RaggaD

Hey guys, totally new to the forum and the biking world in general!

Want to start riding to and from work, which is about 5 miles each way. Would also like to be able to do a little recreational riding on the weekend, nothing to serious, mostly paved surfaces I would think .

My budget is right around 300, which I know isn't a lot but it's my first bike. I'm not looking for 21 speed's etc, even single speed would be ok as I live in south Florida and there are no real "hills" to speak of. Also I'm a big guy, 6ft.1, 250 lbs. so I definitely want to be comfortable as well.

Any suggestions would be great!

SlimRider

Hey there RaggaD,

Welcome to Bike Forums!

The best bicycle to suit your needs, that's moving at that price point would be the following:

The Nashbar Hounder Single Speed ~ $200
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...4148_-1_202339

Good Luck!

- Slim

TwoFourOne

Keep in mind that you'll want to buy some accessories to go with the bike. (Lights, a frame pump, spare tubes, patch kit, etc)

RaggaD

Found someone selling a Trek Navigator 2.0 for 350. Its only 4 months old and looks brand new. Also includes front and rear lights and a lock. Is this a viable option?

Mondo734

I think its a pretty good fit given your needs. I would definitely contact them and test ride it to see how it feels and if its the right size. An since its used you can always offer em 300 if you like it an probably get away with it for that much. Bike retails if its 2012 for $499.

beebe

Make sure it's big enough. You can fix other things that may be wrong with the bike, but if the size isn't right, there is no fix.

SweetNightmare

If it's big enough, that's a good bike. I say check it out, and if it's a good fit and you can afford it, go for it! Look for rust and worn out parts, as it's easy to lie on the internet about how old it is.

Chris Chicago

RAGGAD, one thing I would do is ask in the clydesdale forum about specific bikes being sturdy enough for your size. my brother is near 250 as well and he had a big problem with spokes popping on his rear wheel (which was brand new, but not super sturdy/well made). the navigator should probably be fine but I'd still run it by the large peeps.

SlimRider

If you can, always buy new. Otherwise, you must have someone who "knows bikes" accompany you when selecting a used bike off of Craigslist.

Also, only buy used chromoly steel framed bikes, if you must buy used.

If I were you, I'd stick with a single speed for Florida. The Hounder is an excellent candidate!

SweetNightmare

That mainly has to do with the wheels themselves. But that would be a problem even with store bought bikes, there aren't many that come with anything more than a 32 spoke count, which for someone over 200 pounds could end up being an expense whether they buy new or used. ((My current big concern with my currently-on-layaway bike is that the wheels might give out on me. Since I work retail I don't have somewhere to stash stuff at work, so I'll have to carry everything with me.)) If it has road wheels on it, definitely replace them with something tougher, with at least 36 count spokes if not more. I've been doing a lot of reading on this. It's another reason to give them for lowering the price as well, if it fits you. Otherwise, definitely plan for more robust wheels on almost any bike at some point. Maybe not immediately, but it'll need to happen.

amandadun

Cragislist also has my vote! Amazing stuff on there

Rhodabike

If you buy from something like Craigslist, make a note of the serial number and tell the seller you'll get back to them. Then check to see that it isn't stolen.