m1aman

Hi guys. I am 53 years old and haven't been on a bike since I was 20. The thing is I weigh 290 pounds. I have already lost 98 pounds and would like to lose some more via cycling. I don't know jack about bikes but after spending about a week online searching around I think a hybrid bike would be a good starting point for me. Almost all of my riding will be in roadways and paved trails. Specifically I am interested in the following bikes.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...llant/allant_7

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...5828/#overview

What do you guys think? Am I looking in the right area bike wise? Is there something I should know about either of these bikes before I approach the lone lbs in my area and discuss them with him? The used bike market in my local rural area is nonexistent plus I don't know anything about bike mechanics or what to look for so I would just as soon get a new bike and establish a relationship with the local (30 miles away) bike shop. I am very open to any comments. Many thanks

Notgrownup

I personally go with the Giant...Depending how you feel on it though....I am 48 245lbs just dropped from 275 lbs...I have been tweaking my Cannondale Quick a bit... Raised the handlebars, Play with the seat adjustment...This bike will let you ride in the rain and not get splashed...Mine doesn't have fenders but basically same geomettry that the Giant you are looking at...As you get more in shape you can put better tires, swap seats, etc... Good platform to start...I had been off of a bike for 22 years. i have done about 120 miles since June 14th when i bought my Quick 5...Go for it, get the one that feels better to you.

jbchybridrider 

Welcome to BF Of the two bikes you listed I would take the Giant, it's a better looking bike that's more speedy with a nice rack but thats just me. Being an older gent that hasn't ridden for a long time the comfortable cruiser style of the Trek could be the ticket. Ride both before you buy if you can and stay with the rigid forks. I think your on the right track with these two bikes.

MRT2

Just from looks and specs, the Giant looks like the better bike. Second, maybe just me, but if you go with the Trek, upgrade from Shimano Tourney. Don't even know why they are putting bottom of the line components on Treks, but it is disappointing.

Wanderer

The Giant is a very well equiped bike for your money - and quite nice in the process. I would also consider asking the dealer to make you a deal on a 36 spoke rear wheel, as part of the deal.

Bill Kapaun

Giant-
The rear hub is a free hub design vs free wheel. Much better design- see the link why-

https://sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html

Have the LBS TENSION the spokes and the rear wheel should be fine.

fietsbob

and return occasionally so it will remain so, as you use the bike..

ikaika777

Go with the Giant.

m1aman

Thank all of you for your responses. Everyone seems to like the Giant so that really gives me something to think about. I agree that the Giant looks better to my eyes as well. The seat on the Trek looks more comfortable though. But what do I know because I have zero experience with bikes. One question..... can any dealer order a Giant bike or do they have to be an "authorized" dealer? I ask because after searching on the Giant website I see that the nearest authorized dealer is 100 miles away. I think that my local dealer (30 miles away) is a Trek dealer. I will find out tomorrow when I go to see him.

Thanks again. Your views are very useful to me.

MRT2

Usually, you can only get a new bike from an authorized dealer. If you want the Giant, you need to find an authorized dealer.

Jimbojo

Check out the Clydesdale Athena forum, lots of good info there for those of us with a weight issue.

Wanderer

I stand by my recommendation of switchin to a 36 spoke, properly tensioned, wheel, as part of the purchase agreement. You will never get a better time to upgrade. The 36 spoker will be much stronger.

ikaika777

The Giant Escape 2 got Consumer Digest's best buy rating in the August 2012 issue. Did I mention I love my Escape 2 today?

""Consumer Digest (August 2012) gives the Escape 2 and Liv/giant Escape 2W the "Best Buy" rating for Hybrid and Comfort Bikes. “The inexpensive Escape 2 has better parts than what you would find on hybrid bikes that cost $100 more. The highlights include a high-quality aluminum frame (most others are steel in this price range), a 24-speed drivetrain (21 speeds are more common) and double-wall aluminum rims that we believe will hold up better over time than do the single-wall hoops that are typical among economy models.”"

fietsbob

Giant is just that, they make something like a dozen + brands for other companies

+ what they paint with 'Giant' on it..

Merida is another Multibrand manufacturer.