Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Big guy getting back in the saddle

Whats good folks. I'm new here. I have had a Raleigh M20 for a few years and unfortunately have let it sit in storage for about 2 years. Well, I have gotten to a little over 300 now and its time to get back in shape.

I have decided to use the M20 to get back in the saddle but I have also looked at getting a 29'er. I have checked Bikes Direct and came across this (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outcast29_x.htm). Is this a good bike for someone of my size? Can to recommend a wheel for the Raleigh M20? Should I leave it in the garage and go for a 29'er?

I know there are a lot of questions but I really want to get back in the saddle and lose this weight.

you do realize it is a single speed right?

I know nothing of bikesdirect nor Motobecane...

I just know I need more than one gear!

'lo there.
If yer over 300 I would be weary of aluminium frames if your going to do any rough riding. They have snapped on me before w/ painful results. As for wheels I really don't know what the deal is with folks putting 700s on MTN bikes and calling them 29s, although I'm sure lot of folks on the forum do, but I do know this:most wheels are tested for a person who weighs 180lbs. I also believe, although I don't know if it's true, that the smaller the diameter of the wheel the more weight it can take. If you are itching to drop cash why not get some nice 26" wheels made at your LBS that have a higher spoke count, like 42rear and 36front, and put them on your old bike after a tune up? If it is the single speedness of that other bike that you like you can just convert your M20 no problem.

Giver Giver

Aluminum frames are fine. That is as long as its a quality aluminum frame.

I'm 375 and have a Cannondale M2000 mountain bike, a Cannondale 3.0 road bike, and a Cannondale tandem.

Aluminum bikes are typically stronger than anything you'll find that was brazed steel. Those bikes need periodic lug repairs when ridden by 160lb riders.

Avoid any single speed like the plague. While a 29er offers some benefits to a competitive rider, if all you're looking for is fitness I wouldn't waste the money on a new bike. That is unless you're over 6'3", then by all means get a 29er.

Nothing looks sillier than being over three times the height of your wheels. Trust me I know.

Thanks. I did not realize it was a single speed.
I guess I just wanted something new. LOL.

My plan is to do mostly paved trails here in the DC area
no heavy off-roading. Paved concrete trails with hills.

Can someone recommend a good rim/tire combo? Thanks

Get your bike out of the garage and ride it tonight. Yes, you'll want a new bike, but that's just because you can never have too many bikes. The more you ride, the more you'll want to ride, and the more you'll want to have choices for the types of riding you'll be doing. Go visit bike shops, try out different bikes, research a replacement wheel/tire combo, but in the meanwhile ride the bike you own.

And then tell us about it ... WITH PICTURES! :)

here in the dc area, there are a lot of good lbs......i'd go with one of them for the fitting and the bike.....if you belong to the local bike group (www.waba.org), you also get a discount on purchases at most of them. pm me for my specific experiences here. Also, the washington craigslist has lots (but some are way overpriced) but you'd also need to know the right fit before dropping cash on any.

"Avoid any single speed like the plague."
That might be true for that person but it doesn't necessarily mean that it's true for you. If folks ask I generally advise them to try out different bikes and configurations to see what works for them. We're all different and we all have our own style, needs and preferences.