First Bike - Bigger Guy - Need Help
06-09-15, 01:18 PM
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First Bike - Bigger Guy - Need Help
Hi All!,
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
06-09-15, 01:20 PM
#2
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Not nuts at all. I'm about 290 and just picked up a road bike. The one I picked doesn't match your price range, but i know there are lots of options for you to pick from. I'm sure some people that are more helpful than me will be along shortly.
Oh, and welcome!
Oh, and welcome!
06-09-15, 01:23 PM
#3
Senior Member
OK, I'll give you a long answer now...
Firstly, you're not nuts. As I said in your other post, I'm 250lbs, ride a 18lb road bike, no issues other than needing a stout set of wheels.
When you say "road bike" that generally means a bike that has drop handlebars. Is this what you're thinking of? Or do you want something that has more flat handlebars? What we would call a "hybrid" bike.
If you're interested in a hybrid bike, I'd suggest looking at the Trek 7.3 or a Jamis Coda Sport. Both have strong wheels and are within your budget.
For road bikes it gets more difficult as $1000 upper limit is kind of on low end, but there are options. For example the Specialized Secteur, $850:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Do you have a local bike shop you can visit to test out bikes?
Firstly, you're not nuts. As I said in your other post, I'm 250lbs, ride a 18lb road bike, no issues other than needing a stout set of wheels.
When you say "road bike" that generally means a bike that has drop handlebars. Is this what you're thinking of? Or do you want something that has more flat handlebars? What we would call a "hybrid" bike.
If you're interested in a hybrid bike, I'd suggest looking at the Trek 7.3 or a Jamis Coda Sport. Both have strong wheels and are within your budget.
For road bikes it gets more difficult as $1000 upper limit is kind of on low end, but there are options. For example the Specialized Secteur, $850:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Do you have a local bike shop you can visit to test out bikes?
06-09-15, 01:34 PM
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OK, I'll give you a long answer now...
Firstly, you're not nuts. As I said in your other post, I'm 250lbs, ride a 18lb road bike, no issues other than needing a stout set of wheels.
When you say "road bike" that generally means a bike that has drop handlebars. Is this what you're thinking of? Or do you want something that has more flat handlebars? What we would call a "hybrid" bike.
If you're interested in a hybrid bike, I'd suggest looking at the Trek 7.3 or a Jamis Coda Sport. Both have strong wheels and are within your budget.
For road bikes it gets more difficult as $1000 upper limit is kind of on low end, but there are options. For example the Specialized Secteur, $850:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Do you have a local bike shop you can visit to test out bikes?
Firstly, you're not nuts. As I said in your other post, I'm 250lbs, ride a 18lb road bike, no issues other than needing a stout set of wheels.
When you say "road bike" that generally means a bike that has drop handlebars. Is this what you're thinking of? Or do you want something that has more flat handlebars? What we would call a "hybrid" bike.
If you're interested in a hybrid bike, I'd suggest looking at the Trek 7.3 or a Jamis Coda Sport. Both have strong wheels and are within your budget.
For road bikes it gets more difficult as $1000 upper limit is kind of on low end, but there are options. For example the Specialized Secteur, $850:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Do you have a local bike shop you can visit to test out bikes?
Not sure, I'll have to google. I am in Yorkville, IL
06-09-15, 01:38 PM
#5
Senior Member
Looks like your nearest maybe Oswego Cyclery, which is a Trek, Giant and maybe Surly dealer?
This is a great road bike under $1000:
https://www.oswegocyclery.com/product...3-211604-1.htm
This is a great road bike under $1000:
https://www.oswegocyclery.com/product...3-211604-1.htm
06-09-15, 01:43 PM
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I just wanted to say hello. And welcome to the Clydesdale Athena Group.
I'm 5'5" and ~250# (and a Clyde). I just got back into cycling, and I got a road bike.
I did get an endurance bike as compared to a race or aero bike. Lot's of Clydes are riding road bikes. Some are even riding CF road bikes.
The big thing you have to look at is the wheels. At 250#, you're probably going to want wheels with more spokes than the smaller guys. You'll probably want 28/32 spokes (front/rear).
