Advocacy & Safety - looking for a new bike

Hey guys, Im looking for a bicycle to bike to college, I am 6'1ft tall and weigh around 260, so im pretty big guy looking to lose some weight using bicycle. My budget just like any other college student out there is under 200 dollar. I heard people said dont buy from walmart or target bikes because they will break easy, but thats the only things I could actually afford at this moment.

Im looking around 200 maximum of spending *which is including tax* *shipping if i buy online* and needed your help on buying a bike.
Now my question is can a big guy like me be okay in a road bike? or should I get cruiser bike or mountain bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282
this is the road bike Im currently looking at.

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Schwinn-Gateway-City-Bike/dp/B003DQ0EJK
bike I just like this design, but not sure what type this is

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Windwood-Cruiser-26-Inch-Wheels/dp/B003WLC4FS
or just cruiser bike, which looks pretty well made for heavy people like me..?

I dont know road bike looks a bit flimsy because wheel is so skinny, and not sure if it can support my weight?

Im new to bikes, I ridden a bike alot back in high school but it was just cheap walmart quality bike back then too. And sorry if I posted in wrong section, I didnt know where esle to post.

So I hope to hear from you guys soon and thanks for reading :)

You would most likely get better response in the commuting section.


The general response will most likely be as follows:

For $200 you would get a lot more value/quality from a used bike......

The big concern is that the qulity of the components on a new $200 bike is very low, my experience is that they break, are hard to adjust and work on.

What geographical area are you in?

im actually same area as you, Im from san jose south area

im actually same area as you, Im from san jose south area

lots of good stuff on craigslist and a couple of other places (a friend found a good bike here http://www.happytrailscyclery.com/Site/Welcome.html)

pm me for some craigslist ideas

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2028477868.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2027616559.html

If you are pretty tall ( over 6 ft) and can deal with old school my father in law has an old road bike (univega) that he trying to get out of his garage

I don't have any specific experience with that, but I doubt 260 pounds is even close to the point of being too heavy for a bike, except maybe ultra-light high end bikes with low-spoke wheels and things like that; I'm almost certain any bike Walmart sells can carry you. I would advise against "cruiser" bikes though; they might look comfortable, but they are not at any decent distance. The first two bikes look more appropriate imo, but $200 is cutting it real thin.

Ah thanks for your replies guys, though the first link on the craigslist for 130 really has caught my eye!
what do you guys think of it? http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2028477868.html

I think it's a cool bike, but you should make sure to check if the size is halfway correct for you since you're pretty tall; maybe ask for a test ride too if possible.

Hey guys, Im looking for a bicycle to bike to college, I am 6'1ft tall and weigh around 260, so im pretty big guy looking to lose some weight using bicycle. My budget just like any other college student out there is under 200 dollar. I heard people said dont buy from walmart or target bikes because they will break easy, but thats the only things I could actually afford at this moment.

Im looking around 200 maximum of spending *which is including tax* *shipping if i buy online* and needed your help on buying a bike.
Now my question is can a big guy like me be okay in a road bike? or should I get cruiser bike or mountain bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282
this is the road bike Im currently looking at.

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Schwinn-Gateway-City-Bike/dp/B003DQ0EJK
bike I just like this design, but not sure what type this is

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Windwood-Cruiser-26-Inch-Wheels/dp/B003WLC4FS
or just cruiser bike, which looks pretty well made for heavy people like me..?

I dont know road bike looks a bit flimsy because wheel is so skinny, and not sure if it can support my weight?

Im new to bikes, I ridden a bike alot back in high school but it was just cheap walmart quality bike back then too. And sorry if I posted in wrong section, I didnt know where esle to post.

So I hope to hear from you guys soon and thanks for reading :)


I can not help you very much in choosing a bike but I will say:-

Get a bike that fits you.

Get a color that you like.

Don't worry about your weight. There are a lot of people, who are your size and larger, that ride bikes with no more problems than 162 lb people like me.

My best suggestion would be that you check with a local charity, such as BikesForTykes, which will have experienced cyclists/mechanics that can put you on a suitable machine for very little$$$$$

Best wishes.

still looking forward to hear a bike people can recommand, do you think the gmc road bike
is okay?http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-D...-Bike/12080282

@squirtdad
Do you know if the happytrailcyclery sells bikes thats around 200 dollars? thats the link you gave me

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Schwinn-Gateway-City-Bike/dp/B003DQ0EJK
bike I just like this design, but not sure what type this isOut of the three you showed, that's probably the most practical for commuting. It even has fenders, which are really nice if you ever ride in the rain. The rack can be nice for commuting, especially if you have a rack trunk or panniers (saddlebags) for it. The seat looks bad though. You might end up wanting to replace that but if that's the bike you get, try it out for a while before deciding on that. Cruisers are generally awful any place that's not flat.

You'll probably get more bike for your money by buying used; though the process of shopping for a used bike can be quite aggravating, especially if you don't know bikes very well. Another place to look for cheap bikes is Salvation Army and other large thrift stores. Sometimes you can get something pretty decent really cheap.

How far is your commute? Are there hills on your commute?

There are other costs for safety equipment. If you ride at night or near dusk, or in the rain or fog, you'll need lights. Reflectors Don't Work (http://sheldonbrown.com/reflectors.html). I also recommend a helmet.

