HickorySmokes

Hey everyone.
So I have decided to get into cycling to get into shape. I am 6'2 and 275 pounds and I am looking to buy a bike to start out on over the summer, mostly for trail riding (nothing to serious) and just commuting and riding around my town.
The bike I was looking at was an old diamondback topanga. My problem is that I am really strapped for cash in this tough time, so for now, I really can't spend as much as I would want to on a bike. I found this online and I want to know if this would be a good place to start for me.
Here is a picture of the frame and fork, any input would be really helpful, Thanks a lot.

chewybrian 

You left out the most important part--the wheels. Look for heavy duty wheels; 36 spokes if possible. If you're big, wheels are easy to break, and expensive to replace. Also, make sure it fits you. Try this link, and good luck.

flip18436572

THe frame looks really small for 6'2"

HickorySmokes

Alright, thanks for the help, I just heard back from the seller, he said it was a 21" frame, and it wheels it will come with are 36 spoke

Mr Danw

How much is the asking price? Plan on having a bike shop tune it up. Usually about fifty dollars. 21" frame should be ok for your height and the pic looks like there's plenty seat post to spare if you need more.

HickorySmokes

The total package including the wheels will be a total of $110, it seems like a good deal to me, just from what I have seen looking around the internet

laura*

That doesn't look like a 21" frame. I have an old no-suspension Diamond Back flat top bar MTB. It is a 21". My bike's seat tube looks much longer than the one in the picture. Make sure the seller is measuring the frame's seat post tube, and not the top tube. Judging by the length of the saddle in the picture, it looks like the top tube might be 21". That would make this a tiny bike.

cyccommute 

I agree with laura*. That bike looks like it's a 15"...17" tops. That's way too small for someone 6'2". Take a tape measure with you and measure the frame from the middle of the crank set to the middle of the top tube before you buy it. That's the length of the seat tube and the size of the bike. A 21" mountain bike frame is what you want. Don't settle for anything smaller or you'll regret it.

HickorySmokes

Alright, Yeah, that bike is way too small. Thanks for the help. I am looking at a GT Avalanche 3.0 now, any thoughts?

dbikingman

If the GT fits, is in good shape, at a good price and it gets you riding then it's a good deal. Most any MTB will support you and do what you want. Once you have ridden through the summer and get in shape you will know what you want to spend your money on for your next bike.

And welcome to the group.

HickorySmokes

Thanks for the help everyone. I went to a bike shop and got fitted. Turns out I have a pretty small inseam for a 6'2 person, so they recommended I try an L size frame as opposed to an XL frame, and that worked out great. I got the Avalanche and I love it. Should be going on a ride around parts of Lake Champlain this weekend with some friends. Thanks again everybody.

SmokedDeathDog

It is great to get your first bike to get in some fitness. It is even better to get a bike that fits!

cyccommute 

Vermont side or New York? I loved the ride from Burlington out on the Causeway to the Gap. Coolest ride anywhere

HickorySmokes

Burlington, I go to school up there, looks like the weather is going to be good this weekend, looking forward to it!

Neil_B

Pictures of the bike, please, or the Three Horsemen of Team Clydesdale will come for you. (There are only three of us because no one wanted to be Famine.)

w00die

hey Historian, if I was closer I'd be Famine. Thats perfect for someone trying to loose 70-100lbs right

HickorySmokes - Congrats on the new ride and desire to get healthier.

cyccommute 

Now that you have a mountain bike, make sure you ride around in the Intervale. I used to work at the McNeil power station off Riverside and Intervale Rd. and would ride through up to Colchester and then back around the south edge of Mallet's Bay over to Susy Wilson Rd. just to get some miles in.

If you want a really cool mountain bike ride (lots of road but the end of the ride is nice), start at Old Stage Rd and Center Rd. Ride out to Brigham Hill Road at Pages Corners, turn left. Follow Brigham Hill Road to Brigham Hill Ln (about 2.5 miles) and take a right. Brigham Hill Ln is a somofabeechin' steep hill but keep going. When you get to the end of the road there is a trial filled will baby heads that takes you down to Indian Brook Res. Poke around there for hours of fun.

wrk101

+1 Original bike posted way too small.

Also, you should look for a rigid fork bike. Suspension forks are made for riders weighing 150 pounds or so. If that is your weight, great. Otherwise, not a good idea.

cyccommute 

Stock shocks are made for light weights but many of them can be adjusted by changing the spring or adding air depending on the shock. Been using shocks for many, many years and they function as advertised. The more you spend, the more adjustable the shock is, however.