I'm almost 50 and out of shape but for the last 3 months I've been walking alot I am up to 5 miles and have lost 30 lbs. My weight is 250lbs and I have look at a few bikes but not sur if a Road Bike would hold my weight? I used to be in the military and was Airborne so we would run 10 plus miles a day I want to get back to that and get in shape but with all the bikes out there not sure what would be best for me but i would want stay on the road and be light weight so any help would be greatful Thanks James

Most road bikes will work fine for you just stay away from the lightweight wheel sets.

Welcome to the best fitness hobby in the world.

Find a bike store (or several) and look at options. The staff at the store can show you bikes suitable for your size (and budget!) and when you find some you like, ask to test ride them. If you don't already have a lot of experience on a bike, you may find a hybrid more comfortable than a road bike.

I have a 10 year old Trek 7200 FX fitness hybrid (bought for $330) that I'm still pretty content with. It's not as fast or flashy as a $3,000 road bike, but it's great for working off the pounds.

I'd suggest checking out the Clydesdale/Athena subforum to get some useful feedback.
Agree that decent wheels (and tires) are key.

Touring bikes are built to handle the weight of a rider and luggage. Maybe look at one of those.

Keep up the good fight. I'm just a few years ahead of you, and I've been struggling too.

I tore my right knee up in jump school when I was in the military during jump week. Cycling has been one of the best things for it. I'm 47 and I can't run well anymore, so cycling is what keeps me in shape and believe it or not keeps my knees from hurting. I see a lot of big guys on bikes, and some of them are good riders. I agree with CummingsSM. Go to a dedicated bike shop and ask questions. They can get you on a bike and fit you to it. As you get better you may want to upgrade later.

I know you said you wanted to stay on the road and be lightweight, but will you ever take it on trails? Are you comfortable in a forward leaning aero position with your handlebars lower than your seat?

If you might take if off road every now and then and if you would rather sit more upright (with a better view of traffic in most cases) then I'd consider a hybrid bike rather than a road bike per se.

Do you have a budget you are working with?

I am also nearly 50, was 270 pounds two years ago and have lost 110 pounds since getting on the bike and eating sensibly, so it can be done, my friend. In the process I've lost my hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and prediabetes and I don't miss any of them. I now usually get between 125-150 miles in a week and my resting heart rate has gone from low 90's to 50. Hills that looked fearsome 20 months ago I don't even break a sweat on now and they actually even LOOK flatter.

Cycling helped save my life so yes, it can do that for you too.

Just don't let something hit you while you are at it and ruin all that hard work.

Thanks everyone!!! I will go to a few bike shops and see what they think, but alot of you said things that got me thinking and as far as a budget not really but I think maybe I shouldn't go spend 4000 to 10000 on a bike and not like that type. That's why I'm asking questions. But thanks to all of you l'm greatful Thanks James

I have all of them to hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and prediabetes Gout and Low T But I'm trying to change that.. Thanks for all the info

Exactly. First find out what kind of bike and what kind of riding suits you, then splurge on your next bike.

Check out your local Performance Bikes. They normally have better prices on similarly equipped bikes than other LBS's. So if you like the bikes there, and they fit, you should get a pretty good deal.

GH

go look at lots of bikes, ride a few in each catagory...road, cross, endurance, hybrid/fitness...
enjoy the test ride process... and then do not worry about what any of us said, buy the one that feels best to you, the one YOU like... it is the one you will actually ride..
just stay away from box stores and sporting good stores.

Thanks all