Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Newbie looking for some advice

Hello All,

I'm looking to purchase a New Bike.. I was Thinking of buying a Hybrid. but need some
helpful advice..

It's been a few years since I've rode a Bike and I used to take trips 34miles each way.. On a standard $200.00 MTN bike..

Well, Now I'm looking to purchase a decent bike in the Price range of up to $600.00

I'm 6' and 240# and could stand to drop a good 20-25#

I was looking at the Giant Roam.. and reading up on several others.. but I could use some
help.

Most of my riding would be on the street along with sidewalk area's and I'm sure I'll be riding off of a few Curbs as well.. and the occasional grassy/dirt trail.. I live in Florida and would like to be able to mount a fenders if possible.

I'm not looking to break and speed records... Just looking for a decent commuter and casual riding bike.. thats comfortable and will be if I decide to ride it 10+ miles

any/ all advice will be appreciated..

I bought a trek 7300 in Oct. I wish I hadn't got a suspended front and my suspended seatpost is locked out. Other than that it's a good bike. If I bought again it would be something in their Fx line. Welcome aboard.

What kind of bikes do you have available at the bike shops in your area?

There's a lot of good stuff out there in your price range. I like the Trek 7 fx series, like Jethro. Giant makes good stuff, from what I've heard. Everyone will have their favorites. My commuter is a $330 Schwinn, and a lot of people will laugh at that, but it's a dang tank. It's a workhorse, I swear. It's gonna need another back wheel at some point, but that's just because I'm trying to eat the world's entire supply of candy so people will stop getting fat.

So $600 should be able to get you a heck of a bike, especially if you can identify some favorites and maybe find something on Craigslist.

I tried to edit my post last night to reflect that I was looking at the FX line..

7.3 FX... and reading many reviews and searching past posts about it.. That looks like it
would be exactly what I'm looking for, along with the abilities to add fenders if I decide to..

"noone likes that wet trail up their backs"

I was also reading that GIANT offers more for the buck in Quality Parts...

But Trek Offers better Comfort.

I havent had a chance to go to the LBS yet to see what they have to offer.. But I would travel the distance to go to a shop that had what I wanted.


Also looking to find out... if you can wheel and deal with the Shop... Price wise, swaping out different parts if needed.. etc.. If I wanted a different seat, etc.ect.

Generally, yes, you can. Upgraded wheels and such at cost+ with tradeback adjustment on the stock stuff. Bike Shops want your business.

Thank you everyone

I was able to find a Trek 7500 from someone.. In almost new cond. for $400.

with a Helmet,pump, bar-ends, gloves, bag, and the rear support for the bag all included..


Im sure Im getting an excellent deal.. I'll find out tomorrow.. and he's delivering to me as well.

Hmmm Should I worry about the low spoke count?

What about this Recall that I've just noticed..

http://worldofbikes.com/articles/trek-recall-on-2009-7300-and-7500-bicycles-pg170.htm

if this wasn't addressed.. would a LBS honor the recall?


Or just don't worry cause I'm getting such a great deal?

Hmmm Should I worry about the low spoke count?

What about this Recall that I've just noticed..


if this wasn't addressed.. would a LBS honor the recall?


Or just don't worry cause I'm getting such a great deal?

I have the same bike, all I can say is it's an awesome bike. I started riding last year at 350lbs the spoke count was not be a problem had wheels trued this past spring and everything was ok. $400 is an great price for that bike as mine in 2009 was $780 new. As far as the recall maybe some one else can advise on that, but mine was not on the list for the recall. You might be able to contact a LBS and they could tell you.

My only concern is that that bike looks a bit small for someone who is 6'4''. I can't tell from the pictures but at best it looks to be a 17'' frame.

Still, that was a heck of a buy for 400 bucks! Enjoy that new bike!

It's a 20" frame.. and I'm 6'

I went to the LBS and tried a 17.5 and a 20" they both seem to fit my need. and the

LBS guy said that I'd be better with the 20.. it's longer and I'd like it better

Usually the LBS will honor the recall where you got the bike if they are a Trek supplier. Otherwise call Trek and they would probably give you a dealer in your area.

I would worry about the spoke count if you do plan on curb hopping. However there are other factors that come into play, so it might be a wait and see type approach. Did you discuss your riding with the LBS when you purchased the bike?