parradux

Hi!

I've just begun reading this forum and I think its a huge wealth of information. I've always enjoyed biking before, much more enjoyable then running or stationary biking, however, I admit I know nothing about it. I've tried to do some research, but even if I am looking at bikes I have no idea whats good or not.

I"am a pretty average guy 6"0 215 pounds bf %17 and I am looking to cut down the fat, and a bike that can support my weight. I am in the market for a new bike thats around 500-800 CAD, and that will be used 90/10 percent road vs off road.

Thank you guys I hope this works.

funrover 

Have you looked at Kona's? What questions do you have about components?

deputyjones

As far as a particular type of bike goes: For 90% road and 10% off the first thing that comes to mind is cyclocross as that would allow you to run a slightly bigger tire to handle some mild off road conditions, but they tend to be a bit more expensive than most bikes. The Bianchi Volpe (kind of a jack of all trades bike that will allow slightly wider tires) sells at my LBS for around $800 US. Maybe you could find a nice used one?

pj7

That 10% thing concerns me. What do you mean by "off road"? Just some light rolling trails? Or the stuff that looks good on Mt. Dew ads? Your price range is a good one though and you'll find plenty of bikes, good bikes too.
Let us have some more information please and see how quick we can load you down with answers

parradux

No where near as intense as the mt dew commercials, but not as easy as just small hills. I don't think I'll have enough time to do proper mountain biking until I finish with school. However, I can always increase the percentage of off road up to 20 -25 when I have the time.

I just have to do some more reading on bikes to understand them fully funrover, but thanks for the offer to help.

adrien

Cross would work very well. They are basically like road bikes with beefier build, a little heavier, a little more "compact" (so you're more upright, though not by much) and not quite as fast, but very close.

Volpe would be a good choice, as would a Kona Jake, Jamis Nova, etc.

cyberpep

I am about your size, ok maybe a little heavier. I would suggest that you give hybrids a test ride. I,m riding a Giant Cypress R ( $400cad ) every day to and from work and it has 10,000km on it with very little repairs, but I look after this bike and repair little things before they cause problems. Find a LBS that you like and test ride different styles of bikes to determine the style that suits your needs. Remember that the right bike for you is the one that you enjoy riding, because if you don't ride it youv'e wasted your money.

Hambone

there are a couple of other factors to consider in cyclocross bikes. They have a higher bottom bracket which makes it easier to get over obstacles and they also have a geometery set up for better handling at lower speeds. (I think this is done through the rake (off-set angle of the front fork) but don't quote me on that.

They also have a unique mix of components so you get beefier brakes and a drive train that can take the mud more like an MTB than a road bike.

You loose a little of the high speed aero dynamics and handling of a road racer or the stretched out comfort of a touring bike. This seems like a good mix for what you describe.

That or get an MTB and buy a second set of wheels. On the second set of wheels, mount road tires (MTB sized tires for riding on the road) and get a cassette with lower teeth counts. This will give you a higher top speed and make riding on the road more fun.

Vespa

Hi, I agree on the cross bike or even a road bike with flat bars to save on brifter expense. I recently bought a Surly Cross Check, I am 6'4'' and 275, built up by bike shop for about 1300 CAD but you could do it for less. It feels like a road bike on the road and the steel eats up the bum[ps on the trail... 2 bikes in one I see great used bikes on Craigslist everyday so that may be a good resource to you.

Good Luck

blake711

I am 5'10 at 212 down from 238 in January of this year. I just got back on a bike a month ago. I went with a Trek 7.2fx. I had the same plans as you initially. I live on a country dirt road. I thought I would ride mainly on paved trails and roads some dirt roads and such by my house. I tried some fat tired hybrids with shocks in the front. I didn't feel stable on the fat tires and didn't like the shocks either. I think that has to do with being a road biker in my teen years. Anyway I went with the FX since it has a Solid fork and frame and smaller 700x35 tires. I road the bike on my road at first and got beat up pretty bad. So I started riding on paved trails and roads only. Quickly I found I hated those tires and changed them to smooth 700x28 tires. Now it rolls nicely and rides well. Can I go down a bumpy road? Sure, does it take it out on my hands and body; yup. I suggest you really ask yourself am I going to be doing off road? If not then look at a skinny tire flat bar hybrid. I love mine and am using it to help get my weight down along with diet changes. If I stick with it I plan to get a road bike and use this to cruise around and to take my baby girl for rides that is do next month when she gets older.