Hybrid Bicycles - Getting back in shape - Need Purchase advice

Hoping to gain some color on which of the following models might best meet my needs:

1) Size: I'm 6'3" 270 (and shrinking.. down 35 lbs) with a 32.5" inseam and need a ride that will handle my current weight yet prove comfortable and long lasting as i continue to work my way back down to my targeted 240, my experience level is minimal other than the recumbant that I use in home/gym. From the sizing charts I've seen, a 19-20" frame appears to be the proper size. I plan purchase from a LBS in order to fine tune the fit.

2) Use: Mainly shorter rides on the sidewalks/street around the suburb in which I live (some hills but no steep grades), but eventually as I get into even better shape, longer rides on the fairly flat, crushed limestone trail that is popular nearby.

3) Budget: $650 Firm, just can't afford to go any more than that. Under would be preferred, I'm leaning toward a new 2012 model, since I don't know enough to properly shop for a used ride.

If possible I'd like some assistance comparing the components/bang for the buck/quality of the following models:

A) Giant Roam 1 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/roam.1/9024/48881/ - Priced at $600 at nearby local dealer

B) Cannondale Quick 4 - http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/recreation-urban/recreation/quick/2012-quick-4-21002 - Priced at $630 - The Cannondale dealer is a bit further away from home, yet still reasonably close - 30mins

C) Trek 8.3 DS - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/8_3_ds/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/8_3_ds Priced at the VERY close Trek dealer @ $650

I'm going to go look at and test ride all 3, but any direction that those more experienced can provide would be very much appreciated.

The Cannondale Quick 4 would be much better on the roads. Trek FX series and Jamis Coda series would also be good.

I'm not sure why you are looking at bikes with suspension. In your price range, I would avoid suspension bikes. Suspension forks cost more than regular forks and you'll sacrifice better components like derailleurs for the suspension. Moutain bikes are going to be slower on the roads and probably heavier. Wheels are going to be very wide and have knobbies which are not great on the road.

I'm not sure why you are looking at bikes with suspension. In your price range, I would avoid suspension bikes. Suspension forks cost more than regular forks and you'll sacrifice better components like derailleurs for the suspension. Moutain bikes are going to be slower on the roads and probably heavier. Wheels are going to be very wide and have knobbies which are not great on the road.

+1 ^ A1Penguin has given you excellent advice here.

Since you don't have any steep inclines or hills, perhaps you might consider a single speed. Single speeds are generally less expensive and easier to maintain.

The following would be my recommendations for single speeds:

The 2011 Schwinn Madison from Nashbar.com ~ $275
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_540608_-1_202614 (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_540608_-1_202614)

The 2012 Schwinn Madison ~ $585
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-madison-14401 (http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-madison-14401)

The 2012 Felt Brougham ~ $550
www.feltbicycles.com/usa/2012/fixie/fixie-series/brougham.aspx (http://www.feltbicycles.com/usa/2012/fixie/fixie-series/brougham.aspx)

* Of the three multi-geared bikes listed above, I would highly recommend the Cannondale Quick 4, only!

You might also get a single speed for now and a genuine road bike or hybrid later...

Although I very much like the looks of the Cannondale, I can't in good conscience recommend it due to the low wheel spoke count (24h front, 28h rear) for your current weight. That's marginal, in my opinion - you should be on 32h wheels. Bikes like the Jamis Coda Sport or Trek 7.3 FX have these, are good value for money and will remain enjoyable rides at whatever weight you ride them. You'll probably want tires of a minimum 32mm width - both bikes I mentioned have them - for a crushed-gravel road; I find my 28's to be a little squirrelly on those surfaces, and I'm rather smaller than yourself. You could likely go up to 35's on the original wheels should you wish, and the difference in road rolling resistance will be negligible.

What about the Quick CX 4? http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/recreation-urban/recreation/quick-cx/2012-quick-cx-4-21069 I just bought one and paid $650 at my local bike shop :) I tried out the 8.2/8.3 as well and while I liked it, I decided I just didn't need (and therefor didn't want) front suspension - just sounds like a hassle I'd rather not have to deal with, you know?

Hoping to gain some color on which of the following models might best meet my needs:

1) Size: I'm 6'3" 270 (and shrinking.. down 35 lbs) with a 32.5" inseam and need a ride that will handle my current weight yet prove comfortable and long lasting as i continue to work my way back down to my targeted 240, my experience level is minimal other than the recumbant that I use in home/gym. From the sizing charts I've seen, a 19-20" frame appears to be the proper size. I plan purchase from a LBS in order to fine tune the fit.

2) Use: Mainly shorter rides on the sidewalks/street around the suburb in which I live (some hills but no steep grades), but eventually as I get into even better shape, longer rides on the fairly flat, crushed limestone trail that is popular nearby.

3) Budget: $650 Firm, just can't afford to go any more than that. Under would be preferred, I'm leaning toward a new 2012 model, since I don't know enough to properly shop for a used ride.

If possible I'd like some assistance comparing the components/bang for the buck/quality of the following models:

A) Giant Roam 1 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/roam.1/9024/48881/ - Priced at $600 at nearby local dealer

B) Cannondale Quick 4 - http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/recreation-urban/recreation/quick/2012-quick-4-21002 - Priced at $630 - The Cannondale dealer is a bit further away from home, yet still reasonably close - 30mins

C) Trek 8.3 DS - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/8_3_ds/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/8_3_ds Priced at the VERY close Trek dealer @ $650

I'm going to go look at and test ride all 3, but any direction that those more experienced can provide would be very much appreciated.

Shooter_stl--besides the advice here, because of the weight issue you may want to check in the Clydesdales forum for some advice from people who will have first-hand knowledge of this.

As far as the weight issue:

I have a Trek DS 8.3. I am 6', and currently weight about 237 pounds. When I bought the bike I was pretty close to 270 pounds. Mine happens to be a 19" frame. Weight hasn't been much of an issue with it except for two possible issues:

1. The quick release on the seat post was not strong enough to handle my weight, with it cranked as tight as it could be with me still able to close it the seat would slowly sink. The solution for me was to set the height with the QR, then take a allen wrench and tighten it down farther after the QR was closed. This tightened the sleeve, but made it so that the QR couldn't be opened by hand. It was suggested to replace it with a non-qr type, but since my nearest bike shop is over an hour away and this solution was lbs approved and easy I went with it instead.

2. On two occasions the hubs have worked loose so that the wheels had play around the axle. I would have never noticed, at least not until it became a lot worse, if my bike didn't have disc brakes. It doesn't take much play for the rotors to rub the pads with a little play and constantly make noise. The lbs tightened both the first time, and the second time it only happened on the rear wheel. The lbs also mentioned if I brought in that problem again they would have Trek replace the hubs under warranty.

So from experience I can say that a DS8.3 should be able to handle your weight, if you use it your weight will likely drop, and you will definitely get in better shape! :) Of course that is probably all true of the other models also, but I'm not experienced with them.

As far as budget: I stepped up to the 8.3 from the 8.2 due to the disc brakes and the lockout fork. Personally I find I never use the lockout, and I'm on pavement most of the time. Due to the hub issue above the disc brakes have been driving me a little crazy (lately they've been fine though). If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have bought the 8.2. That being said there are other differences between them (drivetrain, etc) and the upgrade is a good value, depending on what your personal priorities are.