NashNathan

Hi All,
I am new to this forum and bikes and belong in the clyde section. I am 47, 6 foot and 280 lbs. Been wantig a bike for a long time. It is one of my new years resolution to start exercising and lose weight. A major part of that will be bike riding. I am moving from Alaska to Arizona. In AZ i will be able to ride everyday. I don't arrive until Jan. 8th., but doing a lot of research as to what kind of bike to get that will support my weight. I have been reading on here too.

I like the Trek namebrand but will consider others. Not sure if i want to get something like the Navigator, or the FX series or 7100. I do not have a car so will be using my bike to commute to and from work and everything else. Think i need to start on something like this to lose weight first, then get a better bike in the future. Any advice will be greatly appreciated from you all. My budget will only be about $500-$600 when i get there. Thanks!

Podagrower

They say ignorance is bliss, so at 295lbs, I bought a Trek 7100 without concern about whether it would support me or not. So far, I have only broken the rear derailer, and bent it's mount but that was a missed shift, not a weight issue. I know it's not the best bike on the market, but it is the best bike I've ever owned. I found a pair of them 3 years old on CL for about 1/2 of what 1 new one was, so I have one I ride, and a spare for when I break something.

seymour1910

High Nathan, and welcome to BF.
Any and all of the brands make bikes that will support your weight, there are bigger clydes here than you are. It's not really the frame you need to worry about, it's making sure you get sufficient wheels to support your weight. You should be able to land a nice bike with your price range, even if you have to go used, there are always deals on craigslist. So many BF members (myself included) have found fine bikes on the used market. A lot of people will tell you to go to a LBS, which is good advice but in my opinion do what's best for your budget. You can probably find a used bike for $400 and have money left for other accesories to add to the bike. Just something to think about.

exile

Welcome to the herd NashNathan! I agree with the other posters about looking for something used. I do like the early to mid 90's rigid mountain bikes as a do it all type of bike. They have a stable geometry, many have eyelets for racks and fenders, and the 26" wheel size has a wide variety of tire choices.

Just don't spend a lot of money because you don't know if you will stick with it.

chefisaac

Welcome! You will find everyone very helpful!

Neil_B

Welcome!

BamaBulldawg

Welcome, this place is great motivation to keep you on track. AK to AZ is a heck of an upgrade!

Bluish Green

Welcome!

I am same height as you and was a little heavier when I started riding in May. The only weight-related problem with my bike was my rear wheel. After two popped spokes, I found a good bicycle repairman and had him "rebuild" the rear wheel for me. Basically, he got stronger/better spokes and redid all the spokes and got the tension in them correct and even. It was about $70 or so total. You may not even have such problems if your wheels are good to start with. The rear wheel carries the most weight.

Like a lot of folks on the BF will tell you, get a bike you can afford and start riding. Once you have a bunch of miles on it, you will form some great ideas for your next bike on down the road. Good luck!

dpdemos

Welcome.

320# here.

Love biking. Good exercise, good people, good fun.

NashNathan

Thanks everybody for your welcome and advice. I will be asking a lot of questions in the near future i am sure.