JKoby123

Hello all!

First, I'm the new to the forum, but you guys have already given me a crash course from just a hour of lurking. Excited to learn what I can. I just relocated to a new city, a live pretty centrally. Everything that I would want to access is within two miles of me. I've been doing some research into what to buy, and really want to make a positive (healthy) change in my life regarding commuting via Bicycle. I would also want some recreational use, to explore the new city and surrounding area.

Here's my problem: I'm not a small guy. I'm 6'5", 300lbs. I don't want to buy anything that I won't be able to ride because of weight/height.
I will, hopefully, be decreasing the second number. The bike will help with that, too!

I was looking at the Trek CrossRip LTD. Would this be a good choice for me?
Thanks in advance for the input!

TroN0074

Congratulations on taking the decision of changes in your life. Once you get into biking chances are you will realized one bike might not even be enough. So for the first bike I think you should get something that is more comfortable to ride than a road bike. Road bikes have their geometry so the rider has to lean forward almost to a horizontal position.
So maybe you could start with an upright position riding bicycle Fully rigid single speed with relatively wider tires (2"+). Like the one on the picture it is an Specialized (See attachment)



But really at the end you are the one deciding, be prepared for lots of different point of view based answers here. Good luck to you

InTheRain

I'd say it looks like an excellent choice. Looks like it has mechanically actuated hydraulic disk brakes - won't have a problem stopping (an upgrade would be going to a totally hydraulic system, but the hy/rd's on the bike are still excellent.) It has fairly long chain stays 43.5 cm - this is important if you plan to install a rack and use panniers. You should have no problem setting it up to avoid heel strike (heel hitting your bag as you pedal.) I prefer steel over aluminum for ride quality, but I think aluminum has improved over the years. You can soften the ride with wider tires and less air pressure (you may want to avoid that at 300 lbs - better to ride the tires near max pressure to avoid pinch flats.) Ride the bike. Ride others. See what you like most. A reputable shop is not going to sell you a bike that can't handle the stresses that you will put on the frame or wheels (from what you have posted, your activities aren't too stressful on any quality frames and wheels.) The CrossRip looks like it's very capable.

heywood

I agree completely, I started riding again at about 250lbs and you're going to need an upright riding position or it will suck and you won't enjoy it and the bike will gather dust. It very important to get something you feel comfortable on..upright, big comfy saddle, quality parts. Hey Tron, that attachment isn't working.. can you post again?

TroN0074

I had posted there a picture of an Specialized Crave SL similar to the one on this link but all Black.
Specialized Bicycle Components

Darth Lefty 

Check out the Clydesdales subforum. They have a lot of advice for people of size. For you it's not just weight but height. Fortunately XL size bikes are often over-built for this reason. If you find the largest version too cramped for you, there are bikes in XXL frame sizes.

CyclingAbout.com ? List of XXL XXXL Bikes for Tall Cyclists: 62, 63, 64cm+

acidfast7

Honestly. I would look at a flat-bar road bike.

Even for me, an avid MTBer and runner (6'3", 170lbs) ... I found drop bars kind of uncomfortable at first. It took a few hundred km to really get used to them.

I think a TREK FX 7.2 DISC is a nice compromise as I like disc brakes for commuting as the rims won't wear down.

7.2 FX Disc - Trek Bicycle

I'd actually recommend discs for you as the stopping forces (i.e. friction) required for 300# will wear the rims faster than 170#, which will be a weak point of some other bikes.

It's an excellent bike to commute on and will hold it's value in resale if you want to upgrade later?

Andy_K 

I'll add another vote for some sort of flat bar bike. I'm a huge fan of cyclocross bikes for utility use, but for trips less than 5 miles they really aren't the best tool for the job.

Your top priority should be finding something that suits your height. Don't worry about your weight. Any well made bike can handle that. Just be sure you get something that fits.

If you're going to be using the bike for things like grocery runs, you'll probably want a rack at some point. I'm guessing you've got big feet, so you should pay attention to chain stay length. Anything less than 425mm and you'll be hitting your foot on your cargo. Even 425 might be pushing it.

I agree with acidfast7's suggestion of the Trek FX.

TroN0074

Trek looks good, but tire size is the only thing I am concerning. I believe if you ride a 29 size tire will be better in this case over the 700 skinnier tires.

AlmostTrick

I'm thrilled that you've decided to get a bike and start riding. May I gently suggest that you not refer to yourself as "fat guy"?

Think positive! Soon you'll be on a roll to much better health!

