tlmonie

Hello, I am new to your forum and I really think this is a great site! I was looking for a recommendation for a starter bike. I am a larger guy 6' 5" and weigh 240 lbs. Do they make bikes in tall sizes? The Doctor said i needed to lose some weight and suggested bicycling. Any help would be great! Thanks, Todd

AC7880

I'm a newbie as well, but hvae been searching the web for a week or two.
This web site has standover height info under frame specs on each model:
https://www.jamisbikes.com/

Also check out:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/000...00.000.000.asp
https://www2.trekbikes.com/lang_redirect.php
https://www.specialized.com/

alanbikehouston

One of the best "starter" bikes is an entry level mountain bike from a "top" company, such as Trek, Giant, or Specialized. Trek has three or four mountain bikes with a "street" price under $350. A good mountain bike in the $300 to $350 range can handle punishment that would make a $2,000 road bike beg for mercy.

And, you can get a good choice of sizes. Trek makes its entry level mountain bikes with a choice of five or six sizes. By adjusting the seatpost and stem, a good shop can "dial in" a very precise fit for you.

chipcom 

Alan makes good points, though I don't agree that a mountain bike is necessarily the best choice to start with. A good hybrid or fitness bike is a better choice, IMO - lighter, a little more nimble, more upright riding position, smoother tires more suited for pavement and packed paths. I'm 6'1 230 and have been as high as 250 in lazy years, most hybrids will support your weight fine and an XL frame would probably fit you fine. You might look at a Giant Cypress, Trek 7xxx or 7.x, Jamis Coda, Bianchi Avenue, etc. for good low cost starter bikes. The most important thing is to take a few for some test rides and choose one that fits you and feels best to you.

Now since Alan has recommended a MTB and I have thrown in hybrid and fitness bikes, maybe if you could tell us what kind of riding you want to be doing, we might be able to narrow down some options for you. Your budget would help too.

Barrettscv 

Hi CC,

I'm also looking for a bike for the first time in many years. I'm 49, 215 Lbs have been working out and can rollerblade 10 to 20 miles. Live in the city of Chicago. Plan to use the bike for exercise, 2 or 3 times a week. about 2000 miles a year.

I need an upright comfortable bike. 90% pavement, 10% packed paths expected usage. No hills to climb. No loads to carry.

Will use rain or shine, 12 months a year.

Willing to shop eBay & local retailers for that bargain, want to spend $300.

Any suggestions?

Michael

beartoothrider

My foremost advice is to keep in mind that a "bargain" is only a bargain if it's the right bike in the right size. Getting a bike for significantly under retail does not automatically make it a bargain, and often leads folks into mistakes that costs them more money in the long run. As a shop owner I see this far too often. People bringing in bikes that they picked up on e-bay or at a garage sale for "cheap" that either is the wrong bike for their intended purpose, is the wrong size, or has so many problems that It'll cost significatnly more to get running right that it cost to begin with. They wind up spending as much as they would have on a new bike. Also keep in mind that bicycles are no different than anything else, you do get what you pay for. If you buy the right bike first it will serve you well for many years. In the grand scheme of things $300 is nothing - maybe a half dozen gas tank fills, or one years gym membership. If you're new to the sport, getting the right bike in a proper fit makes a huge difference in your comfort, control and ultimately your enjoyment of riding. Often the best bargain is to spend full retail at a trustworthy shop. End of rant.

Barrettscv 

Ok, My first response on Bike Forum results in a rant, Hmmmm.....

I'm just looking for general guidelines.

Cheers,

Michael

PaulH

Find out what the good bike shop in your area is. You can probably best accomplish this by contacting the local cycling advocacy group, if it exists. Then, go to the shop, talk to the people, and test ride a bunch of bikes. See what you like best.

Bike choice is an individual thing. In general, independant shops will give much more perceptive info than will chains.

Paul

beartoothrider

Sorry Michael, it was a well meaning rant. IMO, it's just bad policy to set a rigid dollar amount when shopping for something like a bicycle. Much better to make your decision based on: #1) the right "type" of bike, 2) Fit, 3) Quality of components - frame, wheels, drivetrain, 4) feel during test ride. Spending $500 on the right bike, one that fits both your body proportions, riding style, and intended use, one that is a pleasure to ride, will be a much better bargain than a $300 bike that falls short of any of the above, and therefore less enjoyable to ride. A $300 bike that sits in the garage and collects dust is not a bargain. Can you find the right bike at the price you're looking for - absolutely! Can you let that "great bargain" sucker you into buying the wrong bike - absolutely! Bikes are like shoes - fit is everything. Be very careful when buying either on sale.

bbattle

Trek Hybrids would be good, also their fitness bikes, the FX series. The FX doesn't have the front suspension of the hybrid, is a little more aggressive on the geometry and has flat bars instead of riser bars. My wife has a Trek 7100 hybrid and I'm upgrading her to the 7.5FX this spring. It's a bit faster and has better components. She rode the 7100 on dirt roads, packed trails, roads with no troubles but for rides longer than 25 miles I feel the FX will be the better ride.



