Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Need bike advise.

Hi All,

I checked the thread index and didn't see a question like this one.

Situation: 330lbs. riding again for fun and health.

Bike is a 1976 Schwinn Suburban 10 speed. I zipp around on it pretty well but it is uncomfortable. Even with the upright handlebars my sitting position is a little cramped. I'm getting poked where I dont want to be poked...if you know what I mean.

I am sure the problem is because of my weight. I need a bike to help me peel off another 40 to 50 pounds so I can be more comfortable on my suburban or some other similar bike.

Question: Is there a good quality bike that has a pedal forward geometry somewhere between my schwinn, and ,let's say, an electra?

After a recent 6 mile ride my wrists were tired from leaning over and I would have been a-little more comfortable with the pedals out forward a-little more.

Thanks,

Paul

I would see if you could raise the stem up more. Maybe check with the LBS and see if you can get parts to make it more comfortable. I think you have bike that can handle your size, now it is just a matter of getting a better fit. I know when I first started riding again, I bought a new stem for the handle bars and got the bike to fit.

Thanks Dbikingman,

I found a site with stems that are 2" taller. I'll give that a try.

Paul

What is the size of the bike (measure from the center of the bottom bracket: where the crank and pedals connect) and the top of the seat tube (where the seat post is inserted in).

What is your inseam?

Do a search on bike sizing, sounds like the bike does not fit.

Check out the Trek Navigator (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/navigator/navigator20/). The relaxed geometry and pedal forward design you are asking for is meet by this bike. Many people on this forum have them as well and I don't recall anything negative being said about them until one outgrows the design of the bike (or if their interests wander into something more aggressive like a road bike). The link I provided goes to the middle line Nav 2.0, there is also a 1.0 and a 3.0 should you desire better componets or have a budget to stick with. Either model should be fine so long as you have the suspension seat post removed.

Check out the Trek Navigator (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/navigator/navigator20/). The relaxed geometry and pedal forward design you are asking for is meet by this bike. Many people on this forum have them as well and I don't recall anything negative being said about them until one outgrows the design of the bike (or if their interests wander into something more aggressive like a road bike). The link I provided goes to the middle line Nav 2.0, there is also a 1.0 and a 3.0 should you desire better componets or have a budget to stick with. Either model should be fine so long as you have the suspension seat post removed.

+1. especially on removing the suspension seatpost.

Hi Bautieri and Historian,

That TREK looks really nice. We have 2 TREK dealers nearby. I'm going to check it out.

Thanks,

Paul

Also while you are at the Trek dealer have them show you the 7000 series. Very much like the Navigator but with the larger road tires (faster).
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/hybrid/7100/

Take the Schwinn with you and have them check the fit and make the adjustments.


(a little is two words, no hyphen. advise is what you do; advice is what you ask or give. thank you)

The Rans crank forward bikes have rave reviews for comfort. Link: http://www.ransbikes.com/ they're listed on the right hand column. These start around $900 and some have geometry which allow you to stand and pedal.

http://www.ransbikes.com/images/dynamik08.jpg

Great advise guys.

Oh yea. Shwinn is a 22". I have a 31" inseam. The top frame rail is a-little high for me.

Thanks,

Paul

Great advise guys.

Oh yea. Shwinn is a 22". I have a 31" inseam. The top frame rail is a-little high for me.

Thanks,

Paul

I know that would be too large for me, and I'm 6'1" with a 31" inseam.

Hi guys,

I just discovered the Jamis BOSS. Any opinions would be appreciated.

I read a review of this bike. Said it was very rugged.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cf05b3127ccec5e4226176fc00000040O08CZMm7Nq2Zg9vPg4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

This Jamis Commuter looks pretty nice too.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cf05b3127ccec5e592f0d74900000040O08CZMm7Nq2Zg9vPg4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/



Thanks,

PW

Jamis makes a great bike and typically comes with much better componenet groups per price level than the larger brands. Great bang for the buck.

They don't advertise much as teh big guys, and their dealer network isn't that large (yet), but it's a quality product.

We own three Jamis bikes. They are good quality and the LBS that I purchased from treated me great, that is why I own Jamis.

If I were to pick one of those Jamis', it would surely be the commuter. Fenders, lights, rack!

Fenders are removable if you want, and they are also easy to put back on.

Plus, the Commuter will really be made for more abuse, and travelling functionality.

WOW,

Three very positive remarks.

The commuter is going on the short list.

I talked to the salesman again. He races the Jamis Nova Pro in Cyclocross events.

Thanks,

Paul

Another one to consider would be the Specialized Crosstrail. Big bike, well made aluminum frame, big tires, lock out front suspension, higher than most hybrids gearing (still low enuf to crawl up a wall), and upright riding position.

I have one, and really like it a lot. Hybrids do have their place for many of us.

Another thing to consider is your real inseam. Stand against a wall, with a book pulled up SNUGLY to your crotch - measure against the wall with the book tight up against it. You might be surprised.

RIDE lots of new bikes, to determine which one is the most comfortable for you.

To clarify my earlier post.

You have to buy the bike that is comfortable for you, and the way you want to ride.

I have three different comfort bikes available to me to use. One Trek, and two Specialized.

While they are all "comfortable" to ride around the neighborhood, and slowly on MUPs, they just don't get it for trying to cover miles, or when in a hurry. Just to much "sit up and beg" posture which only lets me use leg muscles while riding.

They are great for riding with my grandaughter or wife around the neighborhood, or for a leisurely "cruise" along the river.

However, for travelling briskly, or hauling a load, they just don't shine like many others. There are several "hybrids" out there, (Specialized Sirrus, or older Crosstrail [read 08 or earlier-they changed frame style in 09,] Trek 7000, etc) that are geared more toward road use, that seem to excell at being able to do it all.

The hybrids geared more to mountain bikes, like the 09 Crosstrail, not quite so much. Though, I'm sure they will excell in more overland travel.

I ride a 42 mile loop almost every day, in 2.5 - 3 hours, on my Hybrid, an 08 Specialized Crosstrail.

I can't come even remotely close to that, on the Trek Navigator, or Specialized Globes. And, I'm much more worn out and sore, in the process.

I've gone for groceries, and run other errands, on both types, and believe me, when I'm hauling a load, against the wind, the Crosstrail really shines. Much better than my mountain oriented Marin Stinson, or, my old steel road bike..

If I was on all nice paved roads, with only a wedge under the seat, I'm sure that a pure road bike would put mine to shame.

It all boils down to how much work you are doing on the bike.

Which brings us back to the original problem - what EXACTLY do you want a bike to do for you.