[dirtforlife]

What to get? So many to choose from?

I am 5' 9" tall and athletic build with a big gut right now, lol...I weigh a little over 300 lbs and want to lose about 70 lbs and probably will settle in at about 230 lbs. I was at 230 lbs about 7 years ago and in great shape. Started back at the gym to lose weight and get back in shape. Want to add some outdoor aerobic exercise to my routine.

Was looking at bikesdirect site and Giant, etc.
I was thinking about getting a MTB with full suspension? What do you professionals suggest? I would like to do some trail riding, on/off road riding?


Thanks

 

[mrpercussive]

really depends on what kind of riding you're looking to be doing... Check out Ibex... They make quality bikes from XC to FR. Check this one out. It's their all mountain bike and in your price range too

http://ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ATLAS-SPT-Details.html

 

[Becane73]

Some of the best you can get for that price range

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8093/.f?sc=2&category=509
http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8028/.f?sc=2&category=-112

Also look at the Specialized FSR XC at your LBS

Ibex are an ok deal, but with just about all the major brands (Trek, Iron Horse, Specialized, Giant etc) discounting their lower end models to keep up with competition, you sacrifice a little by giving up on the name. For that kind of money I enjoy riding as much as anyone else, but I like to ride something that looks as nice as it rides.

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

So many choices

You are absolutely correct, the options are overwhelming. The first thing you need to decide is if you want a hardtail bike or full suspension. Your $1200 will buy an excellent hardtail, and a very good full suspension bike provided you shop around. Secondly, you need to decide what you are comfortable in doing from the standpoint of nbuying. Do you go with your LBS and the benefits of what they may offer? (Some offer free tune ups and other discounts). Do you buy direct online? (Great way to maximize your buying dollar on the bike itself). Once you decide thoise two questions, narrow down your choices and then ask advice.

Some things to be aware of as a larger rider. Be sure the bike has a sturdy frame. Look for gussets or other reeinforcements on the frame where the tubing meets. Next, be sure the bike has a fork that will handle your weight. Forks are probably the most expensive part on the bike, and a place where manufacturers typically skimp in order to hold the bike at a certain targeted price point in their line up. Forks with larger stanchions or "tubes' are the way to go. They measure anywhere from 28mm up to 36mm. look for something in the 30-32mm stanchion range, with 32 being ideal, in my personal experience. You'll also need a strong wheelset that has at least double walled rims and a competent set of hubs. Lastly, at your weight disc brakes are very important. I wouldn't trust my safety at 300 lbs to a set of V brakes. The remaining components are also very important, but these are the things that I personally look at as a 250 lb rider.

A couple of recommendations I can make would be the Kona Hoss, which is a nice hardtail that's made specifically for larger riders. Look at the specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc. Lastl'y, if you're Ok with buying direct, the Ibex Trophy Comp X7 at $699 is an outstanding value, but that price only lasts until end of January. All three of these bikes are hardtails and will cost less than $1000.

Hopefully this gives you some food for thought.

Bob

 

[Jake Pay]

professionals LOL

dirtforlife,

Lets spend all of the $1200 and buy an (click>) 07' Trophy Pro from IBEX :thumbsup:

Pre Launch Special: $1199

Frame: Triple-Butted 6066 Aluminum
Fork: Rock Shox Reba Race* 80mm Travel
w/ Remote Lockout & External Rebound
* shock pump required

Shifters: SRAM X9 Trigger
Front Derailleur: SRAM X9
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X9
Crankset: TruVativ Stylo Team 3.3
Cassette: SRAM PG-980 (11-32T)
Chain: KMC Z9200

Brakes: Avid Juicy-7 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Levers: Avid Juicy-7

Rims: Sun DS1-XC Rims
Hubs: Novatec 4/2 Sealed Bearing Hubs
Tires: Maxxis Ignitor 26" x 2.10 Folding

Headset: Cane Creek S-3
Cockpit Set: TruVativ Team
Saddle: WTB Devo Team
Pedals: Shimano M520 Cllipless

Jake :ihih:

 

[corleone]

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8093/.f?sc=7&category=55

Full suspension, nice components, and one of the best if not the best susp. systems going

http://www.dw-link.com/

Stick with 100mm+ of travel, as you will probably find you blow through 80mm of travel waaay to easy at 300lbs.

 

[Becane73]

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8093/.f?sc=7&category=55

Full suspension, nice components, and one of the best if not the best susp. systems going

http://www.dw-link.com/

Stick with 100mm+ of travel, as you will probably find you blow through 80mm of travel waaay to easy at 300lbs.

If I were in the market for a new bike again this one for the price would be near the top of my list. And I agree. You probably want at leat 100mm of travel for your frame.

Others to consider - quick google search:
Also check out the Specialized FSR XC's
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=6468
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=5294

Cannondale Rush
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=6368
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=6418

Trek Fuel
http://texomacyclingcenter.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=3881

 

[dirtforlife]

My gym partner for the last 13 yrs works in Security at a nearby Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapon facility. I've been slack. He has to stay in shape to keep his job. He rides with a group of co-worker's reguarly. He's been trying for several years to get me to join them. I want a bike that I can keep a long time and still be happy with.

Since I am 5.9 " tall. My inseam is 28 or 29 inches. Would I need a 16.5 or a 18.5 high bike?

Becane73,
They look like great bikes.. You personally have a nice bike.. How much did it cost?

mrpercussive,
Nice bike..

Jake Pay,

07' Trophy Pro.. One very nice bike.

I do have some lower back problems, would a full suspension be better for me then a hardtail with front shocks?

corleone,

Iron Horse Azure Comp 2006 (Cross Country)

Good looking bike, Sounds like the bike I'm looking for, What do you other guys think?

Thanks

 

[dirtforlife]

If I were in the market for a new bike again this one for the price would be near the top of my list. And I agree. You probably want at leat 100mm of travel for your frame.

Others to consider - quick google search:
Also check out the Specialized FSR XC's
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=6468
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=5294

Cannondale Rush
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=6368
http://planocycