Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Another noob checking in!

First post, be kind.

I'll do some introductions in this forum instead of the main once, since this is where I fit in! (go ahead and do the rimshot in your head :D ) I switched jobs from construction, to sitting on my chair all day in front of the computer doing IT work :crash:. Somewhere in my head, I kept saying to myself, I need to change my diet and go out and DO something, but I think I just fed myself burritos to keep that part quiet. I'm up to about 6'3 and 300lbs. No, its not all muscle. Its not a massive number, but I know that I'm on the verge of becoming seriously unhealthy.

I've been lurking here for the last couple weeks trying to decide how to make myself get into riding. Well, I just read the thread by </intolerance> http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=567078, and talk about some motivation. Big congrats to you man, I'm sure there are many more of you here that have similar stories, but he struck a chord with me today, not sure if it was the pics or what, but I know what I want to make myself do now.

So nothing fancy for me yet, since the last time I hopped on a bike I was probably 14. At the same time, I know I need to make myself commit to it if I want to lose some weight, best thing in my mind is always throw money at it so I can't say "nothing ventured, nothing gained" So I've set aside some cash for this, not thousands, but I'm willing to put down what I need to, so that I get started the right way. So first thing is getting a bike. I know the normal line is go to your LBS. My question is, how do I know which LBS to use? Anyone down this way that wants to recommend a south fl bike shop that won't make me feel like a complete fool when I ask which way the helmet is supposed to face.

Other than that quick question, just wanted to say hey to everyone, I'm sure I'll be seeing you all around! And if you're in SFL, look me up! I'll be the one with the big neon fred sign flashing over me!

Welcome to BF, and welcome to your new lifestyle!

I've never been to SFL, but when I move and need to find a new LBS, I just start visiting. Find a few that are close to you and check them out. Talk to the folks there and just shoot the s***. Maybe try some bikes, but generally just get a feel for each shop. You want a place that, ideally, feels like home--a place that respects your personal wants/needs/budget but isn't afraid to set you straight if you come in with a bad idea ("I really need aero bars on my mountain bike!!"). Sure, an LBS is a business and needs to make money, but stay away from anywhere that gets too pushy or feels too "slick." You'll know when you've found your LBS.

So again, welcome! Getting in shape isn't an easy journey; it's going to hurt sometimes and sometimes the only thing keeping you going will be your own strength of character, but the results are SO worth it! We've all been there, and we're all here to support and encourage.

Welcome to BF, and welcome to your new lifestyle!

I've never been to SFL, but when I move and need to find a new LBS, I just start visiting. Find a few that are close to you and check them out. Talk to the folks there and just shoot the s***. Maybe try some bikes, but generally just get a feel for each shop. You want a place that, ideally, feels like home--a place that respects your personal wants/needs/budget but isn't afraid to set you straight if you come in with a bad idea ("I really need aero bars on my mountain bike!!"). Sure, an LBS is a business and needs to make money, but stay away from anywhere that gets too pushy or feels too "slick." You'll know when you've found your LBS.

So again, welcome! Getting in shape isn't an easy journey; it's going to hurt sometimes and sometimes the only thing keeping you going will be your own strength of character, but the results are SO worth it! We've all been there, and we're all here to support and encourage.


Welcome!!! I agree w/what jesse said. If you feel like your getting BS'd or "Sold" time to move on. If you get the vibe that the folks are passionate about bikes, then that may be the place to do business.

Welcome to the herd, Hyper. :D

Welcome to the forum. You will get a lot of help and encouragement from these nice people.
You don't even have to ask for them (us) to "be nice".
You will find that this group is and remains naturally "nice".

Welcome!

Thanks for the welcome, and the suggestions! Next step is a quick stop during lunch to a little shop near work, not even sure they sell anything other than parts, but won't hurt to look!

Welcome (back) to biking - it's really a great way to lose weight. Check this site out - it has a lot of helpful stuff for people getting back into biking.

http://www.biketoledo.net

So, stopped by the little place by work at lunch, and they really only repair bikes and sell parts, which surprised me, but oh well. Ended up going go another and the guys inside were very friendly, not very busy which was nice, he gave me about a half hour of uninterrupted time to go through my questions, basically gave him my budget for what I wanted to spend, and he suggested a Trek 7.2 for about $530 or a 7.3 for $640. Any thoughts on these two? He did point out a few differences that were nice, but I was really in over my head on terminology, and didn't want to waste his time since I couldn't even test (is it test drive or test ride? :lol:) them out.