Trek Hybrid 7100 $300 list




Trek 7.2FX $400 list

2005 Giant FCR4 $440


2006 Fuji Crosstown 4.0 $290


Marin Stinson Comfort bike $370


Bikes like these will have triple chainrings with a wide cassette for lots of gearing options. You can add racks and fenders and tow kids in their trailers. As you go up in price, you get better wheels, better gears but the frame is the same.

These front suspension forks seem to be really popular but my wife hasn't felt the need for one and they do add weight to the front of the bike. A lot of these bikes have a suspension seatpost but that too, seems to be unnecessary.

When you first start riding and putting decent mileage on your bike, the saddle may seem to be hurting your rump. Don't make the mistake of swapping it with something squishier; that will actually make the problem worse. You sit on your sitbones(ischial tuberosities). If they sink down into the saddle, that brings pressure to bear on your "soft parts". Not a good thing. Better to get a hard saddle that supports your sitbones. Trust me, you'll get used to it.

I recommend getting a saddle bag that fits in behind your saddle to store a spare tube, tire levers, a patch kit, maybe some useful allen wrenches. You can get some that can hold all that plus a cellphone or your wallet. A bottle cage and some extra water bottles are good to have, too. You can get a small frame pump that is strapped to your bottom tube next to the water bottle. I recommend a floor pump for home use.

Then, a nice helmet that fits. Doesn't have to be expensive but make sure it has decent ventilation and fits your noggin well. Maybe some half-fingered gloves. Sunglasses that fit snugly around your face keep the wind and bugs out of your eyes and you won't be squinting all the time.

Finally, to show the neighborhood how cool you are on your new ride, some nice spandex jerseys and shorts. These really do make the riding a lot more comfortable but if the idea of spandex shorts bothers you, get some mountain bike shorts, aka baggies. They will have the chamois to protect your rear but aren't skin tight.

It's important to test ride as many bikes in your category to find the one that fits you the best. Have the local bike shop(LBS) guys do any adjustments to the seat and handlebars to get you a decent fit and then ride. A 54cm Trek won't fit you the same as a 54cm Fuji or a 54cm Specialized so buying an unknown bike off e-Bay isn't recommended.

There are still plenty of 2005 models available in many stores and you may be able to get a good deal on one.

Barrettscv 

Hi BB,

That is great advice! I'll spend my time and review the models you suggest. I started a fitness routine last year and need to end my couch potato ways. I've lost 30 Lbs, and I'm planning to lose another 30 or more this year. I've been enjoying rollerblading but need variety and something more all-season/all-weather for my cardio requirements. I've had difficulties running due to sciatic nerve inflammation.

I expect to use the bike often. Chicago has a great network of bike paths.

Thanks again for the advice.

Cheers,

Michael

ChiliDog

Michael
I just bought a Trek 7.3fx for $429 from the local Trek store. Love it and the matte black chrome color is awesome! It's a great all round choice!
Deb

NBALLARD

Hi CC-

I am new on this thread but have been searching for a new road or hybrid bike. I have the Trek 3700 MTB. It fits great but it very, very slow. I rode the MS150 last fall and plan on it again this year but I want a bike that is faster and easier to ride and one that can handle lots of mileage (20-30 miles a day during training season). I found my MTB was very heavy and did not take the hills very well. Riding in the Ozark region of Missouri there were alot of treacherous hills. As I have said before, I have back problems and don't know about a road bike. Your post was very helpful. Liked the Trek 7.2 FX or the Fuji Crosstown 4.0. I even found a local bike shop that will trade in my bike as I have only had it for about 7 mos. Thanks for the help

NBALLARD

Hi again

I mentioned I have the Trek 3700 MTB (13 inch). Yes, okay, I am short. Very very short. Anyway, some of the pics that you have posted look very similar to my bike. I am just wondering what the differences are between the 'ol Trek MTB and the hybrid. I want more speed and will be riding solely on pavement for long distances. Natalie

jimmuter

I've purchased bike stuff online from one of your local bike shops (Kozy's Cyclery https://kozy.com/site/). They seem to have a good variety of bike related stuff and bikes of reasonable price and quality. Go have fun checking out a few bikes at your local shops.

Fibber

Natalie,

I believe that the basic frame in your size (assuming the conventional design, and not the optional step thru ladies frame that Trek also offers) is near identical between the 3700 mtb, and the hybrid 7200, 7200fx, and new 7.x variants. The big difference is in suspensions and wheel/tire sizes.

For instance, your 3700 has a fixed low rise headset, 26" x 2.0" tires, a long travel front suspension, but no seatpost suspension, and the mega low range 7 gear rear cassette.

The 7200 has a more upright, adjustable headset, slightly larger but much narrower 700mm x 35mm (around 28" x 1.375") tires, a shorter travel front suspension & a seatpost suspension, and a slightly numerically higher 8 gear rear.

