Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - 377 LB NEWB In need of serious help!

Hey everyone. I'm a 22 year old college student in need of help. Over the past three years, I have gained approximately 100 pounds. Though I had a bike when I was younger, I'm much too large for it now. I was wondering if you all would be able to suggest a bike (New or used) that wouldn't exceed a $300 budget? Most of the riding I plan to do will be on paved roads throughout my city. I'm approximately 6'2, 377lbs. Any help you can provide would be helpful.

Based on my size, are any of these ads worth checking out?
http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2178841121.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2143514840.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2177840306.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2150770067.html

2nd looks like the best for you.
Might be a little small.
You should test ride it.

First off welcome LowEndTheory!

Most of the bikes you listed look like they should be fine. However, at your height you might find it difficult finding bikes in your size. You would probably be around a 21" size on a MTB, but it does vary.

Your best bet is to test ride all the bikes if you can. I personally like the mid 80's to 90's rigid MTB's as all arounders. Beefy frames, stable geometry, and ability to fit a wide variety of tires.

More than anything get something that fits. There are online calculators that can help you figure out what size you should be riding. Otherwise go to a bike shop and take mental notes of what size bikes they put you on. Test ride them and see which ones feel the most comfortable.

I like #2 and #4. But they are only good if they fit you. At 25 inches, #4 is a really big bike.
Read up on bike fit, then take bikes for a 1/2 to 1 hour test ride before you put your money down.

Fit is really important. If a bike doesn't fit, it won't feel good to ride and then you won't ride it.

I think you strategy of buying a good used bike rather than a Wallmart bike is really wise. I've bought as many bikes used as new, and there is a certain satisfaction from resurrecting a good bike. Finding a specialized rockhopper with full LX group for $150 and finding a Miyata 1000 for $80 has made a couple of friends very happy.

Yeah, all of those bikes are better than Walmart. I'm learning a little as I go here as I am very new as well. I'm 6'3" and just got a 21" bike. I'd think the last one at 25" would be too big?

the 25" 7200 is a little big at 6'2 but i like it the best for the riding you say you will be doing. If you can get him to come down $50 that is the one i would do. You can always switch out the stem for $15-$20 to make it fit better if need be. You are headed in the right direction, stay away from the wally world bikes. All will work, but you will ride which ever you think looks the best. Make sure you will be proud of it and then ride the crap out of it.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help! I'll keep you posted on what I end up getting!

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help! I'll keep you posted on what I end up getting!

And please join us in the discussions!

I know where you are at. 100 lbs in three years??? I am 6'8" and 360lbs in my late 50s and it is getting tough to keep the beef and lose the blubber.

You might want to look at the blood type diet, it lays out different foods that can be good for your blood type, or real bad for you that you should avoid.

You most deff want a taller bike, but plan to become a master at truing your wheels. I was going through stock wheels way too fast but have found a wheel builder that can do custom for big guys:
http://www.prowheelbuilder.com/cw/ Go to MTB XC section and select the build...

The VELOCITY CHUCKKER MSW 26IN BLACK FRONT RIM is almost bomb proof, and will take the weight. Go with the 36 spokes, and see if you can swing at least getting the rear with SHIMANO XT M770 REAR $159.60 .... Still under $300.00 including the $125 for the bike, and you are all set to go and safe. This rim will out last that bike and will be with you on your next.

My biggest problem with stock wheels is popping the spokes out trying to climb hills in the wrong gear, too much power + wrong gear = ZPROINGGG, and once they pop they are never the same.

Just make sure that you know what size the spacing’s for your axels are. Mt bikes are usually 100mm front, and 135mm rear. Road bikes 100mm front and 130mm rear, and the older bikes with the 27 inch wheels are 126mm rear.

Go for at least 36 spokes for strength 40 spokes better, a Mountain bike that has a 26" wheel will take more weight, shorter spokes, beefy rim. This Specialized RockHopper Mountain Bike - $125 is real nice for you to get started on if it does not need too much. If it is ready to ride jump on it!

You are doing the right thing getting out there, you will make it, N E V E R give up.
DaPoppa

All good advice above.

But a point that has yet to be made is that fit is the most important thing to look for.

I would guess the second one is too small, the last one might be ok but you'd need to ride it to find out.

In terms of wheel durability, the primary cause of wheel failure for big riders is spoke breakage, and that is almost always caused by insufficient spoke tension... as a wheel rotates the spokes go from maximum tension at the top to minimum tension at the bottom, and if this excursion from max to min is too big then your spokes will fail like bending a paperclip back and forth. Wheels for big guys need to be properly tensioned and stress relieved to prevent loss of tension.

Just to give everyone an update, I've contacted the sellers, and currently, the only two bikes that are still available are the Trek 820 and the Rock Hopper. I'm supposed to meet the seller of the Rock Hopper tomorrow so I'll see how that fits.