My bike is a Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014 from Performance Bikes for $800. They're having a triple points weekend starting this Friday, so that will also allow you to get your accessories. Also, by joining their mailing list, they'll send you a 20% off your first $200 purchase (bikes excluded). I know that several other members of this group have Fuji's. Looks like there is a Performance Bikes near you in Naperville.
That being said, I would still suggest finding several LBS's, and riding an intro race bike and intro endurance bike in all the different brands that they sell in your size. All of the major brands (e.g. Fuji, Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Raleigh, etc.) have good intro models. But each one has a slightly different geometry, so what works for one person may not work for other people. The only way to tell is to go out and road test bikes. I also suggest going to several LBS's, because for tall (and short) people, a specific LBS may not have a lot of bikes in your size (if any) to road test. Also, some LBS's may have several different models that use the same frame, but have different component groups on them. Don't be worried about testing one model, but ordering a different model with the same frame, but a different component set.
You've given us your height and weight, but your inseam is also important in getting into the correct bike size range.
Your location may be important as people can recommend a few LBS's or bikes that you can find on Craig's List. The danger with used bikes is you don't necessarily know what condition the bike is in, if you're new to biking. Some people may recommend online places to buy your bike, but if you're new, you're probably not going to be sure of your size with the different geometries, and there's also having to put the bike together and keeping it maintained. Where if you buy from a LBS (even if they have to order it), the store will put your bike together, and you should get normal maintenance for a period of time for free.
For a new bike, you're probably looking at an Intro bike with Shimano Tiagra or Sora groupset. It's possible that you might find a new intro bike with a Shimano 105 groupset in your price range, if it is a model that is a year or two old. If you go used, you should be able to find a good bike with Shimano 105 or Ultegra groupset. You might even be able to find a Carbon Fiber (CF) frame with Tiagra or 105.
For Shimano Groupsets, this is the order of quality (roughly):
Tourney (A070) << Claris << Sora << Tiagra << 105 << Ultegra << Dura Ace (DA)
Ultegra and DA also come with an electronic groupset (Di). DA is a performance group that features light weight components. Some Ultegra components will last longer than some DA components.
As far as accessories go, the only accessories that you need when you buy your bike are a helmet and pedals. Helmets need to be Certified CPSC. Other than that, it's a matter of fit and comfort. What helmet are you going to want to wear when you're riding. For pedals, just get some platform pedals, and after you've been riding for a month or so, you can look into clipless pedals. If you want to track your rides, you can use one of several free apps on your smartphone in the beginning (e.g. Strava, MapMyRide, etc.). I've found it helpful to track my rides so I can set goals as to mileage and see my improvement.
GH
I'm 5'5" and ~250# (and a Clyde). I just got back into cycling, and I got a road bike.
I did get an endurance bike as compared to a race or aero bike. Lot's of Clydes are riding road bikes. Some are even riding CF road bikes.
The big thing you have to look at is the wheels. At 250#, you're probably going to want wheels with more spokes than the smaller guys. You'll probably want 28/32 spokes (front/rear).
My bike is a Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014 from Performance Bikes for $800. They're having a triple points weekend starting this Friday, so that will also allow you to get your accessories. Also, by joining their mailing list, they'll send you a 20% off your first $200 purchase (bikes excluded). I know that several other members of this group have Fuji's. Looks like there is a Performance Bikes near you in Naperville.
That being said, I would still suggest finding several LBS's, and riding an intro race bike and intro endurance bike in all the different brands that they sell in your size. All of the major brands (e.g. Fuji, Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Raleigh, etc.) have good intro models. But each one has a slightly different geometry, so what works for one person may not work for other people. The only way to tell is to go out and road test bikes. I also suggest going to several LBS's, because for tall (and short) people, a specific LBS may not have a lot of bikes in your size (if any) to road test. Also, some LBS's may have several different models that use the same frame, but have different component groups on them. Don't be worried about testing one model, but ordering a different model with the same frame, but a different component set.
You've given us your height and weight, but your inseam is also important in getting into the correct bike size range.
