Newby question.
 

Sorry if this is a regular question. I really am new to this bicycle thing. I am considering purchasing a bike for fitness purposes. I am quite over weight but losing. My question is this. What would be a decent starter bike for this purpose with commuting use possible in the future. I realize I will have to build up to it. I have a 15 mile commute one way. Mostly level with just one very large hill going in and out of the Kentucky river valley. The hill is steep really only on of side. the other does rise but over a few miles. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks in advance
Steve

There are a lot of choices and it will take time and effort to digest all of the available information. That said, it is hard to go wrong with a "Fitness" bike since you said you are interested in fitness and they make good commuters. Something like a Trek 7.2 FX or Specialized Crosstrail. The Trek 7.2 FX (or similar) is good for mostly smooth roads. The Specialized Crosstrail (or similar) has a light-weight front suspension that will take the vibration and jarring out of your arms and makes for a smoother ride on dirt paths or just paved roads with lots of crack seal and other bumps. Both bikes, if properly sized and fitted, will put you in a position to use your muscles to good advantage and ride 15 miles with reasonable effort.

My commute is about the same length as yours and I found some places to park so I could shorten the commute until I get in better shape. Also don't expect to ride every day at first. Take a rest day if you need one. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Depending on your size you might want to check out the Clydesdales/Athenas forum for bike suggestions.

I was in the same spot as you a few years ago. I'm overweight too, somewhat. Not sure what your weight is or should be. Anyway, I wanted to commute to work, but I thought the distance of 14-15 miles was too far. Then I got my first road bike and decided to try it. Luckily it took me less time than I thought it would, anywhere from 65-85 minutes depending on wind largely, and other weather conditions. My route is quite hilly, lots of ups and downs in both directions.

I'm still overweight and I'm still slow (sucky eating habits and heart condition to blame, in part), but I still manage to commute 2 or sometimes even 3 times a week. Give it a try! I do think cycling-specific clothes are a must for this distance, for me anyway. Also we have a shower at the office. My road bike is outfitted with a rear rack and trunk bag. I've ridden my heavy utility bike but it's much slower.

[MENTION=433133]APBurner[/MENTION] Welcome! You are on the right path. A hybrid will do you great, a Trek 7.2 or Giant Escape or etc. Spring is a good season to start too.

If you are pretty big, you might want to know we have another subforum for people over 200 lb, some of it is just for big people problems like strong wheels and xxl bike frames, and some of it is about weight loss

Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)

There is also a training & nutrition subforum but it's less about weight loss per se and more about athletic conditioning

Well I am BIG but not really tall. I am 5'11" and weight in as of this morn at 271lbs / 123kg. So the Trek will not handle my bulk? I am looking at a price range somewhere south of $500USD

You should be fine! Probably the most likely problem you could expect is a rear spoke breaking, which the bike shop can deal with no problem. The low bottom gears on hybrids are especially good for going uphill at any fitness level.

For commuting there are a few universal things on the to-do list, and we all have our own preferred ways to solve each of them. Lockup, baggage, clothes, food, inclement weather, darkness, breakdowns. You can be prepared for them, or have a backup plan, your choice.

Lock up is not much of a problem I work mainenance in a factory. We have an office and I can just leave it there. Changing clothes not a problem also we have a locker room and not a problem being sweaty. Just means I get a head start to the day. It's a hot factory:p. I don't eat at work and they provide cold water for us. So really only weather darkness and breakdowns to worry about. LOL

So what brands does your favorite bike shop sell* in your town? commute route by river shore or over hills?

*trek? they sell those, here too .. 300# people will have a need for more wheel truing

and maybe should have the shop substitute wheels with 36 spokes if the factory pick, chose less.

a triple crankset with a substituted small as fits Granny gear will help
though you may be walking the hard part of hills for a while.
(I still do)

15 miles is a pretty long commute, so you definitely will need to build up with rec rides first. Your bike needs may change too as you get fitter and you will save money on commuting, so don't be surprised if you find yourself buying a different bike a year or two from now - most of us have been there!

This pretty it. If you're just starting, and aren't in good shape to begin with, and it sounds as if you are not, you may be in for a shock if you try to cycle the 15 miles.

First time I commuted (12 miles) I was miserable, even though I was in pretty good aerobic condition having been a runner for a number of years. Granted the bike wasn't very good. The route I chose was worse. But you learn.

Don't spend too much time thinking about it. It's your first bike. Chances are if you get into this it won't be your last.

I started by splitting my 15 mile commute each way between days. Drive to work with the bike, then ride home. Then ride to work and drive home. That way you'll always have a night's sleep in between every ride. But for me it was too much of a hassle with the bike rack on the car, so now I do the whole 31 mile round trip in one day, twice a week.

Try to get a bike set-up where the handlebars are close to the same height as the saddle, or maybe an inch or two higher. If the handlebars are too high, so that you sit upright, you are more comfortable, but not very aerodynamic so your commute will be slower and harder. If the bars are too low, as a heavy fellow it will be hard to lean forward over your abdomen. If you lose some weight you can lower the bars a bit.

If your commute is all on pavement, I would recommend not getting any suspension as it adds weight to the bike and slightly adds effort.

I would recommend a firm saddle - squishy gel saddles seem more comfortable but they can cause more numbness in your male parts. If it has springs underneath, that is okay. (If you do start to notice some numbness as you ride, just pedal standing up for a minute or so).

On saddles: wider is better for upright riding, and narrower is better for leaning forward riding. I hate a wide saddle on my bikes where I lean forward, but likewise I hate narrow saddles on my bike where I sit upright.