All good advice above.

But a point that has yet to be made is that fit is the most important thing to look for.



True true!! Nothing will kill the thrill like numb nuts, and lack of comfort. I had to go to a Serfas Rx saddle http://www.serfas.com/saddle_products.asp?CatID=1&SubCatID=2, huge improvement over stock.
It takes the pressure off in the right places if you know what I mean.... Ride the bike long enough to know if fits you, and you are not at the max adjustment on bars and seat post.

Hey guys is this worth me checking out?? http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2207622832.html

Yes, it is worth checking out. The issue with the Hardrock is the fork. Since it
has suspension, you may have problems with it bottoming out (at our weight)
if it cannot be locked out. That is why I prefer rigid bikes but if it can be
locked out, you should look at it as a possibility.

If it fits, it could be a good starter bike with a little TLC. Plenty of gears if
you live in a hilly area.

Welcome aboard! You came to the right place for insight and advice. The people here are just awesome. They've helped me out COUNTLESS times without ever even knowing it. Good luck with the bike and get ready for a new addiction in your life! :thumb:

I peaked at about the weight you are at now, and I went through a couple big-store bikes before I picked up a used decent bike, so its good to see you hunting craigslist for a decent bike. IMHO just about any bike that fits you reasonably well will be fine. For me, when I was that size the suspension forks out there didnt have lockouts and certainly were not strong enough to hold me up, so I ended up taking out all the elastomers and putting in wooden blocks that I had a friend shape to size with a lathe. Not sure if they still use the elastomer and washer approach anymore, but if they do this might be something to consider.

If you end up really getting into biking, you should be able to turn around whatever bike you buy for around the same price, then apply and new savings on top of that and trade up a bit. I did that a lot while Iw as still in school. A few cleaners, some lube and a bit of elbow grease could end up netting a nice profit on most of the bikes I bought.

Good luck.

Hey guys is this worth me checking out?? http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/2207622832.html


Yes, that is the one. If you hang around awhile, you'll find the Hardrock is the house Clyde bike. Throw some slicks on it and ride, ride, ride. Maybe add a rigid fork later if you find a deal on one.

So, LowEndTheory, what bike did you get?

So, LowEndTheory, what bike did you get?

Haven't had much luck yet :/ Hours before I was supposed to meet the seller of the Specialized Hardrock XL they text me saying they sold the bike. At this point the only thing that's still available is the Trek 820, and the seller hasn't been responding to my e-mails since Friday.

Larger bikes can be a real pain to find on the c-list. I've looked for a long time and found nothing that fit me. I ended up getting a Trek 7000 from a LBS because I couldn't find anything that would work. Make sure the bike fits though, I was talked into getting a smaller bike than I should have and it caused no end of headache. If there's something in your area like recycle-a-bike it may be a good source. That and a guy two towns over who fixes up used bikes are the only two decent resources for used bikes where I am. If I were 5'10" it wouldn't be an issue.

I agree with lucienrau that larger bikes are hard to find on craigslist. FYI - I rode a giant cypress dx across Kansas in the annual bike across Kansas. I was at 365 lbs and 6'3". Year one i broke 5 spokes, year 2 had flat tire issues. I will give the Giant credit, the bike was approx 6 years old and figured broken spokes would eventually occur. I had to buy a new back rim in Hutchinson, Kansas. Less quality rim but more spokes and it solved the problem.
The cypress model has front shocks but they will lock out. Someone will always say to avoid shocks if you are a clyde. I agree. Front shocks are scary at 350 plus lbs.
I will eventually buy a road bike but for now just ride my current bike and try to lose weight prior to this years Bike Across Kansas in June.
Remember, this will not be the last bike you buy. I hope you lose weight and ride the hell out of whatever bike you buy and are forced to purchase another.

Hi,

A good local bike store might trump craigslist. One unusual upside of being a larger person is that the low end bikes are stronger and less expensive. A Giant Sedona might be the ticket -
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/sedona.st/7357/44083/

Or some of the other models at the low end of Giant or Trek or Specialized. A new bike - with warranty and the support of the local bike store.

A local bike store is like a doctor or dentist - it might take a couple of tries to get one you wish to stay with long term. The bike purchase is a good way to open up the vault of service and moral support.

I drop by the bike store that I use a few times a week to shoot the breeze and find it oddly motivating.

As for weight loss - I suggest not worrying about losing weight as a goal. Rather, focus on making one change in your life. Do not worry about the weight but just concentrate on using the bike as your main transport.

Update: Looks like I'll be buying the Trek 820 everyone! It fits me well, and the buyer was willing to sell for $90 so I'll be picking it up tomorrow :) I did have a few questions though. Is there a particular set of wheels I should look at putting on here? Also, specifically what modifications should I make to accommodate for my size? I plan on taking it to my LBS, but I'd wanted to have an idea of what should be done to the bike to accommodate for my size before I took it to them.

