BooUrns

Hi,

I'm interested in getting back into riding to shed some weight (worked quite well in the distant past). I'm 6'8" & 390lbs, apparently we're called Clydesdales now...

I'd like some suggestion for an entry level mountain bike that would get me up and going in the short term. I can invest in a better bike down the road, just need to get going without crushing a bike/injuring myself in the process.

The last bike I had (15yrs ago) was a modded Raleigh, extended fork & seat posts over 26" tires. Couldn't even tell you the frame size but I always felt like I was on a platform way above a bike. I don't think an extended seat post will survive my weight anymore so going with a regular frame is out.

There isn't much in the area for used and I'm not really sure what fits these days and can handle the weight. There is also my concern that a unsuitable bike will put me off getting back into riding.

Local examples found so far:

Trek MN7300 Hybrid men's bike | mountain | Edmonton | Kijiji

XXL Specialized Crosstrail EN14764 Multi Use Bicycle | mountain | Edmonton | Kijiji


I'm trying to keep this on a low budget, I don't have $2k to drop into a top of the line ride.

Thx

bassjones

6'8" is going to be a challenge. Best bet might be a mid-80s road bike with a 27" frame. Schwinn Varsity or something like that.

illusiumd

Before I got into road bikes I road a Trek 4500 24". I enjoyed it very much. I'm 6'6"

Rotten

I am a 6'3" 280lb rider who just in the last few months returned to 'serious' riding. I currently ride a Surly Karate Monkey that I built from the frame up. I built it after I went through three other bikes first of which was a big box 29er, then a classic 10 speed i upgraded to 14 speed with brifters, then a Cannondale Trail SL4 I picked up at a bargain from a friend who rode it twice and put it away.

I know how it is to want to do this on a budget but please dont do what I did. You will end up with a bike that just doesnt feel right and you will either not ride it or you will have to acquire anotherbike. My KM is incredibly comfortable and sturdy and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

You should take a serious look at the Surly Ogre which has the same basic geometery as the KM but is offered in an XXL size (the KM only goes to XL). If you are truly committed to riding make the investment and save yourself a ton of headaches.

BooUrns

What didn't work with the Cannondale Trail? I came across one in town that seemed to have a sturdy frame. 2014 Cannondale Trail 29 6 | Components and Reviews

I also looked at a Trek X Caliber with 23" and a Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29 .

The Cannondale has the best pricepoint and feels like a bigger bike. The XXL Rockhopper in a 22" frame still felt small.

bassjones

22" is way too small. Try to find a 25". Minimum.