BigGuy305

I just want to get out and riding and lose some weight.

BigGuy305

Any other last minute advice before I go compare the 2 sizes? As far as frame I'm assuming the largest that I'm able to stand flat footed without the top bar ramming in to my crotch. And what about the handle bars as far as reach. I guess they are pretty similar as far as that goes. Any certain posture?

SethAZ 

The whole cross bar ramming into your crotch test is very outdated and not very useful. Obviously if it does ram you in the crotch that's problematic, but if it doesn't that doesn't mean it's the right size. Especially given compact frames and non-horizontal top tubes and whatnot it just doesn't very much at all.

I'll put in just a couple of cents' worth of my opinion here, with a $.02 off coupon, so you get it all for free.

If you're torn between two sizes, it's generally easier to adapt a frame to you that's too small than it is to shrink a bike to you if it's too large. A smaller frame can fit with things like a setback seat post, a longer stem, etc. If the frame is too large for you, you might find yourself uncomfortably stretched out with little recourse if, for instance, your set is already as forward as it will go and it's still not right, you're already using as short of a stem as possible and you're still too stretched out, etc. Also, things like short stems may have handling consequences that you might like less than the consequences of a longer stem.

You've got a good three inches on me so I can't really comment on what size you might need. All I can say is get a bike that you can ride around comfortably on at your weight (ie: things like your thighs aren't slamming into your gut with each pedal stroke), and get wheels built strongly enough (at your weight 36/36 spokes might not be as much as you should have, but may be the most you can easily find without going custom), and then get some very nice, wide road tires (assuming you're riding on the road) that will give you a smooth, comfortable ride.

I'm still working on my own weight and cycling. The cycling alone isn't going to burn off a lot of weight at first since your mileage won't be that incredibly high. Most of the weight loss is going to come from changes in diet. I'd say figure out what kind of diet will create a small daily caloric deficit, and then let the calories burned through cycling just add to that to increase the rate of weight loss.

BigGuy305

Thanks for the reply. So the reach distance thing for the handle bars is more of a personal preference on what's more comfortable then? I understand what you are Saying about making a smaller bike bigger. I don't want to shorten the reach and make it handle all squirley

starkmojo

I am riding 62cm Kona cross bike with commuter tires without issue. I do overinflate the tires about 20% and avoid potholes and curbs though. Itd not the most stylish ride but its fun.

KraneXL

The only bike that's going to stand up to that much weight at your budget is a beach cruiser. But to be honest it appears your issue is diet more than exercise. You need to reduce your weight to something reasonable first, then buy your bike.

starkmojo

As someone who is barely lighter than this guy, I say: Bite me.

You have no damn clue what is going on. I had an un-diagnosed medical issue that caused me to gain 100 lbs. So will certain medications. And no one.. NO ONE is too fat to ride. Yeah I look like Homer Simpson on a toy bike when I ride and I get passed by old ladies on tricycles but I feel great riding. Best part of my week, every week. I went from struggling on a two mile flat run when I started to climbing a 300 foot hill with 6% grade at 7MPH without stopping in two weeks.

OP: Get a bike, spend as much as you can reasonably afford; if you can stretch it to $900 go for it. Cross bikes are burly- mine hasn't taco-ed on me yet, just be careful. Get some XXXXL bibs to keep your ass covered (its what I do) for $20 on Amazon and rock that bike like you stole it! Every ride gets easier and HAVE FUN!

If you think a bike is expensive, check out the prices for insulin, cause thats where I was headed.

SEAJAYBIKE

Trek FX in some models come in 25". Great fit for 6-5. I think they can handle a 38mm tire. That should be an excellent exercise machine.
The newest Specialized Diverge will handle 40-42mm tires, is a beefy road bike that comes in a 64cm in a couple models.

Bontrager has some cycling clothing for bigger guys. I have seen men with size 52 suit jackets fit well in their XXL jerseys.