Okay I'm 280, 5'8, and after 9 months of sobriety I've decided I need to liven up I went into a bike shop test rode, then love, I want to ride ,it was so much fun! I'm torn in many directions. .. so first the Rome 3, like it but roam two and one are options I think the guy was trying to push the three on me but I did like it, then I thought about used, found a 2014 bad boy excellent condition $600. Then trek 2013 7.2 $280... fair condition comes with rear rack. And finally the one I really like specialized Sirrus elite 2013 beautiful conditions. $450. I'm looking to be full time bike and bus lots of commuting and I'm a heavy guy and a bit risky and wreckless.. any advise or better bike for me that you all might want to recommend?

Any off-road, or on road only?

I want to venture into off road and line the idea of having two in one but commuting on streets lots of hills is my priority

I like the idea of two in one that's why I'm attracted to the roam but street commute with big hills is my priority

I have no idea what this thread is about, but kudos! You are the first person I can remember ('sides my high school friend from like a hundred years ago) that says, "geez louise..."

Sirrus Elite.................

Lol, yeah.. it's my thing now.. any way the I am not a biker but want to start the bike shop near my house sales Giant , and kona, but I found some nice used bikes, Cannondale bad boy 2014 $600. Yrek 7.2 2013 $280. And specialized sirrus elite 2013 $450. Those are all used the new ones are giant roam 3 or kona dew, I'm a heavy guy. So just asking which might be the best choice or can anybody give advice for first time bike buyer will be commuting allot.

Yes. That's the one I'm leaning towards beautiful and good reviews. Thanks

Congrats on 9 months C & S. Keep on keepin' on.

I ride the Trek 7.2. (rack, panniers, fenders etc) Great all around commuter. I usually ride 15-30 mile rides but did a 72 mile joy ride Sunday on paved and gravel roads and was impressed with the comfort for such a long ride. Very reliable, comfortable bike.

For the used bikes, are you considering bicycle size? If you get a bike too large or too small to get comfortable on, a killer deal can quickly turn into a waste of money.

Any of the bikes you listed by model would do. My personal direction (if the bike was the right size) would be the Sirrus Elite at that price. If the budget is an issue, the Trek would be a good choice too.

Check any out that look interesting, and the right size, then test ride it and see if it speaks to you.

The brands you listed are fine... just avoid people who try to sell K-Mart and Walmart bikes at the same prices.

Hi thanks and I will yes I will be visiting all today and testing height and all I really like the elite but any would do yeah?

Yes. Almost any non-big-box-store bike will perform adequately and last.

One side issue, and it sounds like you are already leaning in the same direction as I do, but if you are riding only on paved roads (or fairly smooth gravel roads and trails) going without a suspension fork is probably a good idea... unless if you ride a bike with a suspension you just fall in love with it. I know I don't miss it since I moved to rigid fork.

What you tend to get for more money:

1) Lighter

2) Better ride (may or may not be noticeable) via fork materials etc.

3) More gears (this doesn't usually get you higher or lower gears, but minimizes the gaps in between gears making it slightly easier to find the perfect gear for a given situation) Not critical on a hybrid, since you are not racing, in my opinion.

4) Possibly marginal improvements in shifting and/or braking

5) Bragging rights (i.e. more people are impressed with a 7.7 fx than a 7.2 fx)

Continue asking about any specific bikes here if you see something else that interests you.

How about a 29er Mountain Bike? road slick tires Off road Knobby Tires ..

Thank you for the advice I found a great deal on a sirrus elite 450. But luckily i read your post it was a large I'm a medium, so after endless nights researching I decided on the sirrus elite 2015 no disk MEDIUM. I have a long commute ahead of me and my nerves in my wrist are a bit damaged so I'm hoping the carbon fork gives relief . I'll get the disks when I'm done with court and get a better paying job. I'm also excited to ride not up the hills but down THEM.

I thought about that but I'm a new rider at that out of shape like way out and I know bikes are all about the effort I put in it but any help I can get from a road bike I'll take it.

Given your weight, you might want to ask in the Clydesdales/Athenas group. You want a bike that has wheels with enough spokes to handle your weight otherwise you are going to have continuing mechanical issues.

Congrats on the clean and sober! I've known several people who have been over 300 pounds and with regular hiking and/or biking and developing good eating habits have lost 70-150 pounds. It's pretty awesome seeing the immense change in life it has brought. I have great admiration for these folks.

Thanks for the advise, and sharing that its good to hear about those who have been successful in life changes sometimes it feels pointless but then I read or see or hear something like this it gives me that push I need. . Tyvm.