CPHarrison

Hello All!

I've been lurking on this forum for over a year, but I am finally serious about buying a bike. I am 43 years old, 6'1" tall, and weighed 299 the last time I stepped on a scale (about two weeks ago). I've been on vacation for the last few days and I've been enjoying some great food, so I'm probably a little north of 300 lbs. right now.

I haven't been on a bike since I was about 14 years old, but my fiancée just bought a new bike and I'm looking forward to having an activity that we can do together and that will help me drop some weight & live a healthier lifestyle.

Of course, this wouldn't be a proper newbie/intro thread if I didn't ask for some input on a bike. I visited three LBS this past week and I really enjoyed talking with one of the guys at Cycles de Oro here in Greensboro, NC. They are a Giant and Specialized dealer and I just happen to be leaning toward the Giant Escape series of bikes. Does anyone have any opinions on the pros and cons of an Escape 2 or 3 for a Clyde my size? We have a lot of paved bike paths here in my area, and my research seems to point to the Escape series as a nice choice for a beginner that will be sticking to pavement (at least to begin with). I'm also open to any other bike suggestions you guys and gals may have.

Thanks,

CPH

Ursa Minor

I don't know bikes but welcome to the bike forums. You will find many wonderful caring people here.

Charlie

Jnelson

I'm a newbie as well, I can tell you im 6'2 and 315 and the specialized hardrock sport I picked up held my weight just fine on an easy trail this weekend. Wish my sun screen performed better lol.

Jimbosays

The Giant Escape 2 is great choice . . . Says the guy with same specs as yourself (+ a few years, though.)

Laid down 60+ miles on it this weekend . . . With the road bike in the shop for three weeks - I've become reacquainted with the Escape (and that's not a bad thing!) Surprised just how many of them I see rolling down bike paths around central FLA.

bbeasley

Welcome to BF!

10 Wheels

Hey CPH,

Welcome to Bike Forums.

mrtuttle04

Welcome to the boards and keep on riding it works. I am 6' 2" and used to weigh 311#. I am still 6' 2" but now I weigh 193#. Biking is a big part of that wieght loss.

MRT2

The Escape 2 is a fine choice if it fits. Escape 1 would be better, but we all have to stick to some sort of budget, and at around $400, the Escape 2 is about as good as you are likely to get unless you find something else on sale. The only issue you might have at your weight is the back wheel. Ask your LBS to check the spoke tension carefully.

TXsailor

I don't know about the weight on the wheels but the Escape 2 is a great bike. I bought one last summer and have put around 1500 miles on it. I thought I would ride a lot more gravel roads than I have is why I went with a hybrid instead of a road bike. I have found I ride a lot more on pavement so I bought a road bike a couple of months ago to go along with my Escape. I can ride the Escape anywhere and its great around town and on 20 mile or so rides. Its probably more fun than the road bike on short rides. Its easier to ride and is responsive to steer. I am now doing some 100 K rides and for those a road bike is the way to go. I could do them on the Escape but it would be harder. Another thing about a flat bar bike is you catch more wind and have less hand positions to switch to. For a all around bike that you can do it all on the Escape is a good choice but its not a mountain bike and its not a road bike. One thing it is is a fun bike!

CPHarrison

Thanks to all of you for the welcome posts and input. I'll report back after I decide on a bike and make the purchase.

exile

My suggestion would be to buy the bike you like the most and is fun to ride.

CPHarrison

I realize that this is very important. I'll be making more trips to the LBS before making a decision as I'm still considering several bikes. Thanks for the advice.

ill.clyde

Hello and welcome

CPHarrison

Hello and thanks!