Your location may be important as people can recommend a few LBS's or bikes that you can find on Craig's List. The danger with used bikes is you don't necessarily know what condition the bike is in, if you're new to biking. Some people may recommend online places to buy your bike, but if you're new, you're probably not going to be sure of your size with the different geometries, and there's also having to put the bike together and keeping it maintained. Where if you buy from a LBS (even if they have to order it), the store will put your bike together, and you should get normal maintenance for a period of time for free.
For a new bike, you're probably looking at an Intro bike with Shimano Tiagra or Sora groupset. It's possible that you might find a new intro bike with a Shimano 105 groupset in your price range, if it is a model that is a year or two old. If you go used, you should be able to find a good bike with Shimano 105 or Ultegra groupset. You might even be able to find a Carbon Fiber (CF) frame with Tiagra or 105.
For Shimano Groupsets, this is the order of quality (roughly):
Tourney (A070) << Claris << Sora << Tiagra << 105 << Ultegra << Dura Ace (DA)
Ultegra and DA also come with an electronic groupset (Di). DA is a performance group that features light weight components. Some Ultegra components will last longer than some DA components.
As far as accessories go, the only accessories that you need when you buy your bike are a helmet and pedals. Helmets need to be Certified CPSC. Other than that, it's a matter of fit and comfort. What helmet are you going to want to wear when you're riding. For pedals, just get some platform pedals, and after you've been riding for a month or so, you can look into clipless pedals. If you want to track your rides, you can use one of several free apps on your smartphone in the beginning (e.g. Strava, MapMyRide, etc.). I've found it helpful to track my rides so I can set goals as to mileage and see my improvement.
GH
06-09-15, 01:48 PM
#7
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Replying to your questions from the other thread.
1. Looks like there is a Performance Bikes near you in Naperville.
2. Platform pedals are pretty much normal pedals that you remember from your first bike. Clipless pedals have a way of attaching your feet to the pedals for "more efficient" pedalling.
3. Since you're here, there's several sticky threads at the top of this group that can detail what Clydes/Athenas are.
GH
1. Looks like there is a Performance Bikes near you in Naperville.
2. Platform pedals are pretty much normal pedals that you remember from your first bike. Clipless pedals have a way of attaching your feet to the pedals for "more efficient" pedalling.
3. Since you're here, there's several sticky threads at the top of this group that can detail what Clydes/Athenas are.
GH
06-09-15, 01:54 PM
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OK, I'll give you a long answer now...
Firstly, you're not nuts. As I said in your other post, I'm 250lbs, ride a 18lb road bike, no issues other than needing a stout set of wheels.
When you say "road bike" that generally means a bike that has drop handlebars. Is this what you're thinking of? Or do you want something that has more flat handlebars? What we would call a "hybrid" bike.
If you're interested in a hybrid bike, I'd suggest looking at the Trek 7.3 or a Jamis Coda Sport. Both have strong wheels and are within your budget.
For road bikes it gets more difficult as $1000 upper limit is kind of on low end, but there are options. For example the Specialized Secteur, $850:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Do you have a local bike shop you can visit to test out bikes?
Firstly, you're not nuts. As I said in your other post, I'm 250lbs, ride a 18lb road bike, no issues other than needing a stout set of wheels.
When you say "road bike" that generally means a bike that has drop handlebars. Is this what you're thinking of? Or do you want something that has more flat handlebars? What we would call a "hybrid" bike.
If you're interested in a hybrid bike, I'd suggest looking at the Trek 7.3 or a Jamis Coda Sport. Both have strong wheels and are within your budget.
For road bikes it gets more difficult as $1000 upper limit is kind of on low end, but there are options. For example the Specialized Secteur, $850:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Do you have a local bike shop you can visit to test out bikes?
06-09-15, 02:43 PM
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I was 214lbs when I purchase my 2014 Specialized Secteur Sport with Sora groupset. Love the bike. I felt a relaxed or endurance geometry was a better choice than a race fit. So far, it has been very comfortable and my flexibility is improving. I also dropped 14 lbs in the first 5 months without trying but that might be because this 44 yr old was acting like a kid with a new, well, ... bike! I get on it nearly every morning before work and ride for an hour, hour and a half. I am 6' 1" and I grabbed a 58cm frame size.
Go for it. Welcome to the passion of riding.
Frank
Go for it. Welcome to the passion of riding.