See my signature for one of the best bicycle safety web sites available.

i ll look into used and stuff as well, and yes theres hills on the commute, actually pretty steep hill, not like san francisco but my school is in the low mountain section of the part, so definatly some hills from home to school and it probably im guessing will take 30-40 minute bike ride, so im probably going to need some comfort for distance riding and some bike that can climb hills

DO NOT BUY THAT DENALI ROAD BIKE

We have that same bike up here in canada - canadian tire sells it under the name "medalist"

I see them everywhere and they are pure garbage. I had two rear wheels from these bikes brought to me last week - one was bent like a taco from hitting a sewer grate, the other had the bearing race severed from the hub.

They have twist shifters on the top of the drop bar so there is no room for your hands to comfortably rest on the top bar.

My advice to you is that you should not start with a drop bar road bike anyways - the style and geometry of the second link you posted is much more sensible and will be significantly more comfortable. If it is not comfortable you will not ride it.

I second (or third or fourth) the opinion to look for a decent used bike rather than buying new from a department store. Try to find a local bike co op - they will be able to give you lots of guidance without pressuring you to buy a new bike.

good luck!

Hey guys, Im looking for a bicycle to bike to college, I am 6'1ft tall and weigh around 260, so im pretty big guy looking to lose some weight using bicycle. My budget just like any other college student out there is under 200 dollar. I heard people said dont buy from walmart or target bikes because they will break easy, but thats the only things I could actually afford at this moment.


As a college graduate of about 4 years ago I'm well aware that your budget is much higher than $200, you just don't want to spend more. Your Calculus I book will be almost $200 ;).

But I respect your decision to go cheap. People steal bikes on campus like crazy. Spend what it takes to get a working bike off craigslist then invest in a nice lock that you'll actually use and carry.

Buying off wal-mart isn't a terribly good idea. Even quality bikes at a shop often come with wheels out of true. At a shop they true them and send them back if they're complete garbage. At Wal-mart they manage to put them on backwards and let you find out when spokes start breaking. Aside from wheels I'd watch out for cassettes disintegrating, they're pretty cheap if you know where to get replacements but the tools to replace them will run you about $20. Then there's poorly adjusted bearings, more money for tools.

If you get a decent bike, used, you can spend some money every year having a shop repair it for you because the parts will be of a good enough quality to last through thousands of miles of use.


And for about $400 I think you can find single speeds at some local shops brand new. That'll be a solid, reliable bike for you.

Don't worry about your weight. There are a lot of people, who are your size and larger, that ride bikes with no more problems than 162 lb people like me.



260 is actually on the edge of what some bikes are designed for. There was a thread on here about last years Trek FX bikes not handling weight over 275 very well, the rider that had problems was 250lbs.

And 260 will definitely be a wheel killer. But that shouldn't be too big of a problem on cheap bikes (that's bikes under a grand).

i ll look into used and stuff as well, and yes theres hills on the commute, actually pretty steep hill, not like san francisco but my school is in the low mountain section of the part, so definatly some hills from home to school and it probably im guessing will take 30-40 minute bike ride, so im probably going to need some comfort for distance riding and some bike that can climb hills

All bikes can climb city hills. That's why fixed gears aren't unpopular in SF.

"Climbing" often refers to long climbs. Climbs that are done in terms of hours.

hm, so reading wal-mart / target bike will be too poor quality especially a big person like me, so what type of bikes will be able to support me?
Also when I look for used bikes, what should I look in for? They all look the same to me honestly, walmart 200 dollar bike vs 2000 bike looks the same in the noobie eye lol

If I lived in SJ, I'd build up one of the Schwinn electro-forged frames I have into a decent town-bike for you. Being that I'm in SoCal, it wouldn't be cost-effective to ship or drop off an inexpensive bike. I'd say your best bet at your height/weight/expectations would be to scour thrift shops for an old Schwinn Speedster or Suburban.

i am looking for a sport bike, with a good and high acceleration speed.

i am looking for a sport bike, with a good and high acceleration speed.

I think you are thinking motorcycle not bicycle :)

still looking forward to hear a bike people can recommand, do you think the gmc road bike
is okay?http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-D...-Bike/12080282

@squirtdad
Do you know if the happytrailcyclery sells bikes thats around 200 dollars? thats the link you gave me

they are a consignment shop, so it depends on what they have......my friend bought her bike for well under $200 call and tell them what you are looking for..... other places to look include Hope charities in Santa clara has a bike sale every friday.... pm me (if you can)

Hey guys, Im looking for a bicycle to bike to college, I am 6'1ft tall and weigh around 260, so im pretty big guy looking to lose some weight using bicycle. My budget just like any other college student out there is under 200 dollar. I heard people said dont buy from walmart or target bikes because they will break easy, but thats the only things I could actually afford at this moment.

Im looking around 200 maximum of spending *which is including tax* *shipping if i buy online* and needed your help on buying a bike.
Now my question is can a big guy like me be okay in a road bike? or should I get cruiser bike or mountain bike?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-GMC-Denali-Men-s-Road-Bike/12080282
this is the road bike Im currently looking at.

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Schwinn-Gateway-City-Bike/dp/B003DQ0EJK
bike I just like this design, but not sure what type this is

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Windwood-Cruiser-26-Inch-Wheels/dp/B003WLC4FS
or just cruiser bike, which looks pretty well made for heavy people like me..?

I dont know road bike looks a bit flimsy because wheel is so skinny, and not sure if it can support my weight?

Im new to bikes, I ridden a bike alot back in high school but it was just cheap walmart quality bike back then too. And sorry if I posted in wrong section, I didnt know where esle to post.

So I hope to hear from you guys soon and thanks for reading :)

Considering your 'football player' dimensions, I would recommend a regular road bike. Not a racing bike. But nothing from Walmart, Target, Sears, JCPennys, etc.

Find a bike shop that is willing to do a 3-month payment plan, to help with the cost.