Bike for a fat man

[rhetcrit]

New to the forum, and though a mere 49 yrs old, the 50+ seemed like the best location for these questions.

I'm a liberal arts prof with a, well, gi-normous behind (350 lbs [me total, not just my ass]). Gas prices, fitness goals, etc., have convinced me to get a bike, but to this point all that I've seen have seat posts that don't look like they will stay in place with long-term use.

I want to ride an hour or so a day, little more; all roads in an urban environment. I still have balance, so I'm not looking for a trike, and I'd like to stay around $500.00 (see liberal arts prof identification above).

So given that, what do I need to consider when shopping, and any suggestions you might be able to pass along?

Thanks.

[DnvrFox]

Your absolute best place for bikes for larger folks is the Clydesdale Forum. They even have whole "sticky" threads about choosing a bike there.

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=248

And, you would most definitely NOT be the largest person there. Check out Tom Stormcrowe, and "The Historian," for some successful heavier riders.

By the way, welcome, and keep posting.

Hopefully, you will ENJOY bicycling, as it doesn't last very long if you do it only for fitness.

[Condorita]

The bike for you is the one you find that makes you want to make sure you have time each day to ride. Doesn't matter what kind of bike it is; no bike is superior to any other except in terms of getting you on it.

[donnamb]

Moved to Clydes...

[Tom Stormcrowe]

rhetcrit, welcome to Clyde's! We'll be happy to help you out with any questions you have. :D

You might want to look at the Specialized Hardrock Sport, and switch the knobbies out for some street slicks for lower rolling resistance. Our members have had really good experiences with that bike.

[AndrewCO]

If you're going to be doing nothing but paved trail or road (no curb hopping), I really like the Trek 7.x FX series. I'm 5'11" @ 340-ish and it holds my wide-load pretty well (I have a 7.2 FX with 32-spoke rims).

The hardrock is also another great idea (get hybrid wheels or slicks if on street). Check out your local Craigslist, the older Spec. Hardrock frames were made with a bit "better" quality and eye for detail.

[jaxgtr]

Welcome to Clydes and to biking. I started off at 375 and down to 300 and most of the weight came off while riding a Trek 7300 hybrid, heavily modified. For the most part now, it resembles a Trek 7.x FX series. They are very nice bikes, but there are a lot of other bikes out there as AndrewCO stated. Check the Craig's List. Wheels are the major concern for us Uber Clydes. 32 or 36 spokes are always better.

Check the FAQ list and you will find many answers and if you don't find what you need to know, make sure you post a question. As a teacher always says, no question is a dumb question. Professors might not say that though :p.

Again welcome to BF.

[AndrewCO]

As a teacher always says, no question is a dumb question. Professors might not say that though :p.
Again welcome to BF.

In my experience, professors typically say that you do NOT use GIN and VODKA in a martini...


Also, forgive my manners, welcome to BF:Clydes|Athena rhetcrit!

[late]

I used to have a lot of problems with slipping seatposts. I ordered a new one
and it came in a really long Mtn bike version. It bottomed out.

I had to cut the thing down to size. But now I am at the perfect spot and it never, ever changes. Most bikes would need an even longer post to bottom out like that.
Don't know if it would work for you. But it's something to look into if you have the same problem.