ryanedoyle

Greetings Ladies and Gents,

My name is Ryan and like many of the people who have landed on this page did so through my friend google. I have recently moved to the Mansfield, Texas area (just south of Fort Worth) and we are LOVING IT! I am 5' 7" 340 lbs and have been heavy all my life. My highest weight was about 450 but thanks to some good friends motivation I was able to loose a chunk of that. I bought my wife a cheap Walmart bike for mother day (stupid yes I know but I was ignorant) and a decent trailer to pull my 1 year old baby boy. After watching them ride a few weeks and knowing that I need get back on the weight loss wagon I figured I would go out and grab a bike. It would be fun to ride as a family and better yet teach our son that being active should be a part of his life.

Well after 4 days of reading EVERYTHING I could get my hands on I learnt that going out a grabbing a bike for someone my size was not quite as simple as I thought. I have read countless articles and threads on the web including many outstanding threads on these forums. One this I have seen is that people on this Clydesdale forum really know what they are talking about! Not to mention the support I have seen in this forum is amazing. I must have ready 100 "which bike is best for me at *** lbs" threads and I think my head is spinning more then it was.

I was able yesterday to visit two different bike shops in the area. Both bike shops had awesome employees who really took the time to explain some things to me and answer my questions. Its amazing how these people who run bike shops love the sport and are willing to share knowledge with you. One guy in Arlington actually spent 30 minutes giving me the history of how bikes progressed through different styles. I read quite a bit on this forum that I do not want to buy a bike with suspension of any kind. However ever bike these gentlemen recommended all had suspension in one way or another. They also assured be that besides blowing up spoke the bike will support me well. So I must admit I am a bit more confused then I was. Would any of you kind folks be so king as to provide some additional advice as well as give me your thoughts on the bikes below.

The first bike shop suggested that I ride a Jamis Citizen 3 bike. (2014 model on sale for $499.00)

https://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...4_citizen3.pdf

The second bike shop suggested the Trek Shift 4 (2015 model $699.99)

Shift 4 - Trek Bicycle

I have also ready on many threads that I should buy a bike on craigslist but with my limited knowledge of bikes I find this very difficult to choose one and know I am getting what I paid for.

Any other bike models I should be looking at? I plan on riding mostly paved roads and paved trails. Do not plan on doing any offroad and at the moment don't plan on doing any super long distance road riding. When I loose weight and am ready for a road bike I can invest more money into that then.

Any help, thoughts, suggestions, comments, complaints would be greatly appreciated!

dr_lha

Looking those two bikes, the Shift looks to be a more "relaxed" geometry, in that it looks to be designed to be pedals with your feet forward, which means you'll be comfortable on it with your feet flat on the floor. Other than that they're pretty similar bike types. Honestly, I don't think suspension forks (or seat posts) are a good idea for heavier riders, as you'll just bottom them out, but they do lock out typically so that's good. I can tell you that the Shift is a very popular bike for those on here >300lbs. The Citizen looks like a good deal though coming in $200 less with very similar components, and Jamis are a great brand IMHO.

You should test ride these two bikes and see what you like. You might want to try stepping up to hybrid bikes that have rigid forks as well, like a Trek 7.3 or Jamis Coda.

ryanedoyle

Thank you very much dr_lha. I will be able to test ride quite a few bikes this weekend if it does not rain again. I am excited to see how they feel. For some reason all of the bike shops I go to keep referring me to the comfort hybrid bike that all have the suspension. The Jamis even has suspension under the seat which I am little worried about myself. I guess we will have to see.

dr_lha

Well I don't know about the Jamis, but the Trek is one of the few bikes rated for carrying riders >300lbs, so that's why they are likely pushing you towards it.

Regarding suspension in seatposts, the good news is that replacing a seatpost is cheap and easy!

Frogbutter 

I would still consider Craigslist. I did a quick and simple search of Dallas / Ft. Worth Craigslist / Bikes and saw a number of bikes that might fit your needs.
The "Specialized Expedition Comfort Commuter" listed May 20th is actually a Expedition Sport (check the pictures) Specialized Bicycle Components.
A full and extensive tune up at a LBS should run under $100. That's just one example.
This is just my humble opinion. And ya know what they say...Opinions are like bungholes, everybody has one. <----- Attempt at humor.

Welcome and my your rides be free from potholes!
-Cory

ryanedoyle

Thanks Cory I appreciate it very much! I contacted the owner of the bike. It looks like its the right size to fit my short legs. He said its 5 years old but I did some looking and I cant seem to find this color pattern above a 2004 bike. He also said that the bike is in good shape as well. The only thing I am a bit worried about is the front suspension. The only thin is by the time I but this bike, have it tuned up and fixed what needs to be fixed I might be at new bike price before I know it! I think I will run out and have a look at it just to see. Again I appreciate everyone's input!

Null66

You can't go wrong with either.

The health benefits of riding are astounding.

If you ride, the health care reduction pays for it many, many times over and the improved quality of life and smiles are FREE!