Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Member, intro + is this a good bike

Hi all...

I recently decided it was time to try something different to get rid of my new found weight. I was once in excellent shape, but today, well I am mess. But the weather is beautiful, I am alive, and I want more reason to get outside.

I am a 31yr old Male, 6'3" and a svelt 370lbs ;)

My max weight was 290lbs previously (I was 212 at 21 after some solid weight loss), but at that time I was actually very muscley, if that is a word. Life gets in the way, and some how I gain almost 100lbs in just under 2 years.

I have always been athletic, and up until just about 7 months ago, I was still playing hockey in a competitive league in my 17th year of play. My increase in weight forced me to leave.

I am back working on my diet getting it in order, but I really need to exercise. I am not ready to get back into the gym and lift like I normally would, so I just started walking. I did 3 days at an average of 2 miles a day. I could do more, but that is where I get bored. I had thought about a getting a bike months ago, but was afraid as usual, I would buy it, and put it in my storage with all of my other long and short term hobbies.

While walking today, I was passed by a biker, and I said... That looks like fun. So off to the LBS I went.

The owner pointed me to a few bikes. One I really liked was the RALEIGH TALUS 29 and TALUS 29 SPORT. I rode one and liked it, but felt I could go for the bigger frame as I really am between the The 2 frame sizes. They did not have the bigger one assembled, so they building one for me to ride tomorrow.

I have read no less than 100 posts on here on bike selection for the 350lb+ guys. This bike seems to have everything I would need or want, based on those posts.

I did a search here for it and did not see if anyone here recommended it or against it for the clydes.

Is anyone using this bike? It is not cheap, but I really did like the overall look and feel. It seems to have good parts for my fat self and I could use when I am lighter too. I'd hate to buy a "fat bike" and then have to replace it later... Like what I had to do with my clothes.

I really want a durable bike... The LBS guy showed me bikes in the $400-$800 range, I chose this one.

I guess my question is... What do you all think of this bike? Do you feel I could do better for the same price range ($600-$700, or less)? Would you recommend against this bike? If so, why? He recomended a new seat and pedals, if You would recommend this bike, what other modifications would you recommend?

I really do appreciate the help. Below are links to raleigh's site for the bikes:

Talus 29: http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/talus-29-12/
Talus 29 Sport: http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/talus-29-sport-12/

What kind of riding are you thinking of doing? On trails? Paved? Dirt? This is a mountain bike so if you plan on mostly riding pavement there may be better choices. Specifically, one without a suspension fork and without big heavy knobby tires.

I do know it is a MTB, but for now, I'd look to ride Pavement and trails... I do not plan on doing anything crazy while starting.

I really just want a solid bike, solid feel, and if I do decide to do more, have the ability to do so.

I don't personally like/dislike the front suspension, I did however like that was a lockable front.

I am open to any and all suggestions.

If you need any additional info, just ask.

I appreciate the help.

This looks like a good bike for you as far as I can tell. I commute to work and see heaps of guys plow past me on these bikes. This bike will have a bit of capability to jump gutters and rough surfaces and could be a good starting bike for that reason. with a "pure" road bike you hafta be careful. also this one you picked has disc brakes. They will work in wet or dry conditions. typical road bike would have rim brakes which can be poor in the wet. Make sure you buy a good U-lock and a cable so it doesn't get stolen.

I can not comment to much on the bike, it seems like a good first bike. The front suspension and over sized tires will seem like extra weight as a "road" bike. The most important thing is are you comfortable on it.
If you keep on riding you will replace it later, and again and again....so do not worry about to much about that.

I am 6 feet tall and I started biking at about age 50 I weighed 285 lb. Now at 58 I weigh 170 lb. Biking saved my life! It can work for you too. Just keep at it. It can be slow hard work just keep it up.

What part of NJ are you in if I can ask? Feel free to email me at clydesdalecyclist at gmail.com

I know some good dealers around too

I appreciate the help...

@chefisaac I emailed you... Thanks for the help.

If you are riding mostly on pavement, I would get some different tires for sure. I made my Mtn. bike into a street bike. The difference in street tires on pavement is night and day. Money well spent. I took the knobby tires, and had the shop put them on my nephew's bike who is very poor, and his tires were shot (actually, when I picked his bike up to do it, his rear wheel was shot, and I purchased a new wheel for him too). The smile was priceless!

Also, being a big guy too, don't get under the assumption you need a great big cushy gell seat or something. Get a seat that fits your butt. I use an ISM Typhoon. I have three bikes, and three of these seats! Even one on my Spin Bike!

In addition to the added weight of shocks, they also can be called energy absorbers. On streets an smooth trails they are not necessary. I started with a Trek 7.2, witch is roughly equivalent to the Raleigh Detour, or the Giant Rapid. I would recommend a bike in that class, without shocks. There are quite a few from many different mfrs. I would also recommend a weight loss support group like Weigh Watchers. At that weight, exercise alone will not be enough. Some groups, of which WW is just one, do not promote "going on a diet", as much as they do establishing healthy dietary habits for life. These are the best in my opinion.

In addition to the added weight of shocks, they also can be called energy absorbers. On streets an smooth trails they are not necessary. I started with a Trek 7.2, witch is roughly equivalent to the Raleigh Detour, or the Giant Rapid. I would recommend a bike in that class, without shocks. There are quite a few from many different mfrs. I would also recommend a weight loss support group like Weigh Watchers. At that weight, exercise alone will not be enough. Some groups, of which WW is just one, do not promote "going on a diet", as much as they do establishing healthy dietary habits for life. These are the best in my opinion.

Agreed with Commute. It is 80% what you eat and 20% exercise. And plus one to Weight Watchers. I love that program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, on my Trek, I removed the front forks with suspension and put a rigid front end on. Much more power.