Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Typical "Recommend a fat guy a bike" thread

Hey guys, another fat rider checking in. I'm 6', 260lbs, 31" inseam. I'm looking for a bike to ride around on the local bike trail (Montour Trail in Robinson, near Pittsburgh) and to/from local parks and stores, etc. I live in the suburbs so not really a city bike needed, and some places I ride may be a little rough, as there are some park trails that I'd probably enjoy riding as well (not paved). The information I've found makes me think a mountain or cyclocross bike would be good for me, now the task is to find one.

There is a local Trek shop nearby that has bikes, but I'm concerned about the frame durability as I'll probably eventually be carrying groceries or books or whatever, adding to the weight on the bike. I've seen that most people say not to worry about it because the bike should handle it and just get a solid wheel, but then I read about a guy (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=383637) who snapped his rear shock mount on a Gary Fisher. I haven't ridden since I was about 12, ten years ago, so I'm not sure exactly what that means and if the frame durability has anything to do with it or if it's just shoddy components. If so, then the question is how do I make sure I'm getting good components?

Here's the link to the shop nearby: http://trekofpgh.com/itemlist.cfm?category=46&sort=priceasc

Does anyone have a recommendation as far as bare minimum which model I should be looking at here? The cyclocross bikes listed are pretty much out of my price range right now, what would be the difference between one of these and choosing one of the all-terrain bikes? I know it's a "road bike" frame, but what does that mean for the rider? I want to do this to get in shape, but I also want to be able to take some of the off-the-beaten-path trails occasionally. Should I be looking somewhere else entirely? I don't really know what the difference is between the specs. I'm HOPING to spend like $600 upper limit, $300-400 ideal, but if that's not recommended then I can probably spend a little more.

Should I get into a shop since it will be my first bike in a while so I can really test them out and get comfortable? Or would I be better off getting fitted and then trying to find a CX bike or something online for a cheaper price? Something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm ?

Excited about getting back into riding as I used to ride absolutely everywhere when I was younger but as I got older, bikes within my mom's price range stopped being durable enough for me so I just stopped. I've dropped from over 300lbs since I took up snowboarding this winter and now I'm looking for a way to stay active during the "off-season", so to speak. Thanks in advance for any information or suggestions.

E: Oh, also, since I'm in PA the weather here will be rainy occasionally and I may even want to continue riding my bike in the winter if possible. I also live in an apartment and the bike may have to be kept outside. Does anyone have tips for riding in these conditions, and for storage outside in rain/snow? I don't really know anything about bike maintenance and tuning right now, but I'm eager to learn.

I say the bare minimum would be the Specialized Hardrock. I upgraded a little and bought the Specialized Rockhopper '07 and haven't had any trouble at all. I may also recommend on the Trek side the minimum would be the Trek 4500. These are the only 2 brands that I've owned. The Hardrock and the 4500 are the minimum with double walled rims I believe. As for storage outside, why couldn't you keep it in the apartment? I would try and find room. You don't want an investment like that corroding (sp?) away outside. I'm 5'11" 243 by the way
The most important thing will be wheels and overall comfort. All of the bikes in your price range should be comperable enough. YOU have to be comfortable with the bike, not what someone tells you you should be comfortable on

Hey guys, another fat rider checking in. I'm 6', 260lbs, 31" inseam. I'm looking for a bike to ride around on the local bike trail (Montour Trail in Robinson, near Pittsburgh) and to/from local parks and stores, etc. I live in the suburbs so not really a city bike needed, and some places I ride may be a little rough, as there are some park trails that I'd probably enjoy riding as well (not paved). The information I've found makes me think a mountain or cyclocross bike would be good for me, now the task is to find one.

There is a local Trek shop nearby that has bikes, but I'm concerned about the frame durability as I'll probably eventually be carrying groceries or books or whatever, adding to the weight on the bike. I've seen that most people say not to worry about it because the bike should handle it and just get a solid wheel, but then I read about a guy (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=383637) who snapped his rear shock mount on a Gary Fisher. I haven't ridden since I was about 12, ten years ago, so I'm not sure exactly what that means and if the frame durability has anything to do with it or if it's just shoddy components. If so, then the question is how do I make sure I'm getting good components?

