Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New here, don't know what kind of bike i need!!

Hi guys, I'm 6'2 and about 235lbs. I'm looking for a new bike to ride with my girlfriend. Basically we plan to ride our local bike trails and on the roads around my house. I've been to quite a few lbs and not so lbs. I've also went and looked at a few used bikes. These are the ones I've looked at and liked.

2005 Trek 7500 fx - Saw this one in an ad on craigslist. He said he only rode it 3 times and it looks like it. Basically a brand new bike. He also has many accessories, a computer, front headlight, led brake light, a different type of seat, waterbottle and bracket, tire pump, etc. He was asking $550 but he said he would take $500. He did let me ride it, it was a nice ride but it seems like it just might be a bit to much for what i would use it for at this point.

2009 Giant Cypress - Really enjoyed riding this one and loved the dealership. The owner saw us looking at bikes and me pointing at it he came up and insisted I took it out for a spin. I was kind of hesitant since I haven't really rode in years. I finally took it out and liked it quite a bit. I believe this one retails for $520 or so and he was asking $380. Pretty good deal i think.

A few others I've looked at but haven't rode.

2009 Trek 7200 - Liked the look of the bike a lot was white and silver with tan handgrips and seat. Two different shops were pretty close in price. Around $470 or so.

2009 Trek 7.1 fx - Again, looked but didn't ride. LBS was asking around 380, priced comparably to the giants.

Right now, I'm kind of leaning towards the Giant Cypress, price is good, right around what I want to pay and i really enjoyed the ride. I guess the main goal I'm looking for is getting back in shape, I've put on quite a few lbs over the past year and would like to get back to my normal weight of about 190. Another reason I'm leaning towards the giant, When i was a kid I had a giant sedona and i rode that bike everywhere and never had a problem with it. Is there any bikes I should look at before deciding? Are these the right bikes for what my goal is with riding? Any helpful advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

I'm your size and started riding again one year ago on a 2008 Cypress. I like the bike, but I got the bug for a Cyclocross bike about 4 months after buying the Giant.

Your needs and wants will change quickly during the first year of riding. Last year a 30 mile ride was a twice-a-month event for me and a real challenge. Now I'm often taking 35 to 60 mile rides on my Cyclocross bike and only use the hybrid bike for short trips.

I would suggest riding a few drop-bar road bikes. This bike from REI is a good value: http://www.rei.com/product/776881

Michael

You sound like you have made up your mind.

The used Trek 7200Fx is a high quality (and higher priced) bike than either the Giant or the 7.1Fx. Of course, if you get "into biking", you'll eventually acquire most of the "extras" you mention.

Although I started with a hybrid (a Trek Fx), I bought a Trek road bike about a year later.

Other than the initial expense factor, I think that a lot of beginners would be better served with a Cyclocross bike than a hybrid. Of course, if your bike is just going to gather dust in the garage, a cheap hybrid is better than a cross bike. It all depends on how you use it.

Well yes and no about my mind being made up. Like I said i prefered the ride on the giant but I'm just so unsure. I don't want to make a huge investment and like you said, just have it sit in my garage like the owner of the 7500 fx. He showed me the receipt from where he bought it, he paid well over $1000 for everything he has. Is $500 too much for it? Like i said, its basically brand new.

Well yes and no about my mind being made up. Like I said i prefered the ride on the giant but I'm just so unsure. I don't want to make a huge investment and like you said, just have it sit in my garage like the owner of the 7500 fx. He showed me the receipt from where he bought it, he paid well over $1000 for everything he has. Is $500 too much for it? Like i said, its basically brand new.
No, I don't think that he's asking too much. The 7500FX will make an excellent "around town" or "commuter" bike.

The most important issue when buying a bike is fit - at 6'2" you probably probably need a L (around 19 or 20 inch), or possibly an XL (21 - 23 inch) frame - only you can say what size bike fits you best and makes you more comfortable for riding.

That being said, all the bikes you mentioned sound like good ones and are at fair prices.

Good luck!

I'll second a Cyclocross. I was looking into a more hybrid bike as well. But from reading here, decided to try out the cyclocross. I was looking at the same type of riding with some commuting and long rides thrown in. The cyclocross fits the sometimes road, sometimes a trail niche prefectly.

your needs and wants will change quickly during the first year of riding.

+1

sf

This is my second post, so take it with a grain of salt. I don't know much but I think I can help a little.

