Howdy forum .

I have spent some time lurking here and must say I am impressed with some of the level headed advice given by members. I fully expected to see ppl recommending 2 ... 3 ... 4 thousand dollar bikes to n00bs and that sort of thing. I am hoping to participate here and become a frequent visitor.

I have read quite a bit and peeped the thread about how the site was founded. Looks like a good place for me . Not new to forums so I appreciate anybody who can help me with my n00bie questions. I realize answering the same things over and over can be monotonous.

As you may have guessed from my sign on, I am a chubby fella ... looking to lose some weight. I need something really low impact as I have had some issues with my lower back including a 4 month bout with sciattica in early 2009. I am 44 years old. I have not been able to exercise for a while but am well now. I am new to cycling and have not ridden in years. I have looked into other equipment and types of exercize, but have really been inspired to take up cycling.

In my first post here, I would like to have a big helping of some of that sage advice I have seen offered to others re: the quintisential n00b question, please help me choose a bike.

I know you all need some input, so here is what I can share with you. I am in the hybrid section because I live very close to our community trail network that is made up of hardpacked dirt and pea gravel. There are also extensive sidewalks that are paved. I need a bike that will be versatile enough to give a moderate work out on both surfaces and probably some gravel road shoulders as well.

My budget is around 500 USD.

I have visited a few LBS and discovered that I *think* I want a riding position that is somewhat leaned forward. I do not want to sit straight up and get all the road shocks from the rear tire up my back, nor do I want to be leaned way forward a-la Lance Armstrong .

I *think* I want sprung front forks but most of the ones with lock out are out of my price range.

I really want a bike that is from an American company, and yes, I realize that even at that a lot of parts and assembly are done overseas. Just trying to be as patriotic as I can with such a large purchase in hopes thqat at least a portion of it can keep someone working here in the US. So ... in my reserach I have narrowed it down to 2 companies ... Specialized and Trek.

So far I have seen and tried the Specialized Sirrus and Sirrus Sport, and the Crosstrail. I have also looked at the Trek FX 7.1, Hybrid 7000, and 7100 ... the Navigator 2.0 which seems to be the bridesmaid, and finally the Gary Fisher Bodega which I am leaning towards.

I like the seating position of the Bodega, but am really struggling to find any reviews. I am hoping that the more forward lean that it has over the Navigator will not become tiresome or stressful over a longer ride.

So ... that is where I am at. I am absolutely certain I have overlooked brands, models, and criteria. I am trying to make a sound choice on a first bike and the amount of info is sometimes overwhelming. I would appreciate any guidance anyone can offer.

BTW, my name isn't really Clyde . Sorry about the wall of text.

Your new bike will take you 500-1000 miles to adapted to it.
You best bet is to buy from a Friendly Bike Shop.
They will help you when you ask questions, need something else for the bike, and warranty problems can be taken care of faster.

Get the bike that talks to you.
Your first bike is a learning experience.
Get one and start riding.

Take on your riding problems one at a time.
Most of all have fun with your riding.

This might be just what your looking for, can be had at the LBS close to me for 569.00 dollars..Lot of bike for
the money..https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...11/7244/43949/ Richard : )

Cannondales are still engineered & assembled in Pennsylvania, right? There's a USA paycheck fer 'ya. How about a Quick 5 for $499?

Just one datapoint.

But at your weight don't let the salesman try to sell you anything with less than 32 spokes in each wheel... no matter how cool it looks. Some better bike places will swap wheels or tires on a new bike to get you what you need.

If you want real durability, a touring bike with flat bars might work out well, but expect a higher price for a new one.

I am new to hybrids, but I looked at different brands and found the Scott Sportsters series to be a very good value

Canondales are not made in PA anymore... but, the quick is still a nice bike. The Specialized Sirrus Sport has a carbon fork (I think), which would give you a nicer ride than the standard Sirrus. The QUICK comes with carbon fork and seat stays, not sure about the quick 5 though.

Thanks for the advice so far ... I was actually out shopping last weekend and found no less than 3 über-helpful bike shops I would have absolutely no problem dealing with.

I had considered Giant as I have heard they generally offer more value for the money, but after doing a little research I found they were a Taiwanese based company .


I had forgotten about Cannondale in my initial search ... mostly I guess because I see so much written about the two I mentioned and not so much anymore about them. The advice about the spoke count was helpful and makes sense. I don't mind going a little over my budget if I think I have found something that really suits my needs far better than a cheaper model.

Nice on the Scott Sportster (50 maybe) ... I hadn't heard of that one and will look into it.

As a large fella I am trying to stay away from all things carbon fiber for now. Thanks to the insight I think the Adventure series is a better fit for my current needs. FYI I think the base Siurrus has steel forks and the Sirrus Sport has aluminum, but I am only as smart as what I can read and real life knowlege may be better in this case. I can always ask my dealer if it makes the cut.

I'd be very interested in what you thought of the Specialized Sirrus and Crosstrail bikes. I own a comfort bike and I am looking to pick up a little bit more speed in my daily 5-7 mile ride during my lunch break.

To me, being a complete n00b the real difference was the sprung front end in the Crosstrail.

Due to where I will be riding I felt this was probably desirable.

Beyond that the seating position of the Sirrus is slightly more bent forward than the Crosstrail, making the Crosstrail a little more comfortable for me on the test drive. I am not sure how this would play out over a longer ride though. If you will be riding more on pavement, the Sirrus may be the better route as the ride was "smoother" due to the tires.

To me the Crosstrail seems tboth the more comfortable and versatile of the two ... your mileage may vary .

I am also considering test riding a Marin Muirwoods, a Jamis Coda, and a Giant Cypress. Fortunately for me all these bikes can be found in just 2 different LBS's.

As a big guy my self and been riding now for eight months I went with a trek 7200 I have ridden over 2000 miles of trouble free except for wearing out my rear tire. My style riding trails are very similar to what you describe, as far as the position by having an adjustable stem you can adjust the bars to many different positions. As I have lost the weight I have changed the position of my bars several times. Great bike for the price with proven reliability..

For what it's worth (not much!) I agree with big Al on the 7200. I've had mine a couple years now - probably 2000 miles on it. Im a 'big guy' too and NO issues with it. If you really get into biking you may want something sportier someday, but I gotta tell you - I rode mine over 40 miles in a tour de cure (for diabetes) ride this past spring and was very comfortable doing so. I does nothing 'exceptional' - it's kinda like a Honda - just add gas and go - for a long long long time. good luck and best wishes to you. (there are a number of stores that have the 10's on close out as the 11's are in and can be had for 400-ish now).

I bought a 2010 cannondale quick6. I'm very happy with it. I'd suggest you give a serious look at these bikes.

That's a nice bike....somehow it never made it on my radarscreen.