Here's the link to the shop nearby: http://trekofpgh.com/itemlist.cfm?category=46&sort=priceasc

Does anyone have a recommendation as far as bare minimum which model I should be looking at here? The cyclocross bikes listed are pretty much out of my price range right now, what would be the difference between one of these and choosing one of the all-terrain bikes? I know it's a "road bike" frame, but what does that mean for the rider? I want to do this to get in shape, but I also want to be able to take some of the off-the-beaten-path trails occasionally. Should I be looking somewhere else entirely? I don't really know what the difference is between the specs. I'm HOPING to spend like $600 upper limit, $300-400 ideal, but if that's not recommended then I can probably spend a little more.

Should I get into a shop since it will be my first bike in a while so I can really test them out and get comfortable? Or would I be better off getting fitted and then trying to find a CX bike or something online for a cheaper price? Something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm ?

Excited about getting back into riding as I used to ride absolutely everywhere when I was younger but as I got older, bikes within my mom's price range stopped being durable enough for me so I just stopped. I've dropped from over 300lbs since I took up snowboarding this winter and now I'm looking for a way to stay active during the "off-season", so to speak. Thanks in advance for any information or suggestions.

E: Oh, also, since I'm in PA the weather here will be rainy occasionally and I may even want to continue riding my bike in the winter if possible. I also live in an apartment and the bike may have to be kept outside. Does anyone have tips for riding in these conditions, and for storage outside in rain/snow? I don't really know anything about bike maintenance and tuning right now, but I'm eager to learn.

First off, most full suspension bikes are designed for the rider who weighs 150lbs and under, they are not designed for the rider who is 250+ and trying to get back to being the 150 he was in college.

You really have two options, one is a cyclo-cross bike, with good sturdy wheels, and run a nice wide tire, say a 32-35mm, most cross bikes come with wider tires, with a light tread.

Option 2, is a hard tail mountain bike, this has a front shock and a solid rear, swap out the wide knobbies for something similar to a cross tire, in around a 1.5 inch width.

As for storing a bike outside, one word, don't. Talk to your landlord or property manager, there may be some indoor storage space you can use, nice thing about bikes, they don't take up much space, of course offering to rent such space, say for a monthly 20 spot, gets just about any landlord or property managers attention..... You can also look into them allowing you to put up a metal storage shed, these are bolt together, and you disassemble it and take it with you when you move. Floors can be outdoor plywood, stone, concrete or asphalt, although you do leave a few small holes, you can patch both asphalt and concrete.

I vote for a hard-tail mountain bike, bike shop quality, like Trek, Specialized or Diamondback(I ride an 02 Diamondback Response). You'll want some cash for a helmet, gloves, clothing, and accessories and repairs/upgrades. Front suspension forks aren't needed unless you are riding trails that are not the typical gravel or paved bike trails.


Careful, this bicycling thing is addictive.

+1 on hard tail MTB (or an older one with hard forks if you don't mind buying used). That's what I started back on last year and it served me well for the 1,000 miles it took for me to decide a road bike made more sense for the riding I was doing. And as suggested, get rid of the knobbies (you can always remount them later on one of your other bikes - yeah, it's addictive) and get some narrower tires. Find an inside place to store it and you'll be good to go.

My neighbor at 250 lbs just bought one on these.
Very nice bike for the money.
http://trailblazersbike.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=4179

I just store my bikes in the Living Room and Bedroom ;)

Then again, I'm not going to leave $3,000.00 worth of rolling stock out where some jerk can steal them ;)

Take that bike inside, I find mine make very sexy kitchen ornaments. Like the little glass blue birds my mom had on her windowsill only this time I'm allowed to play with them.

