Hey there!

Just joined the group here a little while ago, and have had a blast reading up on bicycling. I haven't spent time on a bike since I was about 17 yrs old. Now, having just had my 40th birthday,it's time to get back into it.

I have a friend that lives in the same sub-division as I do, and we were talking about getting a couple of bikes and taking advantage of the walking / biking trails(purely paved areas...not even gravel) that we have right in our area. We're both big guys...he's about 5'10, and 320 or so pounds. I'm 6'1, and about 295-300 pounds. We want to get a couple of inexpensive bikes to start out with...just in case it isn't for us. I do think I am more likely to stick with it since I was really into biking when I was a kid. Even so, I'd like to start out slow, and work up to a better bike once I drop some weight and get into some sort of shape(other than the round shape I am now).

Do you guys think a crusier type bike would be good to start with? I've been seeing them around a lot lately, and they look to be a lot of fun. They also seem to be well built, and pretty easy to maintain. I've done some research on them, and while they are easy to own and operate, they also seem to be good for beginners...which is what I am. I have a bad back due to an old auto accident, and the cruisers look to have a riding position that seems better suited to me...more upright. I would guess that our price range is in the $200-300 range...which should be more than enough for an entry level bike...right********** I've looked at Jamis, Trek, and Raleigh...and all have bikes that look pretty good.

If anyone has any advice, I'd really love to hear it. I'm getting really excited about being here, and even more so about getting back into cycling!

Thanks a lot!

Jim,

You kind of sound like you are in the position that I was in a few years back. Aging, injuries, not having biked in too many years! My friend and I purchased Trek Navigators (he a 300, I got the 200). I have been extremely happy with it. It is in their 'Comfort' bike line and lives up to its name, yet I have taken it on dirt trails that it was never designed for and it has faired quite well. A very similar bike, and my second choice, was the Giant Sedona DX. I live in a very hilly area, so 21+ gears was a must - especially a very low 1st gear!

You mentioned that your intended use was going to be paved trails exclusively, and that you were intrigued by a Cruiser style bike. Trek makes single speed units like the Classic (steel or aluminum), as well as upgraded rides like the Calypso. It is basically the same bike, but with a 7 speed rear. I would highly recommend the versatility of a multispeed bike, even if the road is fairly flat. To be able to compensate for head winds, how your back is feeling, etc, is worth the extra money. You should be able to get one of these for below $300 if you shop around. And if it does not turn out to be something you stick with, it is always resellable.

Good luck,

Steve

Aging********************?? AARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

That's the first time I even thought I was aging...thanks for the reminder!

I did look into the multi speed bikes, and I think that is the way I want to go. There's a lot of really nice areas to ride in around here, so I'd hate to limit myself by having a single speed bike. I liked the Trek models, and Village Cycle in Chicago is having a HUGE sale, so I may take a trip over there to see what they have!

Thanks for the advice...I really appreciate it!

Polo -- I'll second the advice above. Being in the same size range as you are I suggest that you pay particular attention to the rear wheel of whatever bike you buy. I broke 3 spokes in my hybrid's stock wheel before I bought a new cyclocross wheel for the rear. Stock wheels are just not built for guys our size. So make sure you bring this up with the folks at the LBS so you don't wind up with your bike in the shop having new spokes put in on a regular basis.

A decent bike will have resale value if you decide biking isn't for you and it will have somewhat more upgrade potential if you get to a point where you would like better components or whatever.

Good luck with the riding, it is a great way to lose weight and improve your fitness without killing your joints. Let us know how the riding progresses.

Take your time looking at the different models and see if your LBS will let you test it out before buying. I like my Navigator 300, but I have no idea how it would work for someone of your size. Definitely test several different models on the road, if possible.

Village Cycle has great prices (way better than many other LBS's), but don't be pressured to rush into anything because something's on "sale." They almost always have stuff "on sale"--it's like a season long sale. Also, maybe it's me, but I ALWAYS feel "pressured" in that place....uncomfortably so. I think it's that there always is some guy next to you with a $1,000+ bike (heck, a wheel on his bike costs more than my whole bike) and I get the sense that they don't really care to help someone who is looking in the $200-$300 price range. I know that's probably an unfair criticism and other people go there without feeling the same way, but that's my honest feeling EACH time I've gone in there. I do not feel comfortable to go in and browse like I do at most other LBSs. I've bought several bikes there just because of their prices, but now usually am willing to pay $20+ more for the same model at the LBS closer to my house.

You should also know that its often hard finding parking there, so if you can go at an "off hour" you may save yourself a lot of hassle. Plan on spending a couple of hours there...an hour to pick out a bike and another hour while you wait for them to put one together for you in the back. God I hate that wait! I just want to head out the door with my bike after committing to buy.

