glyphrunner

I'm currently in the process of trying to lose a lot of weight, and have become active in Taekwondo, Kumdo (swordfighting), and kettlebells. Since beginning these things last November, I've already lost a touch over 65 pounds, but I'm seeing a slow down in weight loss (hovering at that 300 pound mark). I decided I could do two things at the same time by biking: save gas money and lose weight.

I currently have a rather aggravating bike: Trek Navigator 200, but aside from the Navigator my only other bike was a Schwinn 10-speed I bought for $50 brand new in 1988 (which I still have in storage) when I was 11 years old. I don't have thousands of dollars to sink into specialized bikes, high-end gadgets, or the ultra-light carbon frames. I scrape by each month with enough to save for my daughter's college fund, but I also need something better than a Navigator to commute to work, get a workout, and do the occasional leisurely ride with my daughter.

As much as I want to get into a 10-speed again (I like to go fast ) I'm worried I'm far too heavy for one of those thin wheeled bikes. Also, when I ride around town, I'll be carrying a large duffle bag (armor) and a sword bag, so I sort of need something for stability, too. I guess I'm just needing some sort of advice on bike types for larger guys.

MRT2

You didn't say what it is you don't like about your Navigator. Too slow?

At your weight, I would say to lose some more weight first before going to a road bike. However, if you really want to do road bikes, maybe look more towards a touring bike, either modern or vintage. Touring bikes designed for loaded touring should have no problem handling your weight. Look for a touring bike with a 36 spoke rear wheel.

glyphrunner

The first problem I have with the Navigator is way too damned slow. I'm overweight, yes, but I'm also rather powerful in the legs. Oddly enough, my quads are screaming at me every time I ride that bike. I think this may stem from the second thing I hate about the Navigator: the riding position. I feel as if I'm being all prim and proper sitting upright with my arms "resting" on the handle bars.

Those are the two main complaints of the bike. There are nitpicky things I could go on about, but that's equipment I can change out eventually (except maybe the grip shifters - HATE those).

XR2

I'm pushing 300 (on the way down) and am currently riding a '88 Bridgestone T700. The front wheel is stock and rear a large flange frankenwheel. Schwalbe Marathons in 700 X 32 @ 86F/90R PSI. Only had to touch the spokes once this season (so far) and been having no problems otherwise. And I live in rural West Virgina with roads that look like the third world war. So maybe a nice vintage steel frame would suit your needs.

MRT2

You need to try riding differrent bikes. Your hands, wrists, shoulders and back may be hurting if you ride a road bike for any stretch of time.

Wogster

Actually for commuting duty, the navigator should be okay, it's probably lower geared which is what makes it slow, but then you don't want to be all grungy and sweaty at work anyway..... A set of fenders and a rear rack and your commuting/shopping rig is ready to go.

For fun rides, nothing beats a road bike, if your budget is limited, consider maybe an experienced model. Check out garage sales, police auctions, some for sale sights (ebay or craigs list are the big ones). If you can find one that is old school and ridable, you can often upgrade components as your budget permits. Heck my road bike was free, took about 30 hours of work and $100 in parts to get it ridable, fortunately I could do the work myself. There is no part on a bicycle you can't upgrade or replace, that includes the frame.

Thinking about options, here is one, find your old Schwinn, go to Nashbar, get their Cromoly road frame/fork for $179, strip the Schwinn and put the parts on your new frame, with fresh cables and rubber might cost you $200 total and you have your road bike. Ask for cash for birthdays and Christmas, then buy new parts for your bike, put the old back on the Schwinn. Within a few years you have a nice modern bike.

exile

Get the Schwinn out of storage and fix it up if it still fits. Use your current bike as a commuter or leisure ride. I'd say go the used route by checking out Coops, Craigslist, garage sales, pawns shops, auctions, etc. You can ask bike shops if the sell used bikes (they might not keep them on the showroom floor).

If you want to go fast than a road bike would be the way to go. Wheels may or may not be an issue. It can be a combination of your weight, and/or road conditions. Figure out how much you have in your budget.

Also think about the early to mid 90's mountainbike (non suspension). They make great commuters and all arounders. Put some slicks on and they can be pretty fast. Because of the geometry they were pretty comfortable. Because they are mountain bikes they are usually very durable. Many had eyelets for racks and fenders making them pretty versatile.

Cycling can be as expensive as you want it to be. Check out the Commuting forum (picture section) and see what some of the members ride daily. You'd be amazed at what people can put together that are functional and efficient for not much money.

MRT2

Would an old mountain bike with slicks be any faster than the Navigator equipped with the same tires?

DnvrFox

Have you checked in with the Clydesdale forum? Great people, great suggestions. A Clyde is someone over 200 lbs.