I definatly wouldn't get a solid tire for the bike. Part of a tires job is to soak up bumps and act like a shock. Instead get a good set of high PSI (90lbs and up) commuter tires and give it a go. Just about any hard tail mountain bike should serve you well. House bike is the hardrock sport.

Hi guys, noobie Clydesdale here.

I am 6'1" and 225. Until recently had been mostly fat with a 40" waist, but now same weight and a 36" waist and muscle!

Anyway, had been riding last year about 5.5 miles one way to work on a crappy mt. bike (huffy I think, but can't remember the brand). Just recently started working out again (in a former life was a 10k runner) but since I can't run anymore (injured while on my 2nd tour in iraq) I thought a bike would be good, plus I can save gas (drive a full size 3/4 4x4 that costs 75 each week to fill).

Anyway, just pulled the trigger on a Specialized Allez Triple (07 model) ! The bike is awsome and would recommend to anyone. Had rented a double last year but was not happy with the lack of gears for mountains. I picked the bike up at the Aurora, Co, Treads Outfitters and save about $300 compared to my local shops in AZ! This business trip actually saved me money.

Well see you guys in the threads and I will be hanging out in the road bike section. Also, anyone else in the Tucson/Sierra Vista area?

JOE

Hey UV! Welcome!

Hey guys, another fat rider checking in. I'm 6', 260lbs, 31" inseam. I'm looking for a bike to ride around on the local bike trail (Montour Trail in Robinson, near Pittsburgh) and to/from local parks and stores, etc. I live in the suburbs so not really a city bike needed, and some places I ride may be a little rough, as there are some park trails that I'd probably enjoy riding as well (not paved). The information I've found makes me think a mountain or cyclocross bike would be good for me, now the task is to find one.

There is a local Trek shop nearby that has bikes, but I'm concerned about the frame durability as I'll probably eventually be carrying groceries or books or whatever, adding to the weight on the bike. I've seen that most people say not to worry about it because the bike should handle it and just get a solid wheel, but then I read about a guy (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=383637) who snapped his rear shock mount on a Gary Fisher. I haven't ridden since I was about 12, ten years ago, so I'm not sure exactly what that means and if the frame durability has anything to do with it or if it's just shoddy components. If so, then the question is how do I make sure I'm getting good components?

Here's the link to the shop nearby: http://trekofpgh.com/itemlist.cfm?category=46&sort=priceasc

Does anyone have a recommendation as far as bare minimum which model I should be looking at here? The cyclocross bikes listed are pretty much out of my price range right now, what would be the difference between one of these and choosing one of the all-terrain bikes? I know it's a "road bike" frame, but what does that mean for the rider? I want to do this to get in shape, but I also want to be able to take some of the off-the-beaten-path trails occasionally. Should I be looking somewhere else entirely? I don't really know what the difference is between the specs. I'm HOPING to spend like $600 upper limit, $300-400 ideal, but if that's not recommended then I can probably spend a little more.

Should I get into a shop since it will be my first bike in a while so I can really test them out and get comfortable? Or would I be better off getting fitted and then trying to find a CX bike or something online for a cheaper price? Something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm ?

Excited about getting back into riding as I used to ride absolutely everywhere when I was younger but as I got older, bikes within my mom's price range stopped being durable enough for me so I just stopped. I've dropped from over 300lbs since I took up snowboarding this winter and now I'm looking for a way to stay active during the "off-season", so to speak. Thanks in advance for any information or suggestions.

E: Oh, also, since I'm in PA the weather here will be rainy occasionally and I may even want to continue riding my bike in the winter if possible. I also live in an apartment and the bike may have to be kept outside. Does anyone have tips for riding in these conditions, and for storage outside in rain/snow? I don't really know anything about bike maintenance and tuning right now, but I'm eager to learn.

My Trek 7.5 fx does fine on gravel trails. I'm 6' 1" and 264 currently. BTW, BF poster "neilfein" and I - otherwise known as Neils on Wheels - are riding the GAP trail June 1. Come on by and you can look at my 7.5 fx.