jkcal436

I am a BIG guy. 6' 5" tall and 325lbs.

Before I got so big, I use to cycle all the time. The wife and kids all have bikes and I want to cycle with them. Just touring through the neiborhood and riding around the park. I would also like to use it for exercise.

I dont think a bike from Wal-Mart is going to cut it.

I would like to buy a bke that will accomodate me for around $300. Is that doable?

Thanks for looking at my post.

Joel

Tom Stormcrowe

To hit the $300 or less price point, you're going to have to shop used......

A bit over that price point and you could look at the Specialized Hard Rock Sport. Put some Pavement slicks on it, and you'll have a pretty good urban assault bike.

Pamestique 

Joel - I hate to say it but $300 wouldn't even buy a WalMart bike anymore.

I think Tom's right - look at something like Craig's List or through your local bike clubs and try and buy a good bike used. I just bought a partically new bike with all ultegra components for $150 (I think retail for the bike is $1500)! Such a deal. They are out there if you keep looking. You might like for a Surly or Gunnar cross bike while you are looking.

jkcal436

What about a Sirrus XL for $250 USED?

Tom Stormcrowe

If it fits, yeah, It would do the job. The Alex wheels with 32 spokes are a bit light, and will eventually need to be upgraded, but that's not unsurmountable. Down the road, upgrade to a set of Deep V's from Velocity or Weinmann deep profile 36 spokers, hand built, and I think you'd be very happy with it.

Big Biker

i had a trek 1200 from about 1990 with deep Vs, im 6'8 and 320 lbs. that bike would probably have fit you just right, it was a tad small for me.

but they are around. its out of your shopping range, but i just found and bought a Fuji Rubaix RC in a 64. but its 1500 bucks so.... yeah. but the bikes ARE out there. just have to look.

BigPolishJimmy

I'm 6'4" and 280+-ish I wouldn't hesitate to jump on an xmart cruiser or mountain bike providing you don't actually try to ride it offroad or take it over any sweet jumps. Keep in mind this would be a transitional ride while you look for something better. Summer is in full swing so buy that $150.00 xmart piece of crap and get riding with your family while there's still time. I just fixed up a Magna to give to a friend who is near 400 and the bike did not creak or groan under his weight, but again we rode on nice pavement without curb-hopping or other taxing activities. If you get the bike and realize it's too small, and you will, spring for the $20.00 tall stem at the local bike shop and then get new cables $5.00 at walmart if you need them. Then because of your height--like me--you'll probably need to order a layback seat post ($15-20.00) from the bike shop and a shim($5.00) to get it to fit in where your old bike seat post went. Meanwhile read the current and back posts on the Classic forum to see what people like and to educate yourself about older bikes and their value. And finally check the local bike shops and ask about used bicycles, you may find something in your size for a reasonable price. If I had looked there first I could have scored an old Fuji road bike for around $120.00 but would still have had to install the taller stem and new cables.

CollectiveInk

One thing to consider is model closeouts.

I'm 6'1" and down to 269 (was 325 less than a year ago). I got a Trek 4300 for about 375 new.... and my son's was 300 new cuz it was a 2007 model, from our LBS.

Weight was a big concern for me too. Didn't want to have to take a broken bike in due to weight.

I was told most of the frames will hold up fine, it's the wheels and/or bearings that might have problems. So stick with higher spoke counts. (What I was told.)

Just my $.02

Tim

st0ut

why not a trek 820?

bab2000

Frame size is the first concern. If you place yourself on a bike that is not correct, you will not enjoy, and therefore will not continue riding.

There are tall frames that come up on sites, CraigsList and the auction site, as well as garage sales. Also check out you Local Bike Shop, LBS, and let them know your interest and see what they have in stock or taken on trade.

I am 6'4" and present 275#, have two bikes, a Specialized Crossroads Sport (06) in XL frame. Rides nice and is comfortable. My other is a 1980 Schwinn Continental with drop bars in 26" frame, own since new and just added alloy rims. It rides very sweet for the steel indestructible frame. You should be able to locate a late 70s or 80s Schwinn in 26" frame in one of several models well within that budget including LBS tune up if you deal patiently.

My two sons are not patient types, both are 6'6" and around the 300# range, both pro firefighters, one is very fit and carries muscle bulk in upper body, the younger's weight is more evenly distributed. Both have selected Giant Yukon models. One is a 2XL frame (08 model) the other thought a 2XL but as a 07 model it measures smaller than the 2XL. Both are happy and added slicks aids with longer commute with trailer carrying assigned gear.

Rims will be the weak link on most any bike, 13 or high gauge spokes should be checked. Trek is another said to sport heavy duty lighter frames.

With Big box store bikes, I have not seen any taller frames for me, so I suspect you may have trouble. Dicks Sporting Goods may be an exception with thier Diamond back offerings.

Best of luck on your search and kudos for wanting to be with family enjoying this great pleasure.

jrafael

+1

I drive and old Trek 820, hard tail and std front fork, changes mtb tires with semi-slicks, add fenders, rack lights.

Since my car broke down, I'm using my bike everyday (work commuter, errands, groceries... ) I started this past father's day and since then with not dieting but eating well, I have drop lbs so far 346 -> 332, my avg speed was mph now its mph and I able to sprint up to mph for a mile now (whooo, whoo), I just figure out today I ran out of holes in my belt, and my pants keep falling down while walking, so I have to keep my hands in my pockets for just in case...

I'm 5'10" and took me I while to get my bike fitted (could afford professional fitting), so keep some tools with you so you can fine-tune your saddle height/angle.

I also recommend that you get some compression shorts or bike shorts to prevent chaffing and if you are spandex shy (like me) use some basketball short over them.


Oops, I think i stole your thread, Sorry about that.

Search for a mtb with no suspension, preferably steel (Cro-Mo) and 36 spokes on the rear (to handled the noob abuse)

Take it slow and easy.

jkcal436

The Sirrus XL was sweet! But I was leary of the 32 counut spokes and the tire was the width of my thumb! Yikes.

I went to my LBS and test road a Townie. It was sweet, but I am afraid that I will have to get off and walk any serious hills.

Inpt on the Townie?

Joel