Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - I need a bike that will support SUMOSIZED

Hello, I decided to start shaping up, before death comes knocking.

I'm 6'0'' and 400! lbs.
I don't have any problems with height of a bike, dismounting or getting on one, I'm surprisingly agile.

I want to ride a normal bike, but concerned with what will actually support my weight. I was thinking of something like a comfort style/cruiser bike, but i don't know, the frames look pretty weak...well sorta why I'm asking Cause "I don't know" and hoping someone can help me find one.

Price range I'm willing to spend is about up to 500$
and I'd be biking on roads and paths (solid stuffs)
links and pics prices would be awesome too thanks

Hello, I decided to start shaping up, before death comes knocking.

I'm 6'0'' and 400! lbs.
I don't have any problems with height of a bike, dismounting or getting on one, I'm surprisingly agile.

I want to ride a normal bike, but concerned with what will actually support my weight. I was thinking of something like a comfort style/cruiser bike, but i don't know, the frames look pretty weak...well sorta why I'm asking Cause "I don't know" and hoping someone can help me find one.

Price range I'm willing to spend is about up to 500$
and I'd be biking on roads and paths (solid stuffs)
links and pics prices would be awesome too thanks

Trek Navigator, perhaps? Or the 'Clyde bike', the Specialized Hardrock?

Hello, I decided to start shaping up, before death comes knocking.

I'm 6'0'' and 400! lbs.
I don't have any problems with height of a bike, dismounting or getting on one, I'm surprisingly agile.

I want to ride a normal bike, but concerned with what will actually support my weight. I was thinking of something like a comfort style/cruiser bike, but i don't know, the frames look pretty weak...well sorta why I'm asking Cause "I don't know" and hoping someone can help me find one.

Price range I'm willing to spend is about up to 500$
and I'd be biking on roads and paths (solid stuffs)
links and pics prices would be awesome too thanks

I'm close to your size (started riding at 395# Nov 2007...now at 371#) I Ride an old Specialized Hardrock with 90psi pavement tread tires on 26" wheels. I've banged the heck out of it and it keeps coming back for more.
I commute 3 - 4 times a week on it and its very trusty indeed.

http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/7/6/l763444448.jpg

Welcome, Biglife. I'm 350# and I put 7,500 miles on a Trek 7200. I have since bought a custom bike, but that is out of your price range ;)

Trek 7200:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2418435688_6f6bdc060c_o.jpg (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7200/)

There are a few options out there. Your biggest concern is going to be the wheels. Look for 36, 40 or even 48 spoked touring or tandem wheels (Velocity Dyad for example). Your LBS should be able to set you up with something to ride. If not, go to another place. There are a few dudes your size on here.

Good luck and don't forget to post your new ride!

Thanks for the Replies, all suggestions look great just need to look into it a bit.

The Trek Nav and the 7200 both look pretty solid, as for the wheels, I knew some customizing was necessary to make it street worthy for me, thanks for pointing out the # of spoke info, really didn't know to much about it.

will still be about another 2-3 weeks before i buy so if there is any other suggestions please post :)

Thanks

Hey, fair play to you for making that decision! Hope it works out for you;-) I can see advantages to buying second hand (better bike and parts for the money) and advantages to buying new (guarantees, warranties etc). You'll have to weigh them up and come up with something. Maybe a 2nd hand from a bike shop? Let us know how you get on. The Spesh Hardrock is very popular with clydesdales so maybe have a go on one of them and see how it feels? I have an old Marin Muirwoods that is built like a tank!

Hello Biglife, welcome to the forums!

Just about any comfort or mountain bike with a aluminum frame should support you just fine provided you make some minor adjustments. If the bike you decide on has a suspension seat post, ask the shop to switch it out for a solid one, if the bike's suspension fork is inadequate, have it swapped out for a solid one, then consider high PSI street tires. The rims will need to be upgraded in time but I would suggest you ride the bike a bit first before you drop a large investment in it. Good hand built rims are expensive.

Links:

Specialized Hardrock Sport (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32576)

Trek 4300 (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300/)

Trek Navigator 3.0 (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/navigator/navigator30/)

Giant Rincon (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/1260/29299/)

Giant Sedona DX (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/lifestyle/1277/29338/)

Raliegh Mojave 4.0 (http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/mojave-40/)

Raleigh Venture 4.0 (http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/comfort/venture-40/)

That should get you started. Remember it is best to buy the most bike you can right up front. Upgrading parts as they break is much more expensive than buying the better bike right from the start. Also, budget for a helmet, extra tubes, and a pump if you don't have one. Other goodies to consider would be a speedometer, and a seat bag to keep your cell phone, extra tube, and flat repair kit.

Bau