A newb in need of advice...
 

Ok, here goes. I haven't ridden a bike since high school, but lately i've had a nasty itch to start riding again. I'm a rather large guy. I'm 6'10' and about 270-290 depending on the day. I'm not fat, just big. Running kills my knees and swimming in less than an olympic size pool is pointless when it come to exercise. SO, i have decided that biking could become a great source of low impact, fun, exercise.

That being said, i have done a little research at a bunch of LBS'. From what i gather i will need a bike in the XXL, 23'-25', or 58cm-61cm range. Also understanding that i am not a person with a $1000 in my wallet just aching to be spent, i am trying not to break the bank on my first bike.

Now, I have looked at the Trek 4500, the Specialized RockHopper, and the (i think) Specialized Crosstrail Sport as the primary options right now that come in larger frames that would fit me and also not break my financially.

I am here to hopefully get some advise on what would be my best bet.



I've been told that my weight will play a factor into certain areas of the bike like double walled rims, quality of shocks, etc. as thinks i should pay a little more attention to.

Anyway, your advise is much appreciated. Thank you guys.

I would cross post in Clydes.

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=248

You might benefit from a 29er...

Does it bother anyone else that the new standard reply for a larger fella looking for advise is a 29er? Don't get me wrong, but there are other options out there. A cheaply made 29er is still a cheaply made bike, just has bigger wheels.

Anyways.... Giantsoobs, have you talked to the guys at the shop yet? They should be able to steer you in the right direction regarding size and whatnot. XXL frames are gonna feel different on the bikes you mentioned, so you should give them a test ride.

Components are one thing you need to watch out for. I'd say to stay away from stuff marketed as XC, as they tend to be made lighter. Not that it makes it weaker all the time, but is more fragile for the most part. Anything with deore should be able to handle you. For forks and all, have the shop help dial them in, and again, stay away from XC. Look into downhill or freeride.

Redline D440 is a great, cheap, 1x8, rigid 29'er.

Taller wheels than the standard 26" mountain bike.

I'd ride it at a shop though b/c I think they only go up to 21" which could "possibly" work if you used a HiRise stem and bar...400-450mm seatpost.

I've been into a bunch of local shops getting advise and suggestions. I'd like to test ride a bunch of different models, the only problem i'm finding is that most places dont carry 23"+ or XXL frames in stock. And if they do have one its a road bike, not a mountain bike. So i can test ride a bunch of XL frames. I did test ride a FUJI 29er that was an XL frame with a long tube raised almost the whole way up. It wasn't bad, pretty comfortable, but the guy was saying that my legs still werent extending out far enough and it would just get uncomfortable after a while of riding.

Downhill and freeride huh? Were going into Tempe Bike this afternoon so ill talk to them about that today and see what they have.

Thanks for the advise guys.

Ignore the downhill/freeride advice seeing as you just said that you dont want to spend much.

^^ I know he said budget, but was trying to give him some pointers. Big guy + lightweight components = Disaster, or having to replace parts. And that then leads to more money. Better to spend it, and do it right the first time around.