Hi all, very new to the world of cycling and had some questions I was hoping could be answered. I am 6'5 weigh 270 and have 38-39" arms. I have lost 20lbs in 4 weeks doing stationary via a rehab session and a radical change in lifestyle and eating habits. I am looking to continue my riding on the light trails in my area and possible some light roadwork when evening time permits. Nothing to heavy or serious. I am planning/hoping to loose about another 70lbs over the course of the year. My question is what should I look for that will fit my height/weight/armlength in a bike and should I look to a mountain bike or a hybrid?

The answer to your first question is YES!

Visit LBS and review their inventory and their advise on offerings that WILL fit you, but be cautious, review the stock and make certain the frame offered is largest available if it feels tight.

MTB or Hybrid, that is your call. MTB can be fitted with 26" or 29" tires, depending on make, and besides the usual knobby tires, slick type tires are also available to be fitted if riding will be on pavement more than dirt trails.

Hybrids often are fitted with 700 size tires, widths vary depending on the bike type, road type hybrids may have 28 mm widths, and other styles fitted with wider widths with 35 and 38 widths somewhat common from my looks. My hybrid a Crossroads Spot, is fitted with 38 width, tread design tires, (not knobby).

I am 6'4" and in your weight class, (276#), and my ride is comfortable for me on paths and also have a older Schwinn road bike with sturdy steel frame for smooth pavement.

My two sons, are a little larger both 6' 6" and have opted for MTB style, selecting Giant Yukon with disc brakes. Both thought they had 2XL frames, but the newer one (blue) is 2XL, the other (black) is one size smaller (thought to have been largest frame in 2007), but is a little smaller upsetting the older son. Both of these boys top out at firm 300#s..

I will include pics for reference.

Congratulations on progress and commitment to make changes, a great start.

What type of riding will you be doing? I ended up getting a hybrid because i knew i would not be doing any off road riding and i'm very glad I did. I really like the extra speed i get out of the more road dedicated tires (700x28 tires)

when you talk to your LBS tell them where you are riding. Most likely htey will know the paths you are actaully riding and give you a recommendation on the type of bike that will best suit you.

one caveat. a Mounting bike can go on the raod albeit at a slower pace a road bike cannot go on the off road path.

If you are looking to ride a combination of road and dirt you might consider a cyclocross.

Mostly light trail riding with occasion road rides. Nothing very serious, weekends and a few evenings a week to get started. And what is the difference between a hybrid and a cyclocross bike?

Cyclocross looks similiar to a road bike with the drop bars. Larger tires, etc. make it a bit more sturdy and able to go off-road as well as on.

Hybrids come with both 26" tires (usually fatter tires) or 700c tires (35c, 38c, or higher) tires. I'd ride both and see which one gives you "that feel". YOu may also want to dump the suspension seatpost, test it and see if you want it.

YOu have hybrids that are more flat-bar road bikes (Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX series, Giant FCR series are examples) or more comfort hybrids (Trek Navigator, etc.).

Pictures now included...