An unimpressive LBS visit
 

So, I'm at the stage where I am trying to research the bike I want to buy. I know a bit as I used to ride constantly in my younger days but it's been 20 years since I had a proper bike. That is I used to know a bit - but know little about the new fangled tech. The other new thing for me is that I don't really know if my current weight is an issue. I've always been on the big boned side anyway....never less than 180 as an adult even when I was really fit (ran a marathon) but now I am almost 280.

This afternoon I was out and about and passing one of the three local bike shops and noticed it was actually open - I thought all three were closed Sundays - so I went in.

So, I say hi and say I want to get back into road cycling and ask if my weight is a consideration. I also note they only have three road bikes and they are all Trek's. It turns out they only have Trek's. Anyway the guy seems to have no clue about my weight question (despite not being exactly slim himself!), and he thumbs through catalogs and on the computer for what seemed ages but still couldn't offer any kind of advice as to whether my kind of weight is a consideration for his three single make bikes! In the end I just said, well thanks for your help and exited.

Guess that's one place I can mark off my list :)

We live in strange times. Stores take the trouble to be open on Sunday, but no one wants to take your money. I have never understood that. Go figure.

Much like people who advertise stuff on Craigslist,, then dodge your calls like you're annoying them or something. Why did you put up an ad if you don't really to sell the damned thing?

you need to find a shop that has stock more than 3 bikes, odds are one of them won't fit you or your budget.

most modern Frames will hold your weight, wheelset may not, so keep that in mind that any bike you select will need a wheel upgrade pending on budget and how many times you want to break spokes on the stock parts.

bikes fits like shoes, some shoe brands wont' work for you, some model won't. More you try out the better. Or you can just get the one you like looks the best. Usually works for me

Well, slightly off topic for this forum https://www.bicycling.com/health-nut...ness-benefits/ They also have a review of a Tern folding cargo bike with a rated weight limit of 400lbs.

What they others have said; figure out what you'll want to ride and just do it ;> If you break spokes, upgrade the wheelset, etc ;>

Personally, I'm a destination rider, so I needed kit that I could commute to work and shop with ... ;>

If you've got the internet, then there really aren't many excuses these days. In my general experience, most people in retail of any kind are far less helpful than say 10 years ago. I hear the phrase "(shop name) where service is just a word" spoken far too often these days. Added to that, so many are pushing floor stock whether it be the correct choice or not.

Find out what brands are available to you in your shopping radius. Check out those brand websites and also shop websites to see what fits your style and budget and what you like the look of. Get that shortlist and do like many many others have done and seek advice on here to narrow down the search some more. Then go and visit respective shops for a hands on and ride away happy.

At least he went looking for an answer and didn't make something up pretending to know when he didn't. I give points for that.

I think a lot of them places are staffed by non-cyclists and just regular joes trying to make a living. Like some retail electrical shops now. There are some amazing bike shops here in Ireland and some that I would refuse to go into because like that, they are manned by people that are just there to work and get paid. I would rather take the chance online and get a bike than go into one of these shops. Alternatively ask some local riders where they go. A cyclist will always know a good place to shop in or get work done in.

There is a lot you can do now to enable you to get a bike online. The price might be worth it. There are excellent fitting guides out there which should get you in the ball park of a nice fit.

British Cycling Fitting

Peter Whites Fitting Guide

Trek is a good brand to go to right now for Clydes. They run bontrager wheels on everything and bontrager has no weight restrictions on their wheelsets.

I had a Trek 1000 when I weighed more than you and it worked fine.
OC I have a 2005 CAAD R1000 wheels and I way 50lbs more than you right now and its working good. Just BE CAREFUL. No curb hopping, no high speed cobblestone racing. I am aiming to get down to were you are now in a year.

I have had a lot of luck with "midsize" bike shops and shops that cater to women. They are better at listening than mega stores or small shops sometimes. Talk to someone who rides road bikes. A mountain biker wont know what you are looking for.

I generally wont buy a bike without riding it, unless I am sure I will like it. (like I have ridden a similar model in the past)

Good luck.