bpatters69

Hello Folks,

I am new to the forum. This is my first post. I am researching a bike purchase and I would like your recommendations\feedback. I plan to use the bike primarily for exercise. I want to try to lose 15 pounds or so. I am 6'2 and I weigh 245....Yipes

Anyway, I figure a middle of the road 10 speed would work. I am hoping to spend around $250. Is that realistic? Thanks, Bill

55/Rad

When you say "10 speed", do you mean "road bike"? If so, there aren't a lot of quality new bike options in the $250 range, so buying used may be the way to go.

First step is to figure out what size bike you'll be looking for. A local bike shop can measure you and show you some options or you can go to a website like www.wrenchscience.com and do it yourself. From there, check EBAY and the classifieds. I'd also check the dept. stores like Walmart but I think you'll find that the long term quaility isn't there.

55/Rad

MichaelW

Most of the "road bikes" in the shops are competition-style racing bikes. For your back-to-fitness style of riding you may want something a bit more laid back.
There are some good flat-bar and light-touring road bikes, which can accept luggage rack, fenders and some medium tyres, and are fitted with lower gearing. Specialized Sirrus and Sequoia ranges are good examples of the style. They are more than your budget, but $250 is the bare minimum for any rideable bike.
The choice of bike shop is more important than bike brands. Trek, Giant, Fuji etc all make bikes in theis style.

bpatters69

Thanks, Gents. Please excuse my ignorance. I have not owned a bike in a long time. 10 speed was the term I always used to describe a bike that never leaves the road. Maybe I should describe the features\functions that I am looking for. I would like a shiftable bike and I plan to ride it in Florida. The bike will never leave the street. As I said, the primary purpose would be for exercise. I would like to ride 5 - 10 miles per day.

Thanks, Bill

redfooj

id get a friend who is knowledgeable.. and go shopping on ebay, or swap meets, or any other such sorts.. you can get great deals on vintage bikes

TrekRider

Bill,
I was where you are now about two years ago, except my wife bought me a bike. It was a Trek Navigator 300, a "comfort bike." It was a bit more than the $250 you want to spend, but it is the perfect style of bike to start on. I went from near 290 to 240.

I, too, thought I'd ride about 5-10 miles at a time, but was soon going all over the place, riding as many as a metric century at one time. I rode 4800 miles the first year and about 4,000 miles in the next eleven months.

I would suggest you go to your LBS and see what they have. My son, about 290lbs, bought a mountain bike for about $250, but got heavier wheels to account for the weight. Just don't go to a "big box" and buy a Huffy! Get a good brand of bike, a Cannondale, Trek, Gary Fisher, or something like that.

The hardest part is to ride every day for the first two weeks. Confusious, or however you spell that old Chinese guys' name, said if you do something for 14 days, it is no longer something you do, it is who you are. I used to be the fat guy. Now I am a cyclist.

In fact, I am now a road cyclist. I recently purchased an 2004 Lemond Zurich, which I saved over a year for, and enjoy it immensely. I am glad, however, that I didn't start with a $2500 bicycle as what if I didn't stick with it? Start small and work your way up!

1oldRoadie

Be careful Mr. Bill....these guy will lead you to the darkside! Next thing you know you will start losing weight and feeling goood, and chasing women, and considerating doing a century and...well it's a downward spirl...OOPs, to late!!

WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION, FRIEND!!