Figured I come on in and introduce myself. I'm 29 YO Cyde from Wyoming (6' 225lbs) not exactly fat, but not a model of human form either. I'm getting back to riding after a couple years off. I had previously been into mountain bikes, and run a Rocky Mountain Fanatik full suspension. I'm getting back into riding primarily as a non-job related hobby, and for better exersize. My previouse riding partner was killed in Afghanistan, and I have since started riding almost entirely on pavement. This weekend I'm headed to the LBS in a town about an hour and a half away, where I bought the Fanatik, to see about trading into a road bike. I figure running a full suspension bike on the pavement exclusively is about like using a monster truck to go to the mall. We'll just have to see what kind of a deal I can get into.

Welcome on board!

Welcome! Yes, full suspension for road riding isn't a good option. If you are riding pavement, road bikes are the way to go IMHO. Let us know what you get.

There's always the idea of a cyclocross bike, fine for the road and singletrack. Also they tend to be plenty tough enough for heavier riders. Yes, I have just bought a 'cross bike (Genesis Vapour) so I'm biased.

Welcome aboard, Wyofire! Glad to have you!

Drop in to the intro thread and also feel free to post pics of yourself, your ride, and scenery from your rides anytime!

Welcome to the forums! :beer:

Sorry to hear about your friend.

+1 Get a road bike, thats the most effective bike for the road, go figure.

Welcome aboard

When I was in Junior high and highschool so about 15 or so years ago I ran a road bike for a while. I had bought a Trek 610 outfited in Shimmano Ultegra. It was a decent bike at the time, but there was definately much better stuff out there. The shop I'm going to this weekend deals in Specialized, Trek and Rocky Mountain. If I can get enough trade in from my existing Rocky Mountain Fanatik I'm planning to go to an Allez or preferably a Roubaix unless one of the Trek machines fits better. I'm looking for preferably Tiagra components as a minimum. I know this is about the same time of year that I picked up my last bike, and at that time they were willing to cut some pretty good deals to get that years model bikes out the door. I spent about an hour or so this evening cleaning up the Fanatik, and will go over it another time or two trying to get it completely detailed, and in tune so I can get every last dime out of it.

For a new bike I'm not looking for a full race bike, but not a touring bike either. That is where I'm looking toward the Roubaix if I can swing it.