If you go with a hybrid make sure you ride the 7.1 next to the 7.2. At first the squishy seat and suspension post seemed like a good idea to me until I rode the bikes. Luckily I bought the 7.2 since I started reading as soon as I got home and realized how much power transfer is absorbed through squishy parts. I also nearly bottomed the seatpost out on smooth flat pavement and I weigh 207. My 7.2 has been a flawless performer, and while it's a lot heavier than a cyclocross or road bike, I'm happy to haul the extra weight around for now. I figure by the time I can afford a road bike I should be in pretty decent shape and will hopefully be fairly quick.

A frew random comments.

Buy what you will enjoy riding.

What did you prefer about the Giant? If it is a difference of fit, you may be able to tweak the 7500fx by replacing the stem, and making other minor adjustments.

If you decide to buy new, and have multiple bikes you like, pick the one that you like the shop best. Especially if you will not be doing your own maintenance, it is good to feel good about who you are dealing with.

MY first bike getting back into cycling was/is a Giant Sedona, which is like the Cypress with 26" wheels, so I don't think you would go wrong with either the Cypress, or the used bike...

Finally made up my mind. Went and looked at a few different bikes and kept thinking about the used 7500fx, today I called him back up and he still had it. Went over to his house right after work and I picked her up. Looks like she just rolled off the showroom floor. Immaculate condition. Its metallic black/ rage red. He said when he purchased it he paid more for upgraded brakes and what looks like a bontrager saddle and post. He said the shop said it was the best saddle they had, he said it almost castrated him :lol: . I'm going to take it down to the lbs tomorrow and see about getting it sized and checked over to make sure everything is ok. The frame is a perfect fit for me 20'' frame and have a little over an inch of space. Tomorrow ill post some pics!

I didn't see a way to edit my post but the brakes are hayes front and rear disk brakes.

congrats on your new ride. make sure about the fit, that is in the end what is most important - a well fitting $500 bike is better than an ill-fitting full out tour bike imho. be prepared to pay a little for the fitting - i paid $75 for a pro fitting on my bikes, plus an additional i think $25 for a new stem, and it was the best money i ever spent. i went from riding with backaches and neckaches all the time to really enjoying my rides. good luck! don't forget the helmet...

Congratulations on your new bike purchase. I am sure you will enjoy your new steed. I agree with the others regarding fit, That is the most important thing. Does no good to ride an ill fitting bike.

Awesome, when I read the thread I was going to point you towards the used 7500 FX. A heck of a sweet bike that is a capable commuter, rail trail, MUP, charity rider, and touring rig. Just ask The Historian about all the places he has been on his 7.5 FX (same bike only it's an 07 model)!

We request...nay...demand pictures :D

Sorry for the delay, but heres the pics. Haven't been on much, have been out riding :lol: I'm not much of a picture taker, but enjoy anyways. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mxchino/IMG_1736.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mxchino/IMG_1737.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mxchino/IMG_1738.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mxchino/IMG_1739.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mxchino/IMG_1740.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mxchino/IMG_1741.jpg

She sure looks clean. I think you did very well when you throw in all the stuff that came with it.

There is one thing though, if you can still fit a car in your garage, you clearly need more bikes! (this post is NOT endorsed by my wife)

Thanks! I was going through the manual and things he had from when he bought it, was around $980 dollars and that wasn't even including the seat, post, or breaks. The seat alone from the shop he bought it from was $90. The only blemish i found was a small chip on the frame, looks like something fell on it, Should i try touching it up? or just let it go?

Damn, after about 100 miles I'm already feeling the road bike itch, I'm going back to the shop tomorrow to get fitted for a 2010 trek 2.1

Old post but I just wanted to update. After buying this trek and then a new specialized road bike 2 weeks after, i really started riding a lot. I went from from a high of 256lbs(weighed a lot more than I had thought!!!!!!!!) at the end of July to as of last night, 218lbs in about 2 1/2 months.

My average speed went from 11-12 mph to a pretty consistant 15-17 mph. Not fast, but a huge improvement. I was riding a good 4 nights a week 15 miles and a weekend ride of 30 miles just until this past week when it got cold.

My goal weight was 190 lbs and when i reach it I'm gonna splurge on a new carbon fiber bike with at least ultegra. So close, yet so far :D

Great Job,

Thanks for the update,

Michael

Once the bug bite's its hard to control!

just bought a new 2010 Cypress DX yesterday.
It is excellent.
I got the large frame.
I tried other brands but the Cypress had the most upright seating position.
It also has the 700c tires.
Its great.
You wont be disappointed.