Also, you mention 10 speeder - which is fine. Be aware that most modern road bikes have 20 - 30 speeds, depending on a double or a triple front chain ring, and the "Compact Double" is very popular right now due to its gear ratios.

Anyway, mostly have fun. Sounds like you are off to a great start.

cohophysh

Dude,
I weigh just above 300 and built an aluminum road bike with a carbon fork and 700 x 25 tires and have no problem. The only thing you should worry about if you buy a road bike is the wheels. I have a set of 36 spoke deep V's and they hold up just fine. I would suggest going to your local shop and testing out a couple road bikes to see if that is the way you want to go. Keep us informed.

exile

I would say yes. A combination of geometry and rider position would probably be the biggest factors. Plus the suspension seat post and fork can rob the rider of forward momentum.

MRT2

I don't know. I feel OP's pain, owning a bike which he feels is less than optimal. I just think that every bike is a tradeoff, and that the OP should look to address the issues he has with his current bike before taking the plunge with another bike, or starting a project, like buying an old mountain bike.

Suspension fork and seatpost can be switched out for something more road worthy. RE: geometry. That is correct, but OP weighs 300 lbs. If he gets a bike with a more aggressive riding position, that is a lot of weight on the hands and strain on the back. And, by his own statement, he doesn't planning on doing much riding past September/October.

exile

I agree with you MR2 about addressing the issues with his current bike and that there are trade offs if he purchases something else. I was merely giving a suggestion to the OP about looking at early model mountain bikes. They can usually be had for not much money. It is really up to him if he decides to look into it or not. I simply find the bike very versatile.

I don't remember reading about him not biking past September/October. Also the only complaints I read from the OP was that he did not like the riding position of his comfort bike, wants something that can go faster, doesn't want to spend a lot of money, wants something stable and wont break under his weight, and is versatile. My comment about the mountain bike I feel addressed those issues. His riding position (and how he sets up his bike) should address the weight and strain he feels on his hands and back (which I don't remember him making a comment about).

MRT2

OP may have addressed that in the other, similar thread he started on one of the other subforums. If OP wants to play around with different bikes, I agree with you that an old mountain bike may be an excellent alternative to his Navigator; not necesarily better but different. I recently went the old mountain bike route for my son as (old Trek 800, swapped out knobbies for slicks) his first adult sized bike and it has really worked out well. He feels really confident riding it, and seems to be able to keep up with us on longer rides.

exile

I miss my 93 Giant Rincon. I rode that thing for close to a decade (although never took care of it). It now sits in my mothers basement in pieces after being abused by my little brother who I gave the bike to. One day I am going to take it back and fix it up.

Fasteryoufool

If you quads are screaming at you, your seat is set too low. If it's at the maximum height, then the bike is too small for you.

if you want it to be faster, invest in some good street tires that are sized for it. I believe that takes 26" tires, and tires can be had for it with little or no tread in fairly high pressure/low rolling resistance.

lymobear

If the Schwinn fits - get on it and go. I'm 250+, ride old Schwinn road bike - and though it's 10 lbs heavier than the new bikes, it runs fine on the skinny tires and 10 speeds - - and the extra weight of the bike might take some off of you - the whole idea!! I don't have a grand in my piggy bank for a new ride. Never broke a spoke on these vintage wheels either.

MRT2

Here is the parallel thread OP started where he addresses some of the issues that have come up here, such as his plans to stop biking within the next month or two, and the status of his old 10 speed, which he last rode when he was 11 years old, so probably too small for a 300 man.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=#post11252755

glyphrunner

As much as I'd love to continue riding, our summers are rather short. Really, the weather is only decent from mid-May through mid-October, and I'm officiating football five days of the week from mid-August through mid-October. I couldn't imagine trying to ride bike in our snow/ice conditions and -20°F temps (often "colder" because of high winds in winter).

RI_Swamp_Yankee

I have a '70's Raleigh Record Ace, with tall and skinny 27" wheels. I'm 320, and it works great... I have a set of inexpensive Weinmann wheels I pad $30 for, and no trouble riding it as my daily commuter last summer. (I retired it for a bike with fatter tires and lower gearing, for bad weather and steep hills.)

Get the 10-speed out of storage, tune it up, and have a blast.

slorollin

I'm around 300 and ride a Puch w/27"X1/14" wheels that I bought new in 1981. It has a heavy, lug frame that has held up well. Properly tuned wheels and the right tires make it ride better than when it was new.
In your place, I'd fix up the Schwinn if it can be adjusted to fit you. With the right wheels and tires it will support your weight. They're not making any more old Schwinns, you know.