GeoGoGo

Hello Everyone!


My name is George and I just joined the forum. I just recently lost my job and have decided to put my free time to good use by getting off the couch and on a bike! LOL! I need some recommendations on choosing a bike.


I am a big guy, 6' 360 pounds and am concerned about finding a bike that would be a good fit and most importantly, will support my weight safely. I have looked at the offerings from all the big box stores but I don't feel they would hold to a rider of my size. I have not ridden a bike in probably 30 years. I have done some research on Google and I think I am looking for something in a mountain bike, hybrid, or cruiser.


I live in a rural area and will be doing mainly pavement riding with some occasional light off roading and trail riding. I am trying to keep it under $400 and am not adverse to buying used. I assume a bike built for larger people will have the accompanying higher price.


I would love to hear any ideas, suggestion, thoughts, or opinions. Thank you all for the time! Have a great weekend!




Respectfully,
George D.

robynjt

I'm no help at all, but came to post that my fiance is 6' and also 350# and looking with the same questions! A bit higher budget BUT wondering is a hybrid a possibility at all? He liked the ride of the Norco Indie 3 compared to the Scott Aspect 730. Is a mtn bike a better bet with the thicker tires? We went to a bike shop and the guy was SUPER helpful, but directed us to the mountain bike only (which is also above our budget) and stayed away from the hybrids. The next shop didn't seem nearly as helpful regarding issues for bigger riders and long term maintenance, but said there would be no issues on a hybrid like the Norco.

Not meaning to sidetrack, but didn't want to post the EXACT same question!

SquidPuppet

Max capacity = 400lbs.

Cruiser style. $379.00


Husky Bicycles HUSKY 26" Industrial Bicycle Model HD-120

Jstan84

Check out the specialized Sirrus. I got mine at 360lbs and love it. Has 32 spoke wheels with double walls 32mm road tires, and a fairly upright riding position. Designed more for fitness and performance than a comfort hybrid. Spending a bit more will get you disc brakes which is worth it in my opinion

bigbiker1

Very similar situation I was in back in late May. I have been out of work for the best part of two years now and back in late May I decided I had to start exercising again and decided to get into biking. My father gave me some great advice and I will pass it on. If you are going to do it, do it right, jump in with both feet. Get a nice bike, certainly not a department store bike and I would up your budget a bit if you want to go new. There are some great hybrid bikes in the $600-700 range that are lighter and easier to ride then the entry level bikes. If you can't raise your budget, then find a mid level used bike. Make SURE its the right size, a good LBS can help you with what size bike you need, even if you don't end up buying a new bike from them. When you do find a bike also buy at least one pair of padded shorts and a jersey or a good moisture wicking shirt. Also make sure you get a comfortable helmet and do-rag (LOVE my Halo!!) and good fitting gloves. All this will make the riding more pleasant, the more pleasant it is the more likely you are to stick with it.

I went with a Jamis DXT Comp ($650) and the only issue I have had with my weight (I started at over 380lbs) was broken spokes on the rear wheel and I had to upgrade to a heavy duty one. Nothing else has had any issues with the extra weight and I have over 800 miles on the bike now.

Good luck!

Staypuft1652

Not to hijack thread, but what year sirrus? I have a 99 I think that has similar specs. Nice to know it can take the weight.

Aahzz

I'm pretty much exactly your size, and I LOVE my Trek FX2. It's handled my weight quite well and I'm approaching 500 miles on it (471 as of today). I've had one broken spoke, but it was after I was forced off a path and had to jump a steep curb, so I doubt it would have happened otherwise. I've tweaked/accessorized it a bit for comfort, so I've sunk some more cash into it. If your LBS (Local Bike Shop, in case you didn't know since you're new) has a 2017 left they're marked down to $400, otherwise they go a bit over your base budget at $469, I believe, for the 2018.

I agree with Bigbiker1 that you need to remember some good bike shorts (aerotech desings online sells big guy sizes that actually fit), a jersey or wicking shirt (I use Russel brand wicking shirts from Walmart, they go about $10), a decent helmet and some good gloves. I have ongoing wrist issues from years in IT, so I use weightlifting gloves with wrist support.

Jstan84

I have the 2017 Sirrus sport. The noticeable difference from the lowest version are the disc brakes, carbon for, and 2x9 drive train. You may need the smaller ring where you are but I live in southeast Louisiana where an overpass is a mountain.

Staypuft1652

LOL. Yea I can relate. I am originally from FL, so when I moved to ND the small hills around here were like mountains to me. I never use the small chainring on any of my bikes though, so I would do fine with a double, but mine is a 3 x 8.

