Hey, Adam here....Been a while since I last biked but hope to learn a bunch here!

A quick background on me:

So... I've been leading a rather sedentary lifestyle for the past decade and at age 30 I've decided that 2008 will be the year I regain my health. In Highschool/College I was 6'6" 210 lbs and somehow managed to MORE THAN DOUBLE my weight over the last decade (pretty impressive huh?!) Anyway, I've already lost 125 lbs since Jan. 7, 2008 with a little help from Gastric Bypass Surgery and I've got about another 75 lbs to go to hit my goal weight. I finally got the clearance from my doctor to begin exercising a couple weeks ago (had to wait so long because of complications from surgery -- almost died.) and I've been hitting the gym 3 times a week and going for a 1-2 mi walk each night. But those walks can get a little boring so I decided to pick up a bike and start riding again because I used to enjoy it so much in my younger years.....

So after talking with the guys at a local bike shop and test riding a few bikes I actually settled on a really nice comfort bike (bed sore friendly). I went for a nice long ride today and even went down the trails at the end of my street and it handled the offroad terrain rather nicely, though it will see the street 95% of the time. It seriously feels like you're riding a sofa between the upright position, adjustable front suspension and suspension seat.

What do you guys think of my choice?

MFR description:

The Raleigh Venture 4.0 combines the fun of your favorite bike when you were a kid with the comfort and efficiency of gears and an upright position. The super soft Avenir saddle, comfort grips, and Shimano Acera drivetrain will keep you pedaling with ease for hours.

Size: XL 22" frame
Frame
Atomic 13 Aluminum, Comfort Geometry w/Internal Cable Guides
Fork
SR NEX 4100 63mm Travel w/Preload Adjust
Cranks
Shimano TX71 28/38/48t
Bottom Bracket
Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur
Shimano C50
R. Derailleur
Shimano Acera
Shifter
Shimano EF-50, EZ Fire 8spd
Brake Levers
Shimano EF-50 levers
Brakes
Tektro V-brakes
Gear
SRAM PG830 8spd (11-32t)
Rims
Weinmann XTB-26 Double Wall
Tires
Kenda K841A w/Kshield 26x1.95
Pedals
Avenir Comfort Platform
Handlebar
Comfort Riser
Stem
Alloy adjustable
Seatpost
Alloy Micro Adjust Bootless Suspension 27.2x300mm
Seat
Avenir Deluxe Comfort
Headset
Threaded 1-1/8
Color:
Silver Fade
Chain
KMC HG40
Hubset
(F) Joytech Alloy QR 36h (R) Shimano RM30 36h Cassette
Spokes
14g Stainless Steel
Grips
Avenir Comfort
Extras
Rack and Fender mounts, Water Bottle mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owners Manual

Price $399.00

Looks like a nice choice of a bike to me.

Have you checked out the Clydesdale forum yet?

Welcome!

Hi Adam, I see you did indeed find the Clydesdale/Athena forum! The folks over there are absolutely great guys and guys, with some incredible success stories. They will keep you motivated, and entertained. I'm glad to hear you managed to recover from the surgery, and I know that you will love your cycling.


Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Welcome Adam, just wanted to say congrats on all those great changes in your lifestyle! Have fun with the bike.