Bike recommendation for me
 

WOW! Welcome to the forum. Congrats on your loss. I can't be a lot of help on bike selection although there are many here that can and will.

I just read your post and had to say Good For You!

Hi, you have definitely come to the right place, these guys will keep you right!
Well done & good luck!

As long as your not looking at the super light racing bikes made of pure unobtainium®, most steel, aluminum and titanium frames will hold a considerable weight, some folks will tell you that carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CF) frames don't have major weight issues, the typical mens frame is a pair of triangles, the geometrically strongest shape there is. You should check with the manufacturer of any bicycle to see if there are weight limits, some have, some don't. A quick email to the manufacturer, will give you the answer.

Weight issues are normally wheels, you want wheels that have been hand tensioned and trued by a decent wheel builder. Stay away from bikes that have any kind of suspension, most suspensions are designed for fashion models, not real people. There are really 5 kinds of riding:

Probably the best place to start is the hybrid, they can be used for shorter road rides, and light off road, as you decide what kind of riding you want to do, then you can decide whether you want to go more road oriented or off road oriented. Probably more road riders in here then off road, but there are a few who do some off road.
Realise that one bike does not work for all purposes, and some have as many as 4 or 5 bikes.

They have the good old touring bike, for when they want to go long distances, carrying a tent and other camping gear for several day, and several hundred mile trips.

The have the road racing bike, for single day trips, when you want to go fast!!! Always get the red one, it's faster:D You don't want to start with one though, as they can be uncomfortable as a starting bike.

They have the hybrid for short trips, paths, and the like, probably the best bike to start with. As a first bike, stay away from any kind of suspension.

They have the old hard tail mountain bike, for light off road, and some light on road use, these bikes often have front suspension, I have one that is partly converted to a hybrid. If you have a lot of unpaved roads and trails around, that are not to bad, this is a good starting bike.

The full suspension bike, this is for what are called technical trails, where there are lots of rocks, roots, fallen trees, cliffs and other hazards that will tempt you to unplanned off bike experiences. I know of none of these bikes that are designed for someone over about 250lbs though, and that would be right at the weight limit.

Remember you need to also consider other things, when you get a bike, helmet, pump, patch kit, under saddle bag, bell, lights if you want to night ride. Consider a pair of bike shorts before too long, especially if you want to road ride any distance, and bike gloves. One other thing to consider, is a bike computer, these allow you to see how far you have ridden,

As for makes and models, you basically need to go to all the bike shops in your area, any where the staff point and snicker, walk out, they don't want your business. Shops where the staff want to be helpful, that is where you want to shop, try all the makes and models you can, one bike will feel comfortable from the start, it will "talk" to you, it will plead with you to take it home, it will gently call you from the garage to add a few more miles to it. Okay, so maybe your first ride is around the block, it's a start, with the right bike, you will want to roll up the miles. Before long, your looking at how your current bike isn't comfortable on trips longer then 50 miles, then you start looking for a longer distance (road or touring) bike. Then it hits you, 50 miles, gee I remember when 5 blocks was a major accomplishment. Then you realise another thing, we, your C&A friends, gave you that same cheer at 5 blocks as we did at 5 miles, 15 miles, 25 miles....

Heck, I'll give ya the first cheer, right here right now, for considering the bicycle as a preferred form of fitness :cheers:

Now MY bike is calling ME!!!!!

Hello and welcome to the forums. There doesn't seem to be much I can add to Wogsters post, but I would like to say hi and wish you the best. I can say this, do not let yourself be intimidated by the mileage that some folks here post about. Don't be ashamed if your first few times out riding you struggle to log a mile. Heck even if you only make it to the end of the driveway and back you still would have got more cardio exercise than most people do all week. Try not to get ahead of yourself, take things slow and let your body adjust.

Other than that, you are now officially required post pictures of your bike (when you do decide on one) and share your adventures with us. Seriously, it helps to keep the regular posters and lurkers motivated.

Bau

Definitely.

Welcome aboard :)

Id say, the best advice anyone can give you, at the point, is dont set your gaols for yourself too high. I just started riding a week ago myself, after being off for almost 10yrs. that first mile (around the block) was a real PITA and i just about fell over when i got home LOL

But now a week later, I'm going farther, I feel better, and I am enjoying it more.

If you are attracted to cruisers for their looks and stability, you have lots of choices. You might also consider the crank forward (pedals are in a more forward position in relation to the seat) bikes. Trek Pure, Giant Suede, KHS Smoothie, K2 Big Easy, Electra Townie, etc. are some choices. You are closer to the ground, sit more upright, yet still feel like you have room in front to stretch out a little. As you look at bikes and test ride, notice how high up the handlebars are in relation to the seat. Happy shopping and don't feel intimidated asking for test rides!

Also, the stock seats suck, so be prepared to spend a lil more for a bigger seat. The stock seat on my Trek 4300 sucks in my opinion.