heavy riders
 

Hi,

I am planning on restarting riding and I'm looking for an inexpensive intro bike. The problem is that I have put on a lot of weight since I last rode seriously. I weigh 280lbs and need something sufficiently sturdy. I tried buying a bike from sears but the tires were riding almost flat and the pedals kept breaking off. Any non-insulting suggestions would be welcomed


THX

A lot of the heavier guys like the Kona Hoss, but we're talking about guys that are more like twice your weight. I'm about 200 lbs. and do just fine on a stock Specialized Allez. What style of bike are you wanting? Road bike, mountain bike, etc.?

A good bike shop will ensure that the final assembly is sound. Junk bikes from non-bikeshops are the worst you can get.
Any bike from a reputable brand will have frame and components strong enough for you.
The weak point is usually the wheels. Generally, the more spokes you have the stronger your wheel. 32 spokes is quite common but 36 is recomended for heavier duty use.
The quality of the wheel built is also important. Factory wheels are often built by machine. A hand-built wheel (with the same components) will usually be much stronger and more reliable.
Get your bike from a proper bike shop where they can check and tune the wheels.

I need something to get be to and from work (about 10 -15 mins) each way, but I would like something that is multi-use, possibly an ungeared bike.

I was unaware that bikes were available for people over 500lbs.

Still need more information....like, how much are you willing to spend? YOur best bet is to go to a good bike shop in your area and see what they fit you with. FYI, I was above your weight 8 months ago and started with 15-20 min rides 3 miles or so, now I go on 3-4 hour rides, have lost 40 lbs and don't even feel like I have ridden unless I get a hour in...and love every minute. I started with a mountain bike, and have since acquired a good road bike and a cross bike....and am considering another moutain bike.

I had the same questions when I got into this Jan of last year. My local bike shop recommended a comfort style bike and I ended up with a Trek Navigator 300. It has worked fine for my 350lb. body. :)

I have recently put smooth/road tires on it and still have no problems.

cx bikes are a good all round choice for the clydesdales (work for me anyway)

look at cx bikes with disc brake options from kona, redline, cannondale, mountain cycle, salsa, voodoo, surly among others

Another forum user turned me on to this website:
http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=95
a forum for larger riders. Don't worry, our bikes take a bit more abuse, but get the right stuff, learn how to maintain it, and all will be well.

thanks everybody. I think I got the necessary info. Incidentally on the price front I was looking at somehing really cheap (~$100), but i think it will be a lot more looking at the prices of the recommended bikes.

In all honestly, it's doubful you can probably get a very good bike for that price range. Probably your best bet is to check bike shops that sell used bikes and find a good used bike....will likely still be more than that though.

I have a friend that also bought a Trek Naviagator 300, but she got her used and it was around $200 I think.

Us "cyldesdales" need a steel frame and 36 or 40 spoke wheels. This
narrows the choices to older steel frames bike which really ain't all
that bad. I weigh 350+ and get by fine on a Schwinn World Tourist.

Steel frame , 36 spokes ,a FFW for easy shifting. :D