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Lots of advice - new biker

Old 05-11-08, 08:14 PM
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Lots of advice - big guy, new biker, looking for bike

I'm a converted runner - can no longer run due to excessive wear on cartillage, so I'm switching to biking. I'm a big guy (6'7", about 250 ) and had an old Schwinn Probe MTN bike I've hated since I bought it 20 years or so ago. Recently sold, and bought an old Varsity - weighs about as much as me, but I love biking on it now. I also know that if I upgrade, I'll love it even more, something in the sub 100 pound category would feel particularly speedy, I'm sure.

I'll use it primarily for commuting (about 25 miles RT) 2-3 times a week. I haven't "new" bike shopped for 20 years - the options are a bit overwhelming. I should be easy to please, since I'm relatively satisfied with the (old, heavy ) varsity. But don't want to have to buy a bike twice to get it right. I'm also not particularly handy with bikes, although interested in tinkering and upgrading as needed.

Does my size indicate a certain style of bike, or frame? Aluminum or Steel? road bike, touring bike, or cyclocross? (I hate the mtn bike style). Any thoughts or comments on this? I'm really trying to keep costs under 1200 - I've looked at (briefly) Surly Cross Check, Long Haul Trucker, Motebecane Fantom, Kona Jake, hard to find one in my size (probably 61cm) to testride to compare, and dont have enough experience in saddle to really notice a difference I'm afraid.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Last edited by dleogallag; 05-11-08 at 09:20 PM. Reason: Changing Title
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Old 05-12-08, 07:11 AM
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Hello dleogallag, do check in with the Clydesdales/Athenas forum. They are the experts on bikes for big folks, no matter what intended use you have for your riding.


Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill

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Old 05-12-08, 08:46 AM
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A lot of people on these forums would be glad to weigh only 250 pounds. Most bikes will handle your weight.

You can get longer seat posts and extensions for the steerer tube. If the top tube is a little short because you could not get a big enough frame, you can use a longer stem to make up the difference. If you had two or three times the price you said is your limit, you could have Rivendell build a custom frame for you.

Welcome to the forum. Cycling is easier on the knees than running.
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