Flipflingo

My main concern is durability. I want to start bicycling as a part of my everyday routine (to work and back) in an effort to lose weight. Also, I could definitely find myself enjoying a ride on a trail or along the river on a weekend. I feel like I could find myself enjoying an occasional long distance ride.

The problem is, I know nothing about bikes.

I used to love riding when I was a kid. I rode everywhere. And then, I was a teen. My friends got cars. I got a car. I stopped riding.

Some years later, I bought a Wal-Mart special bike in order to ride a 24 mi round trip trail with a friend. It was an awful experience. About 10 mi in, **** rolled straight down hill. I bent the fork, broke a brake, and finally popped the tire and bent its frame. I felt like my weight played a very big factor in the bike's failure, and I probably only weighed 290 lbs back then. I haven't thought about bicycling until moving to Eugene, OR.

After packing on 80 lbs while running through a few full food service jobs, I now work somewhere where junk food isn't available to me at every turn. I stay more active; my job has me manually moving roughly 10000 lbs, 30-60 lbs at a time, all day long. I eat better; but I think it's time to find my love for biking, once again.

I'm torn between the idea of getting something that adequately gets me on the road and riding, and finding the bike I 100% truly love and want. I'm lead to believe I'm looking for a 29 in mountain bike. I absolutely love fat bikes, but I'm assuming their size and weight makes them awful commuters. Am I too big to ride on road tires? How about hybrid bikes? I see a lot of aluminum and titanium frames, do they make steel frames? I am very willing to sacrifice weight for durability. What brands are reputable? For frames? Gears? Chains? Brakes? Parts? Tires? What should I avoid?

I also don't mind opening a book and turning a wrench. Are there any recommendations for resources for a beginner to bicycle mechanics?

Basically, where do I start?

Thanks in advance for any helpful input.

cobba

https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdale...-200-lb-91-kg/

HauntedMyst

The link cobba provided will provide plenty of info but a good bike shop will be the best help to you in finding you the right ride. Most bike shop bikes and equipment are reputable. In short, no, you aren't too heavy to ride road tires since there are many different types. The wheels are more of an issue but a set can be purchased or built that will accommodate you. 40 spoke tandem/touring wheels will suit you and wear well. Surly makes some great steel bikes. One of mine is a cargo bike called a Surly Big Dummy that can accommodate up to 450 pounds rider/cargo yet it rides surprisingly smoothly.

BobbyG

Local bike shop. I also say don't worry so much about finding a bike you love; but do find a bike you like. After riding for a few months you will learn what you like and better understand what you desire. The next bike...that will be the bike you will love. In the meantime...go, Go, GO! You will rediscover your inner 14 year old bike-rider...I did!

Little Darwin

At about your weight, back in 2013 I bought a Giant Sedona DX, and other than a broken spoke once, and switching to a rigid fork, the bike lasted as my primary rider off and on for 10 years. I am still over 300.

I have made a few small tweaks recently, and it is still my backup bike and loaner. There are many other bikes that would do just as well.

I agree tht C&A will be the best place to get info concerning bikes for large riders... and support no matter what you chose to buy.