Wow what a deal! I looked it up on the website with a tune-up I think you're good to go.Have your LBS show you how to check spoke tension and get some chain oil.

Congratulations on the 820. It will make a solid starter bike. I would take it to the LBS and have them give it a good once over. Have them tune it up and replace anything that is broken or worn out. I would not plan on replacing any major components now unless necessary. I would have them spend a little time on checking the existing wheels and make sure the spoke tension is good. Unless they are broken, I would not look to replace the wheels at this point. That should get you started.

After it is tuned up, work on adjusting the fit and start riding.

I have the Giant Sedona, it is durable, double walled wheels, 23" is the tallest, took some adjustment to get it comfy, I had to go to a Serfas Rx saddle http://www.serfas.com/saddle_product...D=1&SubCatID=2 (http://www.serfas.com/saddle_products.asp?CatID=1&SubCatID=2), huge improvement over stock. It takes the pressure off in the right places if you know what I mean.

I have gone through one set of tires and the wheels are true. Tough enough…

At least new you have a fresh bike, no worries.

The cypress model has front shocks but they will lock out. Someone will always say to avoid shocks if you are a clyde. I agree. Front shocks are scary at 350 plus lbs.These front shocks on the GIANT Sedona Dx can be adjusted firm enough so you don’t bottom out. I can say the front shocks keep your frame from flexing in the rough, and will buy some life for your rims, and frame. The down side is it sucks up some power from your pedal stroke so you have to work it a little more on the hard pack. Also it adds weight to the bike, the bike weighs in at about 45lbs, think about it , that is a lot of extra weight to carry.

Look at it this way, my son has a Fuji newest that weighs 21.5 lbs, it fly’s, my Trek 7.2 weighs in at 25lbs, my Giant 45lbs, I ride the Trek more often, I can get in 20 miles no problem, On the Giant I really have to push it to do 20 miles, I take many more breaks.

As far as popping spokes just make sure you down-shift before putting too much power to em while climbing hills.

I have a hill in my area that I can count on popping spokes in 4th gear, 3rd is ok, if I leave it in 4th S P R O I N G G G G...

I wouldn't replace anything on the bike until it needs replacing. I would however invest in a lock, multitool, and floor pump with gauge. Learn some basic maintenance and you should be good to go.

If you will be riding on pavement then look for some slick tires. If it doesn't have bar ends think about adding some for more hand positions.

Update: Looks like I'll be buying the Trek 820 everyone! It fits me well, and the buyer was willing to sell for $90 so I'll be picking it up tomorrow :) I did have a few questions though. Is there a particular set of wheels I should look at putting on here? Also, specifically what modifications should I make to accommodate for my size? I plan on taking it to my LBS, but I'd wanted to have an idea of what should be done to the bike to accommodate for my size before I took it to them.

The VELOCITY CHUCKKER MSW 26IN BLACK FRONT RIM is almost bomb proof, and will take the weight. Go with the 36 spokes, and see if you can swing at least getting the rear with SHIMANO XT M770 REAR $159.60 .... Still under $300.00 including the $125 for the bike, and you are all set to go and safe. This rim will out last that bike and will be with you on your next.

My biggest problem with stock wheels is popping the spokes out trying to climb hills in the wrong gear, too much power + wrong gear = ZPROINGGG, and once they pop they are never the same.

Just make sure that you know what size the spacing’s for your axels are. Mt bikes are usually 100mm front, and 135mm rear. Road bikes 100mm front and 130mm rear, and the older bikes with the 27 inch wheels are 126mm rear.

Go for at least 36 spokes for strength 40 spokes better, a Mountain bike that has a 26" wheel will take more weight, shorter spokes, beefy rim.

How is the 820? Any pics?

I can't offer a lot of advice because I'm fairly new as well, but I can suggest that whatever bike you get you'll discover the things that you need (most likely want) after a few hours of riding and an obsession with reading about cycling online--or am I the only obsessive one???

ANYWAY, welcome to the forum! And welcome to your new healthy lifestyle. You can learn a lot on these pages. And get a ton of motivation!

Where are photos of the new bike?

I can't offer a lot of advice because I'm fairly new as well, but I can suggest that whatever bike you get you'll discover the things that you need (most likely want) after a few hours of riding and an obsession with reading about cycling online--or am I the only obsessive one???

ANYWAY, welcome to the forum! And welcome to your new healthy lifestyle. You can learn a lot on these pages. And get a ton of motivation! While talking about biking a friend of mine stated that I had just traded one obsession for another. My reply... "And your point is?"

or am I the only obsessive one???

Definitely not the only one. I'm learning a lot though! Watches, guns, and now bikes. I consume pretty much any info I can find on cycling now. My wife tells me that she thinks it's an endearing quality, but I think I hear just a little sarcasm in there :lol:.