Originally Posted by
RANDYF
Hello everyone..
I just turned 65, I am 5'9" and weigh 288 lbs. My inseam is 30 inches. Quite frankly I have not ridden that much since my teens. I do have a 3 wheeled bike, that I inherited from my 92 year old father when he passed. I ride it some, but I would like to find a two wheeled bike, perhaps a hybird or trail bike or maybe even a fat tire bike. That would hold my weight. Obviously I would like to lose the weight by riding. I would prefer the bike to be in the $500 range. Any suggestions as far as frame size and type. Any info would be helpful.
At 288#, you can ride any bike out there. The trick is to find wheels for the bike that would support your weight without having issues. And a bike with 28/32 spokes on f/r will probably suit you, if the wheels are well-built and tensioned.
Tell us more about what kind of riding you plan to do. Do you plan to do all of your riding on the road or paved MUT/MUPs? Do you have any good gravel trails around you that you want to ride? Do you live at the end of a dirt road that doesn't get much maintenance? All of these will influence what suggestions you get. As far as frame size and type go, you really need to visit a LBS to determine what size bike is good.
Also, how is your balance? A lot of cyclists start to transition to recumbents in their 60's or 70's so that they can keep riding without having to worry about crashes as much. Also, what shape are your back and neck in? That will influence the type of bike that you need.
Also, it helps to know your location so people can point out good LBSs near you or good used bikes in your area.
GH