Frank
06-10-15, 06:08 AM
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I was 400 when I started riding my Cannondale CAAD9 (which is a full-on race bike). I did have wheels built for it, but no other issues. In hindsight, I probably should have gone with the Synapse (their "endurance" model), but this is working out great as I get into better shape.
06-10-15, 07:15 AM
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I am around 250, have been as heavy as 285. For 3 years, have been riding the Salsa Casseroll. Not a true road bike, rather more like a Touring bike someone put on a diet. I bought it because of the steel frame, and the ability to run it with wider tires than one might run on a true road bike. I have been using 32 mm tires. The stock wheels were both 32 spokes. They were OK at first,, but last year the rim of back wheel cracked after about 2,000 miles of use. I replaced it with a 36 spoke wheel. The front wheel seems to be holding up OK.
06-10-15, 07:18 AM
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Hi All!,
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
220 lbs broke 24,26, 32 spoke wheels.
No Problems with 36 spoke wheels.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
06-10-15, 08:17 AM
#13
wears long socks
Hi All!,
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
Starting with a low upper body position and a high seat post can be a painful experience, but these bikes can be taken from casual riding position to (nearly) a racing style position. If you decide later to really get down on the front end, you can get a stem with more drop (about $50) and bars with more drop (about $50).
The new ones have nice dual lever shifters, well built (a tad heavy) wheels, and the wheels come ready for tubeless tires.
58cm would likely fit you well.
1 Series - Trek Bicycle
06-10-15, 08:19 AM
#14
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You aren't nuts at all. A Trek Alpha series would suit you well. It comes set up in a more upright position than many road bikes, but as you become more fit, flexible, or can stand more weight on your arms, you can flip the stem, move some spacers and get a decent road bike position.
Starting with a low upper body position and a high seat post can be a painful experience, but these bikes can be taken from casual riding position to (nearly) a racing style position. If you decide later to really get down on the front end, you can get a stem with more drop (about $50) and bars with more drop (about $50).
The new ones have nice dual lever shifters, well built (a tad heavy) wheels, and the wheels come ready for tubeless tires.
58cm would likely fit you well.
1 Series - Trek Bicycle
Starting with a low upper body position and a high seat post can be a painful experience, but these bikes can be taken from casual riding position to (nearly) a racing style position. If you decide later to really get down on the front end, you can get a stem with more drop (about $50) and bars with more drop (about $50).
The new ones have nice dual lever shifters, well built (a tad heavy) wheels, and the wheels come ready for tubeless tires.
58cm would likely fit you well.
1 Series - Trek Bicycle
06-10-15, 11:25 PM
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6'5" & 250 here; I'd say fitness/performance hybrid (flat handle bars & 700c wheel) with 32 or 36 spoke wheels with 28 or 32mm tires. Flat bar is better bang for your back vs road shifters/brakes.
06-11-15, 07:24 AM
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I am with you man! I asked the same questions about 3 weeks ago and I ended up with a bike I LOVE! I am 5' 7" and 340 lbs so I wanted to get a bike that was comfortable and that would hold my weight. After looking at all kinds of bikes I ended up with a Jamis Citizen 3 ($600) which is a comfort hybrid. It has flat handlebars, trigger shifters and its awesome to ride. There are so many different bikes out there to try. Just get your athletic cloths on and head to a LBS (local bike shop) and test some bikes. They will let you ride all kinds of bikes. Ask questions and find the one that fits you!
06-11-15, 07:35 AM
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Just to through another recommendation into the ring... I'm 5'11", 265lbs (down from 290). I ride a Specialized Crosstrail Disc, but if I had to do it over again, I would go for its more road-oriented sibling, the Specialized Sirrus. Both are extremely comfortable bikes, but my riding is more road oriented now and I really could do without the suspension fork of the Crosstrail. Both the Sirrus and Crosstrail come in well below your $1000 budget too.
06-14-15, 10:33 PM
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I am 342 and I just bought a bike to start riding few miles at night and I went with genesis onyx 29 cruiser from Walmart ..it's only $141 and it's perfect for your weight ...check it out in walmart.com if you want
06-15-15, 10:00 AM
#19
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I have been riding a road bike since 390 pounds and am 6'4".
get a 32 spoke rear wheel and get out there and ride.
