Ohio3Der

Ok, been reading this forum for a while now, but I think I finally know a little in order to make an intelligent post now, so here goes.

I'm 6'2" and about 255 pounds right now. I know that I can get in shape by running, but my 29 year old knees just won't let me anymore. My ideal weight is about 210 or so. So, I'm going to try this cycling thing and see how it goes. I need a bike bike for big butt now.

I'm thinking that I want to ride on the road, but on the other hand, I don't want something that I can't take offroad if wanted to some. I'd like to ride more offroad, but I don't see me packing the bike up and taking it to a trail area very often. I can see me, however, riding it after work around town and around the loop of the industrial park (about a 1.25 mile loop that I could ge some good speed on) a lot more often. I guess I need a direction on what style of bike that I need. I'm thinking, and correct me if I'm wrong, that a road bike can't do offroad, but a mtb bike could go on the road and off the road, just not very efficiently on the road. BUT, since I'm looking for a workout, is effieciency very important? I mean getting the same amount of work in a shorter distance seems like it would be a good thing? Is this the wrong way to think?

I keep reading about the Specialized Rockhard. Is this a good place to start? How about a Trek 820?

I have a general idea that I need a 21-22 inch frame. Could this be about right? The only thing I know for sure about bike fitting is that I have to be able to stand over the top tube while stopped. Anything past that and I'm pretty fuzzy. I could probably stand over a top tube comfortably at 33.5-34 inches, plus or minus like an inch since I don't really know how to measure it. I'm just playing around with a tape measure to get this measurement. I'm assuming that you want to be touching the ground while not on the seat, instead of touching the ground (flat footed) while on the seat? When you stop, do you want to be able to touch while on the seat, or do you get down off the seat to touch? (Sorry, pretty green here.)

If you guys could help a guy out, that would be awesome!

Jeremiah

Tom Stormcrowe

Specialized Hardrock....the worlds toughest hardtail mountain bike. It can be sporterized for pavement very nicely and has stood up to far more abuse than your skinny little 255 pounds will do to it Ask bdinger It's not a bad price either! If I were into mountain biking, that would be my choice, and am thinking about getting one in the future for an offroad touring machine for back country touring on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I'm thinking about a summer snowmobile trail tour in the next season through the back woods.

EDIT: Toe touching while in the saddle is about right. Your LBS can help you with sizing and setup....part of the service

Little Darwin

A mountain oriented comfort bike like a GIant Sedona (other manufacturers have similar brands) might work for you... I have a Sedona DX, and have about 3,000 miles on it for 3 years, I have their Large, I am 6', and have fluctuated between 300 and 350. You may need an XL size, depending on leg length.

Total work (besides routine lubing and adjustment) has been one replaced spoke on the rear wheel.

I have opted to replace the tires with slicks and replace the front fork with a rigid fork last year because I ride almost exclusively on the road, but it has been a virtually trouble-free bike.

Stick with an LBS mountain oriented bike (hard tail) and you should be fine. If you want to do jumps etc, you may want to follow the advice above, but if your desire is more road and gentle trails, I can say by experience that the Sedona has done well for me.

Ohio3Der

For the first time, I was in a LBS today at lunch. I got fitted into a Giant Yukon in a 21" size. Looked and felt really nice, I can't wait till I have some time to go test ride it in the future.

Does anyone know how something like this would compare to a Specialized Hardrock? I don't think I have a specialized dealer in my local area.

Thanks.

redls1camaro

My roommate was looking at both those bikes he ended up going with the specialized only because he could not get the giant in his size at the time. Both are very nice bikes. I liked the Giant a lot its a nice bike. You really can not go wrong with either, just get what you like best.