Introductions - Hello from Iowa

Hey there. Just registered, haven't been into biking before, but want to start on a limited scale. Here's the story. I'm 55, male, currently weighing in at about 260 lbs. I was at 290 last fall, went on a serious diet, and lost the first 20 lbs pretty fast, and have been walking for exercise. I want to get a bike and cover a little more territory and see some different scenery. I've been walking 2.5-3 miles, 4-5 days a week. I'm feeling better, but my goal is getting down to around 220 by December. I'm wanting to buy a bike, but don't have unlimited funds to spend(who does these days?) Any way, I've been looking at some bikes in a wal-mart ad, and I'm wondering if they will work for me. Specifially the Schwinn Sidewinder, and Schwinn Aluminum Comp bike. I think I want a mountain bike, cause I'll probably be doing some of my riding on gravel roads. I'm just gonna be a casual rider, I think probably like my walking, 4-5 days a week for an hour or so. Will bikes like these work for what I want, and is the quality decent? Thanks for any help, I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Welcome to Bike Forums.
Something used like this one might be good for you.
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/1631167266.html
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/1630682600.html

This may also help you.
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/howtobuyabike1.html

Welcome.
10 Wheels suggested a good read about buying a bike. Here's another from my favorite bike shop. :thumb:
http://www.intownbicycles.com/how-to/articles/index.php?a=how-to-choose-a-bicycle

Good luck with the weight loss. I was ~245 (55 years old) when I started riding. Was down to 180 less than 2 years later. No strict diet. Just sensible eating and lots of riding.

Thanks for the replies. I realize after reading some of the articles there is a whole lot I don't know about bikes! I think I'll do some studying and looking before I buy anything. I don't really plan on riding overly rough ground, just some gravel roads and dirt paths. After some studying I'm thinking maybe I'd be better off with a hybrid type. I just want to do some casual riding for exercise, and some peace and quiet. The only problem I see with that is I might get to liking it too much and it might cut into my fishing time! Thinking maybe a good used bike is better than a new "cheap" bike. However, I'm gonna try to find someone to help, as I have no idea what to look for. Again, thanks for the replies and articles, I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do.