New bike for someone just starting out
 

Hi all. Just want to know, is this hybrid ok for a 325lb clydes?

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400306

Trying to get a friend to start riding, the man just got a new baby boy and is finally motivated to lose weight (the constant nagging from his wife never worked, imagine that :rolleyes:)...His main beef with riding are:

1. knee pains...He never got properly fitted in the past
2. saddle issues...Same as #1 really
3. uncomfortable riding position...He tried full on roadbikes before, I'm hoping a hybrid would be more comfortable? Never rode a hybrid before so I wouldn't know
4. asthma...I don't know how to help him with this one

Otherwise he'd love to ride. Trying to keep costs within $500. If there are better alternatives/bikes to this plz let me know, and any other suggestion is welcome, thanks in advance!! :)

Argh I suck, sorry all I should have read the index, lots of good info there for hybrid vs road and bike pricing information...

I can't believe no one has responded to you yet! What this amateur suggests is taking your friend to all sorts of bike shops and let him try out a variety of bikes in his price range to see what he likes and is comfortable on. There are some decent options just under 500. It seems like a safer bet than risking an online purchase.

Thx for the advice, makes a lot of sense...I'll just take him around a few bike shops and see what he likes, hopefully he'll find something that he'll enjoy riding :)

If you go with a 36 spoke vintage bike from an LBS or co-op you can save even more money. This way if his bike breaks due to weight you can buy a second and still be under budget.

Make sure to get something with rear eyelets, so that you can get him a rear rack and rear bags. If he can use it as a tool to get groceries that will be a great motivator to go somewhere on it constantly.

I test rode a giant seek 2 a close out model for $520 it had disk brakes and felt like it could get ran over by a tank and still keep rolling. the frame is insanely beefy and the rims felt heavy. i didnt count the spokes or ask.

i also rode a coworkers trek fx 7.1 and can see why they are very popular. its light fast and cheapish.

but as most of us learn the first bike wont be the last bike!

that is actually a pretty ideal bike and that is a really great price. the biggest issue though is going to be the wheels. the stock ones could last him a while or they could let go in a couple of months. I wouldn't be too hesitant to purchase that bike with the understanding that you should upgrade the wheelset down the road. Regarding the seat being uncomfortable, that is a combination of getting your rear end conditioned and getting the proper saddle. new c yclists needs to tough it out for that first few weeks and get some cycling shorts.