Originally Posted by Geezerdan

I weigh 280 and get on fine with an aluminum frame, used trek 7200 hybrid bike having 36 spokes each wheel, bought at lbs with new cassete, chain and tire for $280.00. Watching ads on line I recently got a used fuji touring bike that has a 40 spoke rear and 36 spoke front, steel frame. Needed some work, not quite done, will have about $400.00 in it pretty much rebuilt when done. I joined the bike co-op in my city for $35 and they held my hand on all work, got some parts free, learned a lot. If you have access to such a source I highly reccomend that path.