BigDeltaVGuy

Howdy everyone. Long story short: Used to be a decent Clydesdale MTB weekend warrior at 230-240. Some injuries, family issues, yada, yada, yada.......no more biking but continued to eat post race type meals of beer/burritos/pasta and now am 300+

It's been 10 years since I have been on my old Delta V but I want to get back on and I'm concerned that I may be too heavy to ride? I think I need a new seat for my wide load butt at the very least. My bike is a '94 Cannondale Delta V (oil headshox front susp, hard tail) I have good sturdy parts on it, Rhyno Downhill rims, old school XTR/Sachs/Synchros parts. I have put new tubes/tires on and cleaned and lubed everything. I have all kinds of aches/pains in my back and every place else. Should I use this bike or get a full suspension MTB for ease of suffering or should I lose a bit before getting on the bike? I don't want to go race next month or jump off cliffs any more, I just want to ride again.

v1k1ng1001

I remember the delta V! Great bike. With Rhyo rims, that bike should hold up under you fairly well. I'd say go for it.

If your body really can't stand it, then you can start thinking about a new bike.

Wogster

Expect a few things to hurt, if you haven't been on in a while, that goes away though as muscles that haven't been used in a while, start getting used to seeing some work again. I also suggest you get a full medical checkup with your doctor, tell him/her you want to start an exercise program involving a bicycle, they will know what to check.

Now what kind of riding do you want to do? If you want to do some road riding, swap the suspension fork for a rigid one, made for suspension bikes (the legs are longer), have them leave the steerer longer, if it's threadless, or use a long stem if it's threaded. You want the bars up higher, at least for now, you can shorten either later on. Of course raising the bars means that some of the cables may need to be replaced with longer ones. Replace the knobby with smoother tires, although this year with the winter seeming to not want to go away, snow tires might be a good idea......

Forget full suspension, unless you want to do really technical stuff, however even at that, you probably want to lose some weight, as most full suspension stuff is made for lighter riders.

breadbin

Fair play to you for wanting to get back into it. I hope your motivation keeps up. I'm in the same boat I can count on one hand, ok maybe two! the times i have been out on the bike in the last 10 years but still trying so hang in there! My advice to you about your old cannondale is to bring it to a shop for a service and then just go out and ride. if a part fails then get it replaced but i wouldn't get a new bike. you seem to want to ride the delta so that is all you need. someone said to me before that the best bike for me is the one that you cycle on. hope it goes well and sure keep posting here and let us know how you're getting on! see ya around

bautieri

So long as the old bike fits you might as well ride it. During this time asses the riding you are doing, if you are riding on the street and MUPs most of the time then you might want to look into a road or hybrid bicycle. If you find yourself bashing around the great outdoors then maybe a new mountain bike once you reach a goal. Either way, be sure to take some pictures and share your adventures with us.

Bau

BigUgly

Good luck. It's going to hurt at first but if you work through it. It will stop hurting and you will feel more comfortable when riding. If your back is hurting you need to strengthen your core(stomach and lower back muscles). Crunches helped me, this too will hurt at first but the more you get used to it the better you will feel. Stretching your back and hamstrings daily will help as well. Anything to build up your stomach muscles will help.(I am not a doctor and and only recommending this because it worked for me)

BigDeltaVGuy

Right on, thanks for the support I also have a older LeMond Road bike that hasn't seen the light of day as well. I think I'll get the Cannondale sea worthy and use that for now, those skinny tires don't look like a good idea right now! My wife has told me that if I get back into it and lose 75-100lbs I can go get any new bike I want! Then I'll probably look into full suspension but my knowledge of full suspension is kinda hazy, I remember always wanting a Pro Flex.................

B Piddy

*Off - Topic*

LOL - seems so strange to hear this; probably cause I'm single, mid-twenties and call the shots.

alanfleisig

Good luck to you.

Take it easy, but keep at it.

When I started riding again several years ago, it had been over 20 years since I had ridden seriously. Despite that, I lost over 45 lbs in my first two seasons back, and I rarely if ever rode more than 20 or 30 miles at a time.

Seriously, cheers! and best of luck!

jyossarian

Older Lemond roadie? The only thing that'd concern me was the strength of the wheels. If they were strong enough, I'd slap some fatter 28 or 35 x 700c tires on for more cushion and go riding when I felt the need for speed. Good luck and enjoy!

Mazama

Welcome back! After a week or so of pain you'll be right back in the groove. Good luck and keep us posted!

Roody

You should be fine if you don't rush it too much. I would try to be "comfortably tired" at the end of the ride, but ride a little longer every week.

My heaviest riding weight was about 280. I had a rigid Hardrock at the time and it held up well. A rim cracked eventually, but that was after I was down to 200, so I don't think my weight cracked it.

I would say don't get the full suspension unless you're planning to mountain bike all the time. A hardtail is better for mixed riding, IMO.

Good luck and keep us posted.

rollerdavem

Good on you!

I'm trying to remember the last time I was on a bike, I think I did a lap of my parking lot in 1995 and it had been probably nine years before that, and hasn't been even once since, so I'm with you in spirit.

Since I await delivery of a brand new Lightfoot Magnum, I am going to be joining you in that initial world of hurt described above...

I can't wait!

RD

Neil_B

Yes, it's a sorry sight, isn't it?