Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - First bike, have a few questions..

Hey everyone, first post. Ive been lurking and reading through a lot of the threads here. I want to get a bike for the summer. Im not sure what exactly i will be doing with it yet but to start, getting around town and exercise rides starting around 5-15 miles. Maybe after a few months some longer rides, in the 30 mile range. I'm 6'2" 240lbs with a 32 3/4 inseam. I would get a bike for the LBS but their entry bikes are at around $800 and id really like to keep my budget under $500. I have been searching Craigslist but haven't inquired about anything yet.

this was on there today, i was thinking about making an offer...
http://albany.craigslist.org/bik/700747853.html

If theres anyone who is upstate NY who has a bike they would like to sell in that range let me know.

Any opinions about whether i should be looking for a 58 or 60 cm bike?

thanks
Brendan

I'm 6'1 and feel great on a Lemond 57. I also have a Cannondale 58 that feels right too. Little bit of a difference in the feel as the Canni is more of a criteium race bike and the Lemond a Euro racer relaxed geometry.

Also depends on the maker, Some bikes measure center to center and some center to top. SO a 58 can almost be the same as a 60 depending on the brand.

My Canni is a 58 at 6'1. My bud also ride a 58 at 6'2 so I think you would be fine either way.:D

I shortened my stem and he left his original so also depends on body type. I'm the long torso type.

I love my Trek 1000, I bought a 2005 last February with 2.5 miles total on it for $320. I have seen them regularly in the $400 +/- range around here.

Their price is too high. Negotiate them down some, say $500 or less, and you should be OK.

I did a quick search of your area, and it seems that bikes do go for more in the NE. I have seen Trek 1000s for less in the Charlotte and Atlanta Craig Lists. So I have toned down my response quite a bit.

. I'm 6'2" 240lbs with a 32 3/4 inseam.
Any opinions about whether i should be looking for a 58 or 60 cm bike?

I'd go with a 58.

a lot of new bike threads on here today so i wont add to the clutter but I did it! went down and picked up that trek 1000sl. I offered $500 flat and he said yes. It looks basically brand new, has 20 miles total on it. So i am officially a new member of the clydes road biking world and i super excited about it. Going to spend tomorrow riding around and adjusting the fit. I have to take off the Look click in pedals and swap them for the cages for now till i can get shoes.
good stuff!
Brendan