See if your LBS has last year's model or used bikes that fit you as that will save you a ton.
get a 32 spoke rear wheel and get out there and ride.
See if your LBS has last year's model or used bikes that fit you as that will save you a ton.
06-15-15, 11:03 AM
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Hi All!,
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
I am completely new to cycling, I am so confused on which way to turn, brands, mods, pedals, etc etc etc.
I am a bigger guy. 6', 250lbs. I plan on doing a few miles a night. Paths, sidewalks, roads, etc.
I am pretty budget oriented. I would like to stay under $1,000. Preferably well under.
I just need some input. Am I nuts for trying to get a road bike at my size?
Thanks!
-Luke
Well, this is me also. At 6'-2" and 220 lbs I have been looking exclusively at hybrid bikes, as I just want some sort of low-impact aerobic excercise to loose a little weight (and benefit my tennis game). So my ideal bike seems to be something like a Trek 7.3 disc (cause I like the "idea" of the disc brakes, and of course Trek only offers them on the 7.2 and the 7.4 this year...) or maybe a Cannondale Quick 4.
A couple of questions:
It seems a steel frame is more comfortable - is steel a frame material of the past, or a frame material that is requires a greater expenditure for a (hybrid or road) bike? Or a material not available on any hybrid bike?
I have been looking only at hybrid bikes. My wife doesn't ride, I am not looking to ride with a lot of people; I only want some exercise that is better than walking - and not running! Is there any reason to think I will want to "graduate" to a road bike? Now (of course), I like the upright riding position of the hybrids I have tried (like the Trek 7.3, like the Cannondale Quick 5, I did not like the Cannondale Bad Boy geometry (more like a road bike, yes?)). I don't wish to go fast, I don't mind pushing a little extra wind - because I am looking for the max exercise while doing 30 - 60 minute rides near my home. Is a hybrid not exactly what I need?
A Trek Alpha series would suit you well. It comes set up in a more upright position than many road bikes, but as you become more fit, flexible, or can stand more weight on your arms, you can flip the stem, move some spacers and get a decent road bike position.
06-15-15, 11:17 AM
#21
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Biking can be addicting A lot of folks are happy just riding 8-10 miles 3-5 times a week. A LOT of people buy a hybrid and start riding, only to soon find themselves enjoying it more than they ever thought they would and pushing the limits of the distances they can comfortably do on a hybrid. Then there are those who buy expensive bikes and don't ride them and end up selling them for pennies on the dollar after a few years of garage queen status.
Buy a hybrid from an LBS with a generous trade-in/trade-up program. That way, if you end up enjoying the 10 mile rides and not wanting to push it further you've got the right bike, but if you really like it and decide to move up, you can do so without taking too big of a hit.
A lot of folks are happy just riding 8-10 miles 3-5 times a week. A LOT of people buy a hybrid and start riding, only to soon find themselves enjoying it more than they ever thought they would and pushing the limits of the distances they can comfortably do on a hybrid. Then there are those who buy expensive bikes and don't ride them and end up selling them for pennies on the dollar after a few years of garage queen status. Buy a hybrid from an LBS with a generous trade-in/trade-up program. That way, if you end up enjoying the 10 mile rides and not wanting to push it further you've got the right bike, but if you really like it and decide to move up, you can do so without taking too big of a hit.
06-15-15, 12:03 PM
#22
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These bikes are a lot stronger than company attorneys and Internet chicken littles would have you believe.
Find one you like when you test ride it, buy it and ride the sheeot out of it
06-15-15, 01:00 PM
#23
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06-22-15, 06:46 AM
#24
wears long socks
It is very upright from the factory. You have to flip the stem and move it down all the way to be "aggressive". With the seat down and the bars up, it's very upright and comfortable.
06-22-15, 05:28 PM
#25
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Some people, however, have a need for speed, and if they got a hybrid and found out it was frustrating to try to ride into the wind as fast as they enjoy, would end up regretting purchasing a hybrid, and either buy a road bike, or give up riding. If that's not you, then get a hybrid and enjoy!
The only thing that is true for all cyclists and all cycles: the best bike is the one you ride!