NYMXer

Get a decent hardtail mountain bike, take the knobby tires off and replace them with something around a 38mm street tire.
Now go ride as much as you can, watch what you eat and walk when you don't ride. Learn to ride longer, then faster and things will fall into place and take care of themselves.
Good luck

DarkMonohue

Hi George,

I am far from an expert, but these key points all point toward a mountain bike:

• 360 lbs: need something robust, with heavy-duty components
• Haven't ridden in many years: need something with a more open, relaxed riding position
• Occasional light off-road use: again, robust construction and heavy-duty components

I ride an old rigid Trek mountain bike with road tires, and it works really well for 95% paved paths and 5% light off-road use. I don't abuse the bike, but I did want something tough that it wouldn't fold up like a wet washcloth if I drop off a curb now and then.

With a $400 budget, and with only occasional and light off-road use, a solid frame and fork would probably be great. Again, I'm not an expert, but what I've read around here is that you really have to spend some money to get a good suspension fork, and that it will be of no benefit for most people on paved surfaces. That's fine - you can disregard the suspension fork bikes and concentrate on older, less expensive bikes with solid forks. You may even come in under budget, in which case you can set the leftover cash aside for the inevitable tune-ups and maintenance items.

At 6' tall, you'll be looking for a fairly large frame. Around here, it seems the used market is divided into two camps. There are higher-end bikes built for larger riders, and department-store bikes built for smaller riders. My theory is that many people who are just starting out are more likely to buy lower-end bikes and are more comfortable on smaller frames. The point is that I see a lot of neat used bikes that would never fit me (at 5'7"), but would probably be great for you.

What part of the world are you in - i.e. where are you shopping?

GeoGoGo

Thank you all for the input, everyone! I look forward to learning all that I can from all of you!

GeoGoGo

Hey Dark! Thanks for the information. I am from upstate New York. Just outside of Albany which is about 160 miles north of NYC.


I feel like I am definitely leaning towards a mountain bike. I have been seeing a lot of mentions about Trek and the Specialized Sirrius and will be looking deeper into them.


Thank you again! I really appreciate the information! Have a great evening!




Respectfully,
George D.

GeoGoGo

Aahzz,


On your recommendation, I have been researching the Trek FX2. Beautiful bike but their website states that it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. How accurate are the weight ratings? Do you feel at all uneasy about exceeding the capacity?


Thank you, again!

Aahzz

I did see that, but I bought at a Trek store, and the people there assured me I'd have no issues with it. I think the limits are mainly for lawyers...

GeoGoGo

Awesome! Good to know!

Aahzz

I would add, try not to jump curbs or do really rough riding on it - it holds me just fine while I stay to paved roads/trails, and REALLY light off-road. I regularly ride some construction zones that have rocks/dirt in the road. If you want hard off-roading/jumping/etc, then it might not be your bike

GeoGoGo

No hard offroading for me!

Aahzz

Me either! I did another nice 20 mile ride on a paved trail today, and enjoyed every freaking minute

chewdip

Ok I am at 400 lbs. Heavy like you GeoGoGo

I been poking around for a bike and this is what I am looking at. Please let me know if these are good bikes.

Giant Sedona ST

I read that 36/40 spoke is ideal.
wide rims
38 tires ( not sure what that means)


other Bikes would be
Kona Hoss
Trek SU 200
Trek 7200

if any one has a suggestion for me ,it would help.
Good luck George, I am happy you made this thread !

Aahzz

OK, so I may have to qualify my recommendation - discovered 2 broken spokes when I went to ride this morning, am thinking I need to buy a stronger rear wheel.

ier

yo! i was literally JUST in this predicament like 2 weeks ago (except it had only been 25 years and i'm 5'10ish)

i ended up with a trek verve 3 - i talked to the guy at the bike shop extensively about it, especially the capacity, and he said it would be fine. even if i end up doing something to the frame, he said he's never had trek or any other company ask "how heavy was the rider" or anything like that.

I haven't been riding it too long but it definitely feels solid for a 360 lb dude. the only issue i have is that i am really rusty and get nervous sometimes. I live in a city though and there are a lot of people, cars, dogs, etc around my neighborhood.

GeoGoGo

Awesome! Thank you all for the input!

GeoGoGo

My pleasure, Chew! I am in the same boat as you. Us big boys need to stick together! Good luck with your search as well. I will report back anything I find out!

DarkMonohue

Hey George,

It looks like you haven't posted since this thread petered out. What ever happened? Did you end up finding a bike you liked?