Hopefully, I'll be able to find something over the weekend...or at least narrow my choices down a bit. I already figured on upgrading wheels if I needed to, but the rest of the components should be fine while starting out.

Yeah, a few people have told me that going to Village Cycle is like buying a car...pressure from the moment you walk in. Well, I've bought many cars in my life, and have walked out when I felt too pressured, so I think I will be OK. Parking is another issue...I HATE parking in the city! I guess I've lived in the burbs for too long...never a real parking hassle here. My thought was to go down early enough so I could be within a few blocks...cuz it won't get any better than that.

I looked around at an LBS close to my house. I walked in and just started looking when a guy came from the back and asked if I needed anything. When I told him I was just browsing for the time being, he told me that if I wanted to BUY anything, to hit the bell on the counter and he'd come out. I figured he was pretty busy cuz he seemed to be alone in there, so I was OK with that. When I walked by the repair area, he was just sitting back there with his feet up and reading a magazine. That whole scenario turned me off of ever doing business there. I'd rather drive a little bit and know my business was at least appreciated a little bit...not feel like I was imposing on someone begging them to take my money.

I'll be sure to keep you updated on the progress...of getting the bike, then my experiences with it!

Sorry Jim!

My problem is that I am a lot closer to 50, and starting to feel like it! But I am a light weight, and trying to stay that way. It gets harder each year....

I sold my old road bike about 10 years ago after not riding it for at least 5 years following a knee injury. I purchased a helmet and tried to buy a hybrid in the late 90's, but lost my nerve after visiting a few bike stores. I just couldn't find anything that was right - riding position, etc. I tried again in 2001, and the Navigator fit like a glove! Most of the folks on this board would scoff at a 'comfort bike', but for many of us, they are the ticket to returning to the sport.

Best of luck to you,

Steve

jim,

although not quite as big, i'm 6'4" - 200lbs - 59yo, i would second what steve just suggested, take a look at comfort bikes. just last night i parted with mine, a fisher capitola that i purchased two months ago for under $300 at my LBS. i loved it! unfortunately i had the wrong size for my height. so, i traded up for a hybrid in the proper size and i can't stay off the damned thing - i REALLY love it!

point is, whatever you buy be sure that it fits you and your specific needs. most importantly, get out there - ride it and have fun.

good luck in your search - keep us posted.

sdr

Hi Jim. You and I sound like we're similar height and weight. What bike did you finally decide on?

Still haven't decide on anything. I've done a little more research, and did a few test rides...Specialized hybrid and Raleigh comfort bikes mostly. They weren't too bad, but they didn't feel "right".

I'm going again this weekend...hopefully, I'll come up with something...or at least be able to narrow it down enough. I guess I never knew that there were sooooo many choices out there.

I'll pretty much second everyone's advice here. I think you're both definitely suited with a comfort bike, or maybe a hybrid. I would definitely suggest that you avoid the single-speed lines, and probably opt for a 21+ gear system.

Trek, Jamis, Raleigh, Giant, et cetera are all find brands and you can expect about the same quality and similar construction between them. There's nothing wrong with buying the bottom-of-the-line bike, either, and they should all have something in your $200-300 price window.

I'm not so sure that you'll ever find a perfect fit on test rides. After not riding for a few years, no bikes really "felt right" to me. I ordered a Trek hybrid, anyway, and I've adjusted to it very well. As long as the bike is the correct size, you should be able to adjust it to you preferences, though it may take several hours of riding and trial and error to get it just right.


I've definitely seen this attitude from a few here, but I don't think that's the prevailing opinion. I think giving new riders road bikes would be more likely to discourage their use than anything else. I think a hybrid or a comfort bike are much more likely to be useful for most people.


I just responded to your other thread with a link to this one. Didn't see that you'd already found it. Whoops.

Hi all. Thanks, Shaun and Jim for your reply. FYI....I went to the LBS and tried out some bikes earlier this afternoon. I definitely liked the feel and ride of the hybrids. I test drove a Specialized Crossroads, a great entry-level bike. I really liked it -- comfortable seat and ride. It's priced at $319. Anyone have any thoughts on this brand/model?

Joe

am in need of a very good powe bike of about 2000 pounds can u help me out

At $319, you're looking at the Crossroads Sport, probably an '05. I bought one of these for my girlfriend as her very first bike. She's happy with it, and it's comfort features make it a good choice for her. I think it's a pretty solid bike and a good value for $319. I'm not fond of the grip shifters, but that's a pretty minor complaint and they seem to work pretty well for my girlfriend.

MSRP is $330, so you might be able to get a better deal, but everyone around me sells at MSRP. My particular LBS compensates by adding 2 years to the warranty of the components and doing the first 30-day service for free. If you like the bike and you're comfortable with the store, I say go for it.


Huh? If you were trying to be sarcastic, you should work on your grammar first. It doesn't work if your sentence is gibberish.