Hybrid Bicycles - Considerations in getting bike for my dad?

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PennyTheDog
06-03-12, 07:49 PM
Hi,
My siblings and I have thought of getting my parents bikes for a while, and I just discovered a serviceable Specialized Expedition in their garage (I guess it used to be my sister's). So that makes me really want to get one for my dad. He's the one of the two of them that REALLY needs to find a type of exercise that he likes. They go to their lake house every weekend, and I could see them enjoying biking around the area together.

So here are the special considerations. My dad's 65 and very overweight: 5'6" and I'd guess 270 pounds. So the bike and wheels have to be sturdy enough. He also has some pain in one shoulder, so I'm thinking an upright position would be better. I was thinking of something like a Trek 7100 (or another Specialized Expedition).

If anyone has any insights or suggestions I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

Shimagnolo
06-03-12, 07:51 PM
Does he have a beard?
PennyTheDog
06-03-12, 07:57 PM
No. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

SlimRider
06-03-12, 07:58 PM
Welcome To Bike Forums, Penny!

Will your parents be climbing any hills?

What's you budget?

What type of terrain will they be traversing?

TIA
PennyTheDog
06-03-12, 08:07 PM
Thanks! They wouldn't be climbing any big hills-- it's pretty flat there. The terrain would be mostly concrete, with some gravel and dirt roads. Our budget is flexible. I'd like it to be under $400, but if a bike at that price would break down a lot we'd rather spend $800 for a bike he'd ride. But it is hard to imagine going over $800.
SlimRider
06-03-12, 10:47 PM
Thanks! They wouldn't be climbing any big hills-- it's pretty flat there. The terrain would be mostly concrete, with some gravel and dirt roads. Our budget is flexible. I'd like it to be under $400, but if a bike at that price would break down a lot we'd rather spend $800 for a bike he'd ride. But it is hard to imagine going over $800.

Hey there Penny!

I have the following recommendations for you:

1) The Schwinn Voyageur 24 ~ $510
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/bike-path/2012-voyageur-24-mens-14633 (http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/bike-path/2012-voyageur-24-mens-14633)

2) The Schwinn Cream 3-Speed ~ $450
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-cream-3-speed-14296 (http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-cream-3-speed-14296)

3) The Giant Sedona ~ $410
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.gray.blue/9025/48884/ (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.gray.blue/9025/48884/)

4) The Giant Revel 1 ~ $500
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/revel.1.charcoal.red/9042/48919/ (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/revel.1.charcoal.red/9042/48919/)

PS.

Since your dad is 5'6" tall I thought that at his age and size, a bike with a lower physical profile, might be both safer and more convenient. I therefore, took that into consideration on recommendations 3 and 4. They both have size 26" diameter wheels. Just a tad closer to the ground, for your dad's personal comfort. Number 4, the mountain bike (Revel 1), is the most stable of them all, due to both a wider tire width and lower profile. ;)

Good Luck to your Dad and his wonderful family.

Especially you, Penny! :thumb: