yiffzer

I'm trying to help a neighbor figure out what bike to get for him. He's overweight and is trying to lose weight by cycling. I'm happy to welcome him to the "family." But I need to help him get a road bike -- with his weight and height, I cannot offer him any accurate advice.

So with that said, his information:

Weight: 250 lbs
Height: 6 feet and 0 inches
Budget: $500

Does not need a rack or add-ons. It's purely for cycling. We can go for new or used or for an older year model to meet the budget. But it does need to support his weight. Also, what line of saddles other than the Brooks B17 would be good for a big person like that?

Suggestions?

TrojanHorse

250 isn't really that big - it's not like you have to take special precautions. No weird low-spoke count wheels but I'd suggest finding something on craigs list and go from there. Use whatever saddle comes on the bike until he can figure out whether it works or not. Every butt is different.

xjken99

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_record_x.htm
https://bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_2.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ington3_IX.htm

You may also want to check out local bike shops because they can have new left over stock at greatly reduced prices.

yiffzer

Got it. Thanks for the links!

Also checked out Craig's List. Do any of these fare better than the bikedirect's offerings?

https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/2993477331.html
https://maine.craigslist.org/bik/2981013021.html

They're priced more or less the same. :s

bassjones

That Bianchi looks nice.

Hammer0135

I'm 6'4" 315 and bought a Giant Revel 2 (~$400) about 2 months ago to lose weight also. Love the bike and it handles my size fine. I'm riding with groups now 3 times a week for about 15 miles each time, looking to increase my distance, and am really getting hooked on this bike thing. Would highly recommend the Revel 2.

rearviewbeer

99 had a good suggestion with the Liberty. Depends also what kind of riding he may want to do...

yiffzer

@Hammer0135, thanks for your suggestion. Seems like a good bike but he was looking for a road bike, not a MTB. I'm glad the bike is serving you well though -- keep pushing!

socalrider

found my surly crosscheck on craigslist for 500.00 a couple years back.. good solid steel frame and lots of options available.

bud16415

250 isn’t real heavy but a lot depends on his fitness level starting in also. You said he wants to lose weight so I’m assuming he’s not like a 250# power lifter build. Carrying an extra 50 to 75 pounds is the same as what a fully loaded touring rider is hauling on his bike. He won’t have issues on the flats but will really notice it on the hills. I would recommend nothing but a triple chain ring to get started and something with 36 spoke rear wheel and 32 or 36 up front. Starting at that with a road triple and whatever cassette the bike comes with as a starting point. He can always play with the gearing later if need be. Most touring bikes have a lowest gear of about 20 gear inch. IMO if he will be doing moderate hills and is in average conditions he will need a bail out gear for a while. The quickest way of getting discouraged when getting into biking is draining yourself on some hills with too high of a gear.

The mention of a steel frame I think is also good. I know you said he wants a road bike, I would look for something that could be fit with a slightly more relaxed ride position for a new bigger rider also, with keeping in mind as he improves going to a more aero position. Stem height etc.

yiffzer

That's the kind of advice I was looking for. Thanks. I'm going with my neighbor to a LBS to see what we can get under those conditions.

A Surly Cross Check would be nice but we don't have any around here for sale below $500 :x

Hammer0135

Yes you are right, but I use it as a road bike. Put slicks on it and its plenty sturdy for my size.