Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Looking for advice

[I][B][I][I] Hello all, I have read many of the post and they are truly inspiring. I'm new as a member and I must say all the stories and encouraging post have made me decide to get back on a bike. My main source of inspiration is wanting to ride with my sons (8 & 3).

I have not ridden a bike for 25 years, so I have no idea what bike to start with. I would be considered a clyde + (if there is such a thing) as I'm 6 foot 330 pounds.

I have visited a couple local bike shops and everyone I spoke with was very supportive, but there are many styles and options for bikes. I was hoping to get some feedback from people that are not trying to sell me a bike as to what are good bikes and components for a person my size. My preference would be a comfort bike and one that won't break the bank for an introductory level.



I first posted the above in the "new embarrassed rider" and then it was recommended I start a new thread, as my quest may have been overlooked in such a large thread.

Since that post I have visited a couple more bike shops and I think I may have narrowed my search to a "Giant Sedona" or "Specialized Crossroads" introductory level comfort bike.

If there is a any advise you can give it would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading

Frames and components probably are less of a concern than getting a bike with a nice wheelset. I'm a heavy rider also and I snap a spoke once in a while on the drive side of the rear wheel. It's not a huge deal to me since I work on my own bikes and it doesn't take that long to fix (plus I'm cheap and don't want to buy new wheels). If I didn't work on my own stuff I would get the strongest set of wheels (36 spokes, double-walled rims with eyelets, etc) I could get on whatever bike I purchased. That and a real comfortable saddle (I have Brooks on all of my bikes) should make riding more pleasurable.

So, ride a few bikes in your price range and choose the one that puts a smile on your face. Add a new wheelset (if the standard equipment doesn't seem strong enough) and saddle and you're set.

I started riding at 365 pounds. I bought two bikes.... a Giant Defy Road Bike and a Giant Roam 1. Why Giants? They have been in my family for years... more then 40 years to be frank. I know them as solid bikes and a great company to work with.

So naturally, Giant was for me. Rode a lot when I was younger (16 years old). But now I was fat and older so and I was like you, wanted to get back into riding a bike.

I think perhaps a mountain bike might be up your ally. Check out the Giant Roam 1. I got mine last year and it was $750. Not sure what your budget is but it worked for me (considering my road bike was much more expensive). I would suggest, with any bike you get new or old, is to have the back wheel rethreaded using DT spokes. I like 36 spokes with a four cross. Holds my weight regardless of what bumps come my way.

There are making options and many with opinions and suggestions. At the end of the day, please consider DT spokes. I broke a lot of spokes in the past eight months and if I would have known about the DT spokes, I would have gotten them ASAP.

Dont be a stranger here. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

In addition to good wheels, you want a good hub in the rear, since that is where the majority of the weight + pedal stress goes.
(If you look at a rear wheel, 1/2 the spokes are trying to "unwind" when you pedal)
Get a bike with a Free Hub, not Free Wheel.

http://sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html

Isaac,

What gauge/model DT spoke are you recommending? They make multiple gauges/models and this is important information to give to someone. There's a big difference between DT Revolutions and DT Competitions and the straight guage offerings. Also, DT isn't the only quality spoke maker on the market (Sapim, Wheelsmith to name a few) and a bulletproof wheel can be built using their spokes as well. As long as quality components are used a wheel's durability comes down to the wheel builder more than the specific brands he used.

Don't take this the wrong way, I agree that getting factory laced wheels rebuilt using better spokes by a reputable wheelbuilder is a good idea but you have to give more information for your suggestion to be useful. If someone was looking for a tire I'd hope that you'd give more info than "buy continental". OK, but what model, what size, what tread pattern, what sidewall?

I think a Giant Sedona in a Large is a good first choice. While the spoke recommendations are valid concerns the maintenance of the bike is the issue. I have a Giant Sedona and it's maintenance per mile is much higher than the other two more expensive bikes I have. I'm very mechanical and I like working on bikes so it's not a big deal for me. If you're not into working on stuff moving up in their line would be worth the extra money and a solid LBS (Local Bike Shop) very important.

P.S. If you really get into this you'll be buying another bike as N+1 hits most of us.

PaisanL That is a good question. Let me ask the guy who built my wheel. Will get back to you.

Welcome!

The advice about improving the wheels is a good idea.... eventually. For the meantime, just get a bike. Either of the bikes you mentioned would be fine. Or consider a mountain bike, one without suspension.

Thanks for all the advice