.

As it happens, Air, our official forum archivist has spent an enormous amount of effort to develop our index thread :D

It's here
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=228851

It's very useful, by the way :D

Thanks. I have been scanning the threads, and gotten some insights... but it helps to have someone make things simpler for me.

Hi soul_survivor,

I'm in South Portland, ME. I ride my bike to work most days of the week, year round (this past winter). You've stumbled across a great group of people on this forum. A wealth of knowledge, and very supportive. Some very inspirational stories of people getting healthier through bicycling. I've gone from 290ish (I didn't weigh myself when I was at my heaviest), to 265. More importantly, I've lost 4 belt-notches, and have become much stronger on my bike.

I would be happy to help you find a bike, and go riding. we're not next door neighbors, but not far considering...

Welcome to the Bike Forums!

riddei (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=60371), thanks for the response. Does this forum have Private Messaging? If so, I'd like to discuss the possibility of getting together.

I don't have a car, and won't have any money to spend till May. But I have plenty of time.

Sounds like you want a comfort or hybrid bike. What kind of surface will you be riding on? For how long? What is your budget?

I weigh more than you and I had a good experience on my Trek 7200. IT held up for 7,500 miles and 2 years before I got a different bike.

Whatever you get, you will have to spend some money on a good wheelset and seatpost. Also be prepared to have your wheel re-spoked every 6-12 months depending on riding conditions.

Good luck with your search. The best thing you can do is go by your local bike shop, tell them what you want and have them tailor a bike to your needs.

First listing on Maine's CL...

http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/635778336.html

I've decided I want to go to a store and buy my bike... It's so much easier to know you get the right fit, etc. As it is, I get rather confused about size. In the past, it seemed I needed to have a longer seat post than what came with the mountain bikes I previously used.

I like the looks of the "cruisers," like the ones at this site: http://www.chubbyscruisers.com/

I hope I could get a bike for around $300. A used bike might be a good alternative.

If you are serious about using the bike to lose weight I think you would quickly "outgrow" that bike. I have an entry level Cannondale mountain bike (M300) with smooth tires (not knobbies). I got a nicer gel seat to help my fat ass as well. This bike suits me very well. I can use it on the bike paths as well as commute and handle the berm (gravel, sidewalks).

I'd consider taking that $300 and going the used route on a nice mtn bike outfitted for bike paths or the more traditional road bike that most here ride. I personally like the mtn bike but that's just me.

And most importantly, get the bike that will make you happy and keep you riding. If that is one of those bikes at chubby cruisers then that is the bike for you.

I would not choose a bike based on how it looks. And I am not a fan of heavily padded seats, they are not comfortable if you ride more distance. But if that is what you want, by all means, just get one.

If money is tight, go used. If it is real tight, go garage sale or thrift store. I have picked up some pretty nice bikes for less than $20 at thrift stores (Trek, Giant, Jamis), both road bikes and mountain bikes. Craigs List will cost you more than a thrift store, but you will find a bike a lot sooner. I routinely see nice bikes on Craigs List from $100 to $200. Bought one last week on Craigs List for $60, and the week before at a garage sale for $10. They are out there.

I'll send you a PM that you can reply to. Also, if you click my Username, the second option is PM. Time is not what I have a lot of, with 2 preschoolers, but I'd be happy to help out as much as I can. That's the main reason I commute to work by bike, so I can fit in a daily exercise routinely.

Whether you buy new or not, it doesn't hurt to try out different bikes at the Local Bike Shops (LBS). That way you'll find out what you like, and more importantly, find a bike store that treats you right, and makes you feel welcome and comfortable.

Welcome to the forums Soul, always nice to have another clyde in the stable.

I too am going to suggest that you don't purchase a huge seat. Instead I recommend you have your "sit bones" measured and purchase the corresponding size. I believe Specialized dealers do this on a machine known as the Ass-o-Matic