sarasvati1982

Hello. I'm new to this site and to the world of cycling. I'm actually just looking to buy my first bike but I don't know where to start! First of all, I'm looking to lose weight, and get stronger, while having fun. I haven't biked since I was a kid but I loved it and was always riding everywhere! Now, I'm 270lbs.. 5'10 and want to get back into it. Where do I start?? What is a good bike for a heavy person? I'm also a single mama so can't be doing anything more than $500. Thinking anything in the range of 200-500? I've heard good things about Schwinn and Trek.. am I on the right track? Also, what prompted this post is a sale that I saw today for a 1967 vintage schwinn bike for $250. Would that be something I should look into?? Thanks for any input!

pinsonp2 

There are many good bike brands available and the $200 to $500 range will get you a decent comfort or hybrid bike. First find a bike shop near you and ask them what they recommend with your goals and budget. Ride a lot of bikes and visit several shops if you can. The folks at the bike shop should listen to what you say, respect your budget, and ensure that a bike fits you. If you don't like the shop, go to another. Since you will be starting a relationship with this bike shop, you will need to feel comfortable with asking them all your questions and trust them to work on your new if needed. I would not recommend buying a vintage Schwinn for a beginner because it is heavy and you don't know what problems may come up....besides, shopping for a new bike is a blast. I stared with a Trek Navigator 2.0 (no longer made but pretty much the same as the current Trek Shift 2 WSD). It is a great bike and still gets many miles put on it each year even though I now have a few other bikes too. Good luck with your search. Find what fits and what puts a smile on your face!!!

P2

sarasvati1982

Thank you so much!! I'll probably pass on the vintage bike then.. even though it looks pretty sweet. But.. I do want quality (and warranty), so a bike shop sounds like the best plan. I think there's a Trek shop in the area.. not sure about any others.. but that may be all I need. I'll check them out soon.. hopefully they'll have something within my range and what not. I'll let you know how it goes.. I'm looking forward to it!

PhotoJoe 

Keep in mind that pretty much all name-brand bike companies make extremely entry-level as well as high-end bikes. DON'T get hung up on a name. Go to your local reputable bike shops and ask your questions. Find the bike that you are most comfortable on and fits within your budget. That is the bike you will ride!

FrenchFit 

I couldn't agree more, it's about a bike you'll ride. Old or new, brand name or not, if it makes you feel like you'd like it ride all day - that's the correct bike. Everything else you might want in a bike will get learned with time, but if you buy into what someone else thinks is the correct bike for you...it will gather dust in a garage. When you test drive it, just ask yourself if you would enjoy sitting in that saddle and spinning all day long - it's a yes or no answer.

sarasvati1982

Thanks guys! I'll keep that in mind I'm not attached to a name.. just looking for a decent quality, comfortable bike!

goldfinch

That vintage Schwinn is way over-priced.

I agree with the others, go to a number of bike shops and start trying out bikes. Stay away from the big box stores. The bikes are lower quality and their isn't guidance on the purchase like you can get from reputable bike shops.

Welcome to the forum!

cyclist2000

remember that the budget should include a helmet.

the fly

+ tubes, floor pump, minipump, patch kit, multitool etc. Youtube videos for making minor repairs.

sarasvati1982

I'm not even sure what all that is! Ha. I'll definitely have to look into it. Thanks for all the input everyone