Mojo1094

Hey! I used to ride everywhere. I lived on the South side of Chicago and bikes were just the best way around. Cheap, and everything was close. In 99 I moved to Peoria IL, and needed a car to get around. I just kind of forgot about the bike. Slowly the weight came on, and now I'm sitting at 300lbs. I was 160 before I moved. I'm 31 and sick of the weight.

I have a Ralleigh m400 but was recommended to look for a newer bike. The suspension was just dead after 15 years, and the wheels needed to be trued pretty bad. I was able to get a gently used Specialized Hardrock Sport with Disc Brakes for 450. They set me up with a new set of road tires and told me to keep the tire pressure up at 70psi.

Beyond that, I'm on my own. I know zilch about riding except technique. We have some superior trails out here that I'd love to hit up, but don't dare till I'm in better shape.

I don't have a pair of bike shorts yet, so my butt get's sore after about 2 miles. I bought a cheap wireless bike computer. It keeps track of the miles and that's good enough for now.

I'm here to get advice for equipment and gear, learn about different types of bikes and what's best for me on my journey. When I was young, 20 or 30 miles on a bike was easy and normal, now 3 miles is a daunting task. I want to do something really fantastic, like ride to California in a few years.

I also don't really trust the bike shop, I guess when someone stands to make money from me, I don't trust their advice, so ... yeah.

if anyone has any tips, advice, or what have you I'd love to hear it!

motobecane69

first off, congrats, you've taken the first step! It may be hard to believe right now but you WILL get in better shape and you will do it fast. At 31, you are very much at a crossroads; getting in control of your health and weight now before you've done too much damage can do soooooo much for you long term health. Just get out and ride and don't be afraid of those trails. So what if you may have to walk up a couple of hills, just get out and get moving. As far as equipment goes, the road tires on the mtb will be a nice combo for riding the streets but you'll never be as fast on the road as you will be on a proper road bike so that is something to consider down the road if your interests go that way. Do yourself a favor, go out and get the biking shorts, they aren't a cureall, but they will help. In 3 weeks time, your butt should be pretty conditioned though. As for the bike shop, it's all about finding a good one. YEs they are a business and want your money but at the same time, they want repeat customers. Happy customers buy, unhappy customers buy too.....from somewhere else. So far it sounds like they gave you good advice.

"When I was young, 20 or 30 miles on a bike was easy and normal, now 3 miles is a daunting task." - You still are young and don't worry, if it's daunting and hard, that means its working to make you healthier and stronger!

CraigB

Welcome, and congratulations on getting back in the saddle. I was born and raised in Peoria, and lived there as an adult until I was 32. There are lots of great places to ride, though I'm mostly familiar with the areas north and northwest of town. And there's some variety in the terrain, something I lost when I moved to Champaign, and then to Indy.

Once you get some miles into your legs, I wouldn't hesitate to make contact with the local club, the Illinois Valley Wheelm'n. I was a member for many years, and they were the most welcoming group I've ever ridden with.

I don't really know the LBS scene in the area any more. When I was there the go-to shop was Vitesse, but they've since closed their Peoria shop to focus on their home base in Normal. Russell's in Washington was just getting started and had a pretty good reputation, and I understand they're still around. I think maybe Bushwhacker stepped into the void Vitesse left, but other than those two, I don't know what else is around.

10 Wheels

Nice to have you.
Your bike shop sounds Ok to me.
Ride slow to start. It took 500 miles for my legs to get in shape.
Ride as much as you have time.
Rest and take a day off when you need it.
Have fun.................

magohn

Welcome Sir!
Post a pic of your ride....
As for a tip - start off gently and every other day. You dont want to frighten yourself off from biking - keep it fun - even if only 1 mile a day. The distance will come.

heavyB

Welcome Mojo!! You are 2 years younger and 60lbs lighter than I am so Keep at it! I wish I had started 60 errr 160lbs ago. So get your shorts, find a shop you trust, and ride that bike.

Mojo1094

Thanks for all the support! I found a couple pairs of shorts on Ebay, and I'm going to order a set of gloves ... Louie Garneau Nimbus gloves ... they look to be the most comfortable. I already had a flat, and just got confirmation on starting my new job so I finally have a cash flow ... so now i can get the under seat bag and fill it with goodies so when I DO venture a bit further, I can get back if there is some kind of problem.

Can anyone recommend a travel pump? I'm going to hit the forum now and read, but figured it can't hurt to ask ... you know?

And as far as the shops, Russels is still here, it's where I got my bike. I originally was going to get another Raleigh, but the shop that handles them really sucks, the people don't know anything about bikes, they are just kids. Russels has Cannondale, Giant and Specialized. They have a good rep. When you buy a bike they give you two "full service" checkups, one comes after 30 rides, they adjust everything, wash and polish, lube the whole thing, check the wires, etc etc. Normally they charge 139$ for the service. They also give you a 10% shop discount on anything, and they offer a "buy back" program with the bikes they sell. All the sales people are riders, some do trail and mountain, some do LONG distance (my salesperson rode from North Dakota, through minnesota, then south to central IL, doing 100mi a day.) They also have group rides on Saturdays, it's about 10 miles and it's a pack ride for all skill levels for all their customers. It's ... a pretty nice shop.

My tires say max psi 65lbs, and the shop recommended I go over that to 70 ... what do you all think?

Also, it was mentioned once here that I could go much faster on a road bike ... I presume that is a skinny tire bike ... could someone of my weight get on one of those without making the whole thing collapse?

And a few pictures. I think I wish I had gotten a 29er, but ... there's always more bikes to buy!

jethro56 

70 psi is ok. Don't worry about a road bike for now. I see N+1 has hit you so soon. https://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6272...boomer-version. Welcome.

Mojo1094

HA! Nah I wouldn't say I suffer from the N+1 for Bicycles, I do for MOTORCYCLES though. Good lord. Mostly it's that we do really have some superior trails out here, and eventually trading up the Hardrock for a full mountain, and when I can I'd like a road bike. I don't think 2 bikes is that bad. Now you wanna talk firearms or motorcycles then we DEFINATELY have an N+1 ISSUE for me. haha.

jethro56 

You're in Denial. Somehow I kept the motorcycles to one at a time. Yamaha 250, Yamaha RD400C, Kawasaki KLR650. If I get another... BMW enduro opposed twin.

bassjones

No need to get another bike already... BUT... I weigh almost 350 and ride a road bike. You will need new wheels if you go that route - 36 spoke front and rear - but other than that, no problems. I ride a Cannondale CAAD9 and those frames are solid.

Rock31

Welcome Mojo!

Enjoy your stay here, they are a great group of guys/gals!

And enjoy your ride

Neil_B

Welcome!

Spudd

For a portable pump I like the Topeak Road Morph G. It's small and really easy to use.

Mojo1094

Thanks Spudd! I've obviously got framespace for stuff, but like to stay convenient while being functional.