kingkohlmn

Greetings from Minnesota, A little bit about myself. I've lost 65lbs in the last 18 months and recently completed the Marine Corps Marathon. Now that I have done a marathon, I need a new challenge. I remember as a kid going on bike tours and reading about centuries. So my next challenge is to complete a century. I am looking for a new bike and the POJ I own won't cut it. It's a flat bar, very uncomfortable; thought when I lost the weight it would be less painful on my hands, arm and shoulders. But it's not. I am looking for some guidance on my next purchase; I am looking at the Trek 1.1, 1.2 or 1.5, Specialized Secteur comp apex, SPT C or Raleigh Revenio. I've been to three shops and the’re really all pretty much offer the same services. These bikes are all road bike, my intended use would be to ride to/from work a couple days a week, and longer rides on the weekends and eventually a century. I don't want to go into debt, my budget can be as high as $1,400, but I'd prefer spending less. Looking forward to hearing from the experts, hopefully people that have ridden these bikes and not store owners.

Thanks Bill

no1mad 

Welcome aboard. Sounds like the best places for you to start your journey here would be the Long Distance and the Commuting forums.

Sorry to hear about the issues you are having with your current bike. It may not have anything to do with the current bar configuration, but more to do with the overall set up for fit. Of course, if a bike just plain has the wrong geometry for you, then no amount of tweaking will make it comfortable enough to ride it- and an uncomfortable bike quickly becomes a coat rack.

As for the commuting aspect goes, you'll be advised to make sure that any bike can readily take a rack and fenders. Wider tires make for a smoother ride on less than ideally maintained city street.

Leukybear 

Hi there!

You've definitely found the right sport to shed pounds with.

If you haven't already found them already, the road and training/nutrition forums would be right up your alley:

https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...1-Road-Cycling

https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-amp-Nutrition

Siu Blue Wind

Hey Bill, welcome to Bike Forums! Looks like you have some pretty good goals ahead of you. Congrats on the weight loss! Perhaps you can be of some inspiration to those in the Clyde and Athena forum!

kingkohlmn

Well you got me, I have no idea what Clyde and Athena is/what.
Thanks Bill

BillyD

Those are bikers heavier than they'd like to be. But they're working on it.

If you did the Marine Corps Marathon you may be at or near your target weight, no?

kingkohlmn

I should be but too much celebration and reverting back to some of my bad old habits. But I am back on track and will soon be at my target weight.

Siu Blue Wind

This is Clydes/Athenas here at Bike Forums. https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...00-lb-91-kg%29