Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - 5'11" 330 pound male first bike

Hey everyone. I'm Jason and I'm new to biking. It's been about 10+ years since I been on a bike. I'm looking to get into biking to lose weight. I'm 5'11" at 330ibs. I've called a few shops. One recommended diamondback bikes the other a 2012 trek 8.2 ds. These are $500-$600 bikes. I can't afford that. So I've been looking on Craigslist. I'm looking at a 2003 Specialized Rockhopper 19" frame that's $300 and a 2008 Trek Mountain Bike 4300 for $280. The specialized is about alil over an hour away from me and the trek more then 2hours away.

The type of path I would be on is 95% sidewalk/road paths. Not very much off road. Would these bikes be good for me, worth the price? Also would I need to change/upgrade anything?
Any suggestions would help even if it's other bikes. Around $300 is my budget. I'm not trying to spend half my paycheck on a bike. Since it is a starter and stuff. But I also don't want to lose my money.

Bike riding will get you feeling good and looking better.

Loosing weight is about calorie intake.

What is you budget for a heart attack?

I'm 5'11 360lbs and just put 120miles on my giant sedona. Its a sturdy comfort bike with wider wheels I think its a great starter bike and mine was was $360

Just got my bike on saturday. Went with a 2010 Jamis Explorer 3.0. Then took it out sunday morning. Was def a good ride. Ass hurt like hell. But just not used to riding a bike maybe. Lol def gonna keep this going.

Good job! Now go take a picture and post it (of your bike)

If you intend to lose weight, cycling is not the answer. Altering your food intake is the answer but cycling will provide other benefits. Go find a food calculator on line (there are a bunch, I used myfatsecret.com but I think there are probably better ones) and track what you eat. Weigh it and measure it and develop some willpower about what you put in your mouth.

Good luck and welcome!

exercise is HUGE for weight loss. Not because of calories burned (those are kind of minor) but because of all the physiological changes that help you sleep better (helps burn fat) eat better (helps burn fat), not want to eat (excercise can act as an appetite suppressant) and it just makes you look better and move better, which makes people respond to you better, which rewards you for effort... and the cycle begins again.

Congratulations on you decision to improve your physical condition and your new bike! I've struggled with obesity my entire adult life (currently at 370 lbs) and the only times I dropped a significant amount of weight and kept it off were when I was riding regularly. For me, healthy eating and bicycle riding just go together. If I do one, I also do the other. If I don't do one, I don't do the other. Like others have said, diet is key. Watch the calories and focus on foods that don't stimulate the appetite, which for me, is high proteing. Carbs and fat tend to stimulate my appetite so I moderate them with lot's of protein and I can comfortably eat less.

I'm not familiar with the model of bike you bought but I got my first in-person look at Jamis bicycles yesterday and I was impressed! I've been a Trek guy since 1995 with Specialized being an abstract "second-place" due to the relative scarcity of dealers around here (Trek seems to own this city). The Jamis bikes were gorgeous, looked very well built and spec'd and I was really impressed that most had what I believe were pretty high quality tires. I don't generally expect that from stock bikes in my price range.

Also, ride more days than not each week and your butt pain will subside. If not, buy a new saddle and try again for a few weeks. It's hard to believe when you are hurting but the break-in really doesn't take that long.

Oh, and post pics of your new ride!:)

Just got my bike on saturday. Went with a 2010 Jamis Explorer 3.0. Then took it out sunday morning. Was def a good ride. Ass hurt like hell. But just not used to riding a bike maybe. Lol def gonna keep this going. When I was looking at bikes, I looked at the Specialized Expedition, the Giant Sedona, and the Jamis Explorer. The Explorer seemed like a lot of bike for the money, but I immediately noticed that I would need to change the saddle right away if I bought it. Just SITTING on that saddle hurt (not riding, just sitting on it to check the fit). I am waiting for the Giant Suede and Suede DX to arrive so I can compare them directly to the Specialized and the Sedona.
Welcome to the group. I think you will like it here. I have found everyone to be extremely friendly and helpful.

Welcome to BF and cycling. These guys are telling you straight, just like they told me. You can't out ride a bad diet. It all goes together, build the miles and work on the diet. Most important have fun!

Thanx guys for all the info. I'm loving my bike. It hasn't left my car over the past week, except to ride of course. Most def going to keep this up as well as diet. Gotta start some where right?