I really want to go back tomorrow with some questions in mind, and a change of clothes. Any thoughts of things I should ask, or thoughts of the bikes in general? Thanks guys!

i started up recently and went to a couple of shops. I chose the one that didnt mind talking to me about bikes what i would use it for and made recommendations. I went in a couple that looked at me as i came in and didnt make another move.

One thing i also looked for was free adjustments. I get lifetime adjustment with the shop i went with, which is cool because i will surely mess the bike up when i try to make adjustments and i have them to go behind me and fix it with out me paying for my mistake.

welcome.....there was a "trek WOW" sale that I think may have ended on this past Sunday (or it may be until July 31, don't remember) and they might still honor it..... in any event, I have a Trek FX 7.3 (a 2007 model I got in sept 2006 for $419) and it's been fine for me....just checked the wheels and they're still good even bearing my girth! The lbs should encourage you to trial ride both bikes.....I did change the saddle to a Brooks 17 though and my lbs let me try about 5 different saddles from their stock and even though I bought the Brooks from Wallingford Bikes online, they didn't hassle me about that. From what you said, you found a good lbs near you.

Wow, Yea I definitely missed out on a deal there, huh? Wonder how they are on haggling. Throw in a seat or something guys, cmon!

Welcome. Nice of you to stop by and say hello. You're gonna love riding, just start slow, don't overdo it at first and discourage yourself. See you around the forum...

welcome hyper guy....I would suggest finding a Specialized bike dealer... I am very satisfied with my recent purchase of a Crossroads Elite....great ride for us big guys....saw a used one listed but it is a 20" frame: http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1294059141.html

So, stopped by the little place by work at lunch, and they really only repair bikes and sell parts, which surprised me, but oh well. Ended up going go another and the guys inside were very friendly, not very busy which was nice, he gave me about a half hour of uninterrupted time to go through my questions, basically gave him my budget for what I wanted to spend, and he suggested a Trek 7.2 for about $530 or a 7.3 for $640. Any thoughts on these two? He did point out a few differences that were nice, but I was really in over my head on terminology, and didn't want to waste his time since I couldn't even test (is it test drive or test ride? :lol:) them out.

I really want to go back tomorrow with some questions in mind, and a change of clothes. Any thoughts of things I should ask, or thoughts of the bikes in general? Thanks guys!

Both are good bikes. The 7.3 has marginally better components. If you are going to ride the bike like you stole it, and steal it on a daily basis, it might be worth getting the 7.3. But both bikes are fine, and would serve you well.

Ask the shop if they'll give you a discount on things such as a helmet, or if they will throw in a couple of water bottles. Get them to give you some sort of fitting, so the bike conforms to you rather than you to it. Pick up things to fix a flat, including spare tubes.

your post makes you sound like its your first time at A-A

your post makes you sound like its your first time at A-A

:lol:

And.. as an update.. I ended up getting the Trek 7.3, didn't get the great wow sale price, but they were very generous with the accessories, and their time answering my (what must have been silly sounding) questions.

See ya'll on the road!

Welcome! Good choice on the bike, and the bike shop. I think that decent service, and a staff that stands behind their customers is a lot more important that the price. At least I'm willing to sacrifice in other areas of my budget for an extra couple of months on my credit card bill before I pay that puppy off, to pay for some peace-of-mind. Not worrying about what will happen if something breaks that I cannot easily fix is worth that to me.

I also went from working outside (field biologist), to doing computer work (database and mapping software jockey for younger field biologists - can't live on those field wages forever...). It is so easy to gain a lot of weight, when you are used to eating more, and depend on daily physical exertion to burn off extra calories. You can burn a large amount of calories in a relatively short amount of time riding a bicycle. It makes me just feel better all over too.

Have fun on the bike.

Just get out and keep pedalling, I started out at 333lbs and Iam down to 253lbs. I can't run with my bad knees but I can pedal. This didn't happen overnight and if I just shut my mouth a little more perhaps I wouldn't even be a clyde. ECB1

You have some great trails in east boca right by the beach, enjoy!