notacceptable

Well, first of all I just wanted to say thanks for all of the information you fine clydes have put together.

I have been reading so many topics... I may now be more confused than when I first started.

I just wanted to introduce myself to the cyldes forum and ask a few questions.

Well, I am Jason, 22 years old, 5 foot 11 inches and weighed in this morning at 348.5 so I guess, at least weight wise I am an uber-clyde or whatever the term I found was. I love to eat, work in an office and the only exercise I get is paintball every few weeks.

I pulled out my old bike my parents got me when I was in my teens and filled up the tires, took it for a spin. This whole act was pretty dangerous, as I'm sure I should have replaced the tires, oiled some chains... etc but I just wanted to make sure I could ride a bike haha. I also had to bust the lock to our old storage building to access it, so by the time I got it out I was riding the thing. It is some cheap Rhino MTB:

*removed ******** image from post, click here to see it*

So, the pic is really blurry because by the end of my ride, I was breathing extremely hard and I thought it look fine when I took it... but as we can all see this was my hindered judgment.

Anyways, I pulled out the bike, tried to take off heard some clanking... which then felt like the bike wouldn't move... so i raised the seat got back on and after about 5 or so tries the clanking sounds stopped and let me take off. I rode it around the block, but man it was sure difficult.

I also wanted to thank all of those that had posted their stories of inspiration. It is good to know that others started off with more challenges than I, and were able to make it through.


So now for my questions. Bike recommendation:

I have been to some of the shops around and I really like Performance Bicycle in Plano. They recommended one of the two following bikes to me (I don't know which of the two it was though...) Mongoose Tyrax 1 or Mongoose Tyax 2

I also, stopped by a shop in Rockwall. They recommended this Specialized Cross Trail.

I liked the way both of the bikes rode in the shops, but I wanted to get the opinions of everyone on here on these bikes, and if you have other recommendations I am open to them too.

I plan to ride to the shops locally (around a mile or so from my house) and on some bike trails around.

Thanks for any input you guys provide!

gitarzan

Any of those bikes are fine. The trick is to ride them regularly. Bikes with springs and shocks may be a little more comfy but they also absorb energy that could be spend on going forward. Everytime you ride it will get easier. Hang in there. The first step is taken.

Nola_Gal

+1 Just keep getting out there. You will be amazed at how quickly you'll improve if you just get out there consistently. My first bike (as an adult) had a suspension fork and seatpost. Unless you're riding real trails, I don't know that I would recommend either, especially the seat post. For me, the only MUST is a helmet! Please consider it if you don't already have one.

Have fun and be sure to post pictures when you get your new bike!

magohn

Good luck ! Im 300+ too and just starting the "journey". I have a closet full of clothes I want to get back into ;-)

CPFITNESS

I know everyone says "make sure you get the right bike because if you don't you won't ride it and that is no good" and I agree with that to an extent. At 22 years of age and 350 lbs, your not going to live to age 50 if you don't start making changes. Thats just me being brutally honest. Just about any bike that will function and get you out there and moving is going to be a help.

Your very fortunate, at your age your joints probably all function well, you probably aren't on medications and if you are, probably not too many. The only thing you really gotta do is just get out there and start doing. It's gonna take a few weeks for your ass to adjust to the seat no matter how comfy it feels in the store but once you get past that stage, there is nowhere to go but up! Best of luck, put the work in, the end result is worth it!

CACycling

Buy what feels comfotable. Ride it regularly. You will be amazed at what happens to your body. Just remember, it will ALWAYS be easier not to ride. Just make yourself saddle up and ride. When you get home, you will be glad you did it.

Arvadaman

Of the three, I would go with the Specialized. That is because I am more
familiar with their bikes. Just my personal preference.

As everyone has said, get the one you will ride. A beautiful, brand new
unridden bike does you no good.

Get the bike and start slow. You will work up to longer rides and higher
speeds in no time but the key is to be consistant and stick with it.

notacceptable

Thank you guys! Good luck to you Mrgohn and CPFITNESS you are exactly right.

pinsonp2 

If you go with the Specialized Cross Trail, I would recommend that you move up to the Cross Trail Sport as it allows you to lock out the front fork. This can be a bit frustrating and bouncy when you first start out with it.

Good Luck,
P2

breadbin

i'd go for the specialized hands down i think you'll get most people recommending them over the mongoose. the mongoose are not the same as they used to be i.e. different company took them over i think and quality is not as good so specialised is the way to go i think. and well done for getting out and about

CPFITNESS

I remember as a kid Mongoose was the SHIZNIT then they started being sold in KMart! I was surprised to see a mongoose in a local shop a couple weeks ago. I thought maybe they went back to making good bikes or something.

c_m_shooter

I don't have a bike recomendation, the ones you are looking at are good entry level bikes. Since you are near dallas, I thought you may be interested in this.

https://www.dorba2.com/forum/beginner-forum/7079

The sooner you get riding with others the more likely you are to enjoy it.

exile

Go out and ride as many bikes in your price range. Whatever bike you feel you would ride the most, buy it. You first bike will not be your last bike so don't worry about it being able to do everything. Just get whatever feels the most comfortable.

notacceptable

Thanks for the link. I will look at the specialized line some more due to the recommendations. Thanks again!

notacceptable

Well guys, I went riding a ton of bikes and I found the one I love... turns out it was a bike from REI, Novera Buzz V.

I also learned that there must be something wrong with that mountain bike I had, as none of these bikes even came close to being so hard to ride. I was worn out in a block with my old mountain bike, but on the ones I have been test riding and the Novera Buzz V I am able to go a good distance before I start getting tired heh.


Pic: