motobecane69

OP, please take this with an open mind. I don't want to sound like I"m harping on you either, just speaking from the heart. I know nothing of your background other than that you are 400 lbs. Granted at 6'5" thats not actually nearly as bad as some others are but quite frankly, you need to expand your budget. A proper fitting bike for you can be the difference between you continuing down a path that will lead to an early death or getting you on the path to living an awesome long life. If i had a bike kicking aorund that would fit the bill for you, I would give it to you. unfortunately, you do have a lot of specific needs at your size. it's not impossible to find a bike for you but it will be tough.

Regarding worksman bikes, it will absolutely handle your weight but resale of a worksman will be a *****. not a huge market for them. a proper wheelset that will hold your weight costs about $300 brand new. your budget is $300. Please, utilize all your resources to get the money you need to get on a proper bike because it's really a life or death thing for you. $1000 seems like a lot for a bike, but if you drop dead in a month, your never gonna make another dime but if a bike gives you back 20 years of your life, you'll pay for that $1000 bike 1000 times over.

This thread makes me think that we need to create some kind of hand me down thread for situations like this. Sayre, the guy offering to sell you his bike, has made TREMENDOUS strides in his health to the point where he pretty much has outgrown his bike (bad choice of words, but you know what I mean, he's too skinny for it now!) christ, maybe all the members of this forum need to commit some money and start an online clyde specoific bike building company!

llmercll

Unfortunately, my financial situation is almost as dire as my physical one. I wasn't going to divulge this information but I've been suffering from depression for the last 3 years, out of work, and put on my weight during this time. I was 270 before, and an active jogger. If I were to run now my knees would blow up =(

I think I will go to my LBS and see what they can do for me. I might be able to scrap up $400. Perhaps the high price tag will keep me motivated =p

Heres the link to my local bike shop. Considering the prices of many brands it looks like I may end up with a giant.

https://www.joefixits.com/bikes.html

thanks for all the input so far everyone!

EDIT**

I shot an email to my local bike shop, here's what they told me

"We have 800 plus bikes in stock for you to check out. I do suggest you try the specialized sirrus and the cannondale quicks both flat bar road bikes. Trouble is they both are around the $550 range"

Arvadaman

Given you economic situation, I would suggest that you go with either a used bike or one of the Clyde entry level bikes. Specialized Hardrock is a popular entry level bike for many Clydes. A front shock with a lockout is a plus.

A used bike is another option and then have it tuned up. I normally look at thrift stores, garage sales, or pawn shops. Then have the bike checked out and tuned up.

You can check out where to begin for size and fit here:

https://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing

Rhodabike

Old non-suspension mountain bikes are strong, reasonably priced, and plentiful. The wheels (usually 36 spoke) will be strong enough to hold you. Contrary to what you might have been told, a bike doesn't need to weigh a ton to be strong - cheap department store bikes weigh a ton and they definitely aren't.
In addition to Trek, other brands to look for can include Cannondale, Specialized, Bridgestone, Gary Fisher, Rocky Mountain, GT, Kona... there are many more, but those are all well known makes. Look for a cro-moly frame, although aluminum should be fine. Hi tensile steel is not as strong.
A bike shop that takes trade-ins might be a good bet. Most of these shops will do some basic maintenance on the bikes before putting them out on the showroom floor, and they can advise you on fit.

bassjones

A. DON'T WORRY about the depression. Most of us have been there. It's a byproduct of the weight, and it leads to weight gain which leads to more depression... Exercise is one of the best ways to reactivate the endorphins and get you in a better state of mind.

Given your current financial situation, I'm going to recommend you start this journey by walking - NOT running. Start with 1/2 mile every other day and gradually work your way up - enough to push you a bit, but not enough to make you want to quit after a week. When you're up to 2 or more miles at a time and under 20 minutes a mile, start looking at bikes. Meanwhile, start a savings account and try to get somewhere in the $600 range saved up before you even start looking. Those bikes the LBS suggested are GREAT. I like the Quick CX 4 a LOT. That should be around $600. I'm considering getting one this fall to use for a fall/winter/spring commuter and for a general beat around bike.

motobecane69

great advice from bassjones, both on the depression and on walking first. if you are able to join a gym you could start with a stationary bike as well although I can't stand them because they just aren't fun.

llmercll

How long will a good bike last? ten years or so? I'd imagine the frame would last forever.

thanks!

bassjones

There are lots of folks riding 40 year old bikes. If you take care of them they will last forever - aside from the parts that wear out of course. You'll replace a few chains, sprockets, chainrings, cassettes, derailleurs, etc... but the frame itself will last a long time. Good steel frames in particular will last forever if taken care of. Aluminum will eventually fail, and carbon fiber will fail sooner, but there are advantages to those materials as well. In your price range you're looking at steel or aluminum, both of which should last you a very long time.

llmercll

Great! How are they at retaining value? From what I've seen they do well. It seems to be a good long term investment (and that makes me feel better about spending so much on one!)

thanks again everyone!

magohn

I feel for you brother! Ive been out of work just over a month and the only thing that keeps me sane is having my bike to ride. While out of work I picked up an "almost new" Trek Fx 7.3 (Disc) for $375. I could not justify spending the money while out of work and so I eBayed a bunch of stuff I had around the house that I never used anymore. It was both surprising and fun to watch my "savings" get to $400 in literally a couple of weeks. I now have my 7.3 and it didnt cost me a dime

I was pretty much in the same search pattern as you. Here's my thread on my Trek predicament:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ek+fx+7.3+disc

Craigslist WILL turn up a good used bike for you for $300 - its all in the timing

CraigB

I'll echo what bassjones said - while you're looking/waiting/saving for the bike, go ahead and get started on a walking program, gradually. There's no reason not to begin your transition into activity as soon as you can. You'll be surprised how much better it will make you feel about yourself. Just like how weight gain and depression can combine to make a cycle that's hard to break, activity and feeling better become a cycle all their own. You just have to get out there and do it, and make it a habit.

jethro56 

Great post! This is how I began my journey. We've been where you are now and want to share in your success. Check out the before and after thread and you'll see.

Sayre Kulp 

llmercll, I sent you a private message. I know you need 50 posts to send messages, but I'm not sure if you need that to receive / respond to them. If you are unable to get it, let me know and I'll figure something out.

jethro56 

He should get it I got a bunch before my first 50

Nightshade

For the extra dollars a Worksman cost over a 'regular' bike you'll save money in the long run while be riding more rather than in the damn shop all the time.

llmercll

Sayre, I got your message and replied =)

I found this on ebay. Too good to be true? Is it the same bike you're selling Sayre?

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...212#vi-content

Looking for some fast replies. I'm about to buy that bike. $275? holy cow. I'm probably missing something but that looks like the perfect cycle for me.

jethro56 

What a great deal!

llmercll

I bought it. Did I make the right choice? I felt like if I waited and it sold, it'd have had huge regrets

"The bike was new in 2008 and has seen little use. It is in like new condition with no repairs needed. It was recently inspected and adjusted at Bike Line under their service policy which is in effect until 2012. I can probably deliver it to Chester for a reasonable extra charge. Make sure your legs are long enough to accommodate the 34.5 inch standover height."

I really hope it can handle my 400lb self without buckling. Actually, 396 now, wooot =)

llmercll

Hoping for some feedback. From what I can tell the 2008 Trek 7200 is a good bike. Do you guys feel it will support me no problem? It's the large size, 25.

I also need to look into a comfortable seat. Theres no way the one that comes with it will suffice.

I'm looking at this one but don't know if that will be enough for my big self, haha

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...11HSMF4B8C1THY

thanks!

magohn

Congrats - you will like the 7200. Thats a nice price too. As far as the seat is concerned, I would try the seat that comes with the bike first and see how it feels. Personally, I started my biking last year at 316lbs. I bought Roubaix road bike and the seat was comfortable up to approx 30 miles. It took me awhile to be able to stay comfortable up to 30 miles (about 3 months) but I was never fully comfortable post-30 miles. I could ride but I would be very concious of my rear end. To cut a long story short I noticed repetitive thumbs-up for the Brooks B17 saddle and so bought one. Awesome saddle and fits me like a glove as it actually moulds to the rider over time. No more rear end pain since.

The saddle you link may be for you but I dont think you will be comfortable over longer distances. Get your new ride and see how the supplied saddle feels ....

Congrats

bassjones

seriously, skip the tractor seat... They aren't as comfortable as they look. Get a pair of cycling bib shorts and use the seat that's on it for now. The only thing I'm not sure about on that bike is the suspension fork. They're usually not a good idea for clydes. You can get a suspension corrected fork from bike nashbar for fairly cheap though.

llmercll

If I could get a used Giant Sedona DX 2009 for the same price, would that be the better choice?

thanks!

jethro56 

The trek 7200 is a much better bike than the Sedona

bassjones

not really. didn't you "buy it now"? If you did, you can't back out anyway. The Trek's a good bike.

Rhodabike

Congratulations! Enjoy riding your new bike!