JKoby123

I did not even consider the feet thing. I am a Sasquatch; my feet are size 14. I'm big in everywhere that it doesn't matter. HA.

Anyway, I like the flat bar look. I would ideally like something that is quick and fun, as well as practical. Not super concerned about riding position, and I'll adjust to whatever. As far as visually, I would like something sleek and modern. If I'm gonna spend this kind of money, I want to ride awesome, and look great too!

Thank you for all the kind words/helpful advice! I'm going to a local showroom today to browse and get more educated.

acidfast7

they're the same size: ISO XX-622?

acidfast7

Personally, for flat bar commuters, I like these guys (British) ... good forks and hydraulic disc drakes

The R7 Fast Urban Series ... not sure of US availability

Commuter/Road | Whyte Bikes

Good value (for British prices) ...

TroN0074

You might be right. None of the bikes I ride use the 700 size tire. Good luck to you JKoby123

JKoby123

Sorry if I offended you! I have no qualms about it. I used to be a serious athlete a few years ago, and was in excellent shape. Then I graduated, and didn't stop eating like a frat boy. Haha. Engineering desk job = very little physical activity. Thanks for the good vibes!

It doesn't appear that they have any dealer locations in the states. Thanks though!

megalowmatt

Head on over to the Clydesdales/Athenas forum and search for a guy with the user name Jarrett2. Super nice guy who started out pretty close to where you are at from the purchase to riding a lot and losing a lot of weight. Really inspirational story. I know him from a guitar forum as well where he's posted his progress over the years.

sam_cyclist

Welcome to the sport and welcome to the forum.

I'm glad you have a great budget to buy a new bike. That bike looks fantastic.

However, I think to start, you could spend as little as $500 to $700 and still get a great bike that will help you meet your fitness goals. That will leave you plenty to get essential accessories such as a ulock/cable, patch kit, extra tubes, frame pump, helmet, lights, shoes and some gear (shorts, socks, jerseys, gloves).

Go on plenty of test rides with flat bar and drop bar bikes. And be sure to get a bike that fits you properly for now.

As far as rim brakes "wearing out," this is total malarky. I rode a road bike for a decade, using it as a high mileage bike for a couple of years and then as a daily commuter for years afterwards, and they were absolutely nowhere near being "worn out" by small rubber brake pads.

If you insist on riding a bike in snow, dirt, on salted roads, in the rain, etc. EVERY DAY AND then NEVER EVER wipe off the pads or rims, then, yes, riding in incredibly foul weather + total neglect and lack of maintenance can wear out rims, but under normal riding conditions with even a minor degree of cleaning and maintenance and rims will last an extremely long time.

Anyway, have fun riding, taking things gradually, VERY gradually, consult with a physician, get a proper fit, and you will be fine.

Staying on top of the "latest and greatest" technology is totally unnecessary.

I'm tempted to tell you just to get a walmart bike for $150 and ignore the forum forever, as I think the endless debates and nitpicking are just a distraction.

acidfast7

I ride a cheap bike and believe you. However, I think you're underestimating the wear on a rim from a 330# stop versus a 200# stop (including bike weight). Hint: it's not linear. Also, the greater weight on the rim versus decreasing rim sidewall thickness will promote and decrease in rim thickness leading to failure.

What we should teach the OP to do, is to employ the front brake primarily and almost never use the rear brake. This is habit for experienced riders, but it took me a while to get used to it while getting back into riding (MTB). That will minimise rim fatigue.

dynaryder

But different width. 29er's basically start at 1.5"/38mm and go wider. Most 'regular' 700c bikes max out at that width.

acidfast7

that's quite strange ... North America will catch up at some point, I suppose

dynaryder

Huh?

acidfast7

700c is an old designation (like inches/feet) that will eventually be lost. 29"/29er is a new marketing term that will fade out in a few years, then everyone will be operating on ISO XX-622 format.

Just like DIN and double-DIN radio specifications for autos. Took about until the mid/late 80s for North America to catch on.

The 29er/700c will be lost in North America soon, like it is on the rest of the non-Americas already.

dynaryder

Dude,srsly?

Whatever you call it,a 29er will take wider tires than a bike with regular 700's. Wider tires are better for distributing weight. No need to debate semantics.

Siu Blue Wind

Hey whatever works.

Us Americans are happy with what we have. At least I am.

acidfast7

I do forget when I'm on a mostly-American board. It's semantics for you guys, no one else.

Just get the OP on a nice bike that won't break, but will brake