The 7200FX looks to have a similar (but not identical) headset to your 3700, but no suspension either front or rear, tire size & gearing like the 7200.

Totally confused? Don't feel bad.... Also note that when you move within a series (like say 7000, 7100, 7200, 7300), the equipment and feature list gets shuffled.

Bottom line: go to the shop and have them pull out one of each for you to try out.

You also mentioned road bike as a possibility. Trek has a 'comfort road' that further blends bike lines.

Steve

Fibber

Oh, I guess while on this subject, I should have mentioned Trek's comfort bike variant, the Navigator. The frame geometry is very similar to that of the 7200, and shares most components (front and seatpost suspension, gearset, etc.), but uses wheels/tires like your 3700 (26"x1.95"), but with a smoother (faster) tread design.

Steve

bbattle

Hybrids will have lighter frames, a lighter front suspension, usually a suspension seatpost, adjustable stems to move the handlebars, and probably the pedals are a bit closer to the ground than on a mountain bike. They still have you sitting upright like a mountain bike but because of the narrower, street tires they will be faster. Some hybrids' frames are just as beefy as mountain bike frames but many are lighter.

The Trek FX bikes and the like have a bit more aggressive geometry than the hybrids, they don't have front suspensions or suspension seatposts. The tires may be narrower and more for pavement and light trails. The gearing on the lower end models is the same as on mtb's and hybrids but the more expensive models use road gearing, which is higher for more speed(but more work getting up hills).

The Pilot is a road frame, road handlebars, road gearing, road tires but the geometry is more 'relaxed', you aren't bent so far over. Plenty fast, light frame, the kind of bike most people on 'race' bikes should've gotten.

At the other end, there are "comfort" bikes that have lower seats so your feet can touch the ground while still sitting. The geometry is upright. Most have front suspensions, adjustable stems for the handlebars, and the handlebars are swept back. Great for leisurely rides down the bike paths, going to the store, just bumming around. Some models have Shimano Nexus gears in the back. These are gears inside the rear hub, 3 or 7 speeds. Made for people that enjoy riding but aren't interested in racing teenagers.


Even more leisure-oriented are the cruisers. Long wheelbase, fat tires, swept-back handlebars, no more than 7 speeds(most are singlespeed).


Note: it's nearly always cheaper to buy good components already on the bike than to upgrade them later. So, if you feel you must have Deore XTR gearing, save up for the bike that carries it. Really, though, everything but bottom basement stuff is good, just heavier and maybe needs more adjusting.

Barrettscv 

Thanks BB,

great info, I'll start researching. The Hybrids sound good. My local shop consists of first rate fitters, but a limited product selection.

I'm going to focus on a no frills, but well made bike from a good fitter. I'll probably push my budget up a little towards $400.

Thanks again,

Michael

metal_cowboy

Most companies do not make frames for tall riders (over 6'4"). At 6'5" you should be riding a 64-66cm road bike frame, and a 22-24" mountain bike frame. Normally I would not recomend a mountain bike for a first bike, but Trek makes one model that comes in a 24" frame. Retail price is $499, so perhaps you can find one in the lower $400's.
https://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1022600&f=19

RonH

Go to wrenchscience.com as a "starter" to determine frame size. You'll probably want to get 36 or 40 spoke wheels on whatever bike you get.

bbattle

tlmonie, there are two threads near the top of the Road cycling forum you should check out. One is for people over 200 pounds, aka "Clydesdales". Another is one about road bikes under $700. There are a number of bikes recommended for big guys like yourself.

Most of the major bike companies will make frames large enough for you. If you think you want a mountain bike, or want a mtb frame with road tires, check out the ones with 29" wheels.

foxden

Everyone is different, so there is no one answer. I purchased a top end Raleigh Passage Hybrid. It had features I liked - trigger shifters, disc brakes. I hadn't ridden in over 30 years and this was the bike that made sense at the time. A road bike wouldn't have been as comfortable, and I certainly wouldn't have been in the shape needed to appreciate it. Likely it would have sat in the garage.

Now that I have been riding for four months, I am going longer and longer distances and have gotten in much better shape. I am beginning to see limitations to the bike. My first rides were once around the neighborhood. Soon, two times, than three. After a while I ventured out and did 10 miles. Now if the weather is decent, I ride a 35 mile loop each weekend. Perhaps a road bike would make sense now.

If I am still enjoying riding in a year, I will probably move to either a road or touring style bike and keep the hybrid for the paved trail rides with my wife.

Dchiefransom

If you look closely at the pictures of the bikes posted above, you will notice that some of them have a stem that can be adjusted by loosening a screw in the stem. This is a good feature for people that might like the way they sit on the bike for the first few miles, but end up wanting to sit a bit more upright later. It allows the handlebars to be raised/lowered without buying a different stem.

FLBandit

I have a Trek 7500FX that I like very well. I'm 6'2" and weigh 220 and I find the bike to hold up well.