Originally Posted by
Little Darwin
Welcome!
You can also feel free to post in the Clydesdale and Athena forums for great help with us larger riders.
I weigh over 300 pounds, so even though your experiences may differ, what I will suggest will potentially do well for you.
#1 Don't buy that bike....
I am not against Walmart bikes for those who have no way to afford better, but even if you buy from there, do NOT buy a bike with full suspension... and I actually suggest avoiding bikes with even suspension forks. The reasons are:
1) Cheap bikes have cheap suspension. You will bottom it out or break it.
2) They don't absorb shocks as much as they absorb energy.
I currently ride a 2011 Trek 7.3 FX that I bought used about a year and a half ago for $200 and along with the beefier wheels I bought, it has lasted me well, with most of my riding being on gravel.
I would suggest looking for used bikes if you are on a limited budget. I see you have 2 posts, if your other is in the C&A forum, I suspect that is the better place to hold this discussion.
You will potentially have to look for a while to find a used bike sized right for you, but it is probably the best use of money.
If you must buy from a big box store, I would definitely look for a different bike than the one you posted here.
You beat me to telling him all this!
Just to add, you can find used bikes in this price range of around $250 that would last you much longer than this Iron Horse. If you really would like a new bike, I suggest bikesdirect for that price range. They would have better bikes than Wal Mart.
I too am a big guy, still a bit over 300 pounds. This Iron Horse would not hold me. If Wal Mart brands are what you want, do not get a suspension bike from them. Get a non suspension bike.
But I too highly suggest being able to ride and test the bike before buying it. Where buying used makes sense since others will most likely let you test ride the bikes.