Originally Posted by
breakwater
Thanks for your insight. The salesperson was kind of young, but said he'd been there for a while. He was quite patient, but he was definitely recommending MTB. Based on what I learned on here, I think I need to really focus on the back wheel, so I've been asking about them. It might be a mental thing, but I do like the look of the wider wheels.
In other news, I learned Performance Bikes is owned by Fuji bikes (I am sure this is not news to most on here). As many bike shops are, they are discounting the 2017s to bring in the 2018s. They apparently are going to stop selling GTs and Diamondbacks after they get rid of their 2017 inventory, so those may be a bit more discounted than normal if anyone is interested.
At a different LBS, a gentleman was recommending a hybrid by KHS. He was quite patient and explained a lot of things to me, but had a very limited selection to show me. I'll be going to two other shops tomorrow, so I'm hoping to have a bit more success. I'm also hoping to see some of the Giant bikes in person tomorrow.
1.heavier riders might need to buy a stronger back wheel. No big deal. Just budget for it. You might need a wheel that is a few gms heavier than something someone half your weight might ride, but you can make some of that weight up going to lighter folding bead tires.
2. Get over your preference for wide mountain style tires. When I see a bike with super wide tires, I see myself struggling to get over hills or maintain a speed faster than 11 mph. Wider is better to a point, but that point is narrower than you think.
In general, I am no weight weenie but this is an area where it actually matters. Consider thus. Super skinny 23 mm racing tires weigh around 200 gms. Wider 28 mm to 32 mm commuting tires with puncture protection weigh 300 to 400 gms. Super bomb proof Schwalbe marathon tires you might take on an unsupported world tour weigh about 500 to 600 grams. 29 X 2.2" mountain tires weigh 800 to 1,000 gms a piece. That is an extra 1.4 to 1.5 kg of rolling weigh on the outside of the rims, which is the place you will most feel extra weight.
3. Don't worry about inventory. If a bike shop only has one bike, but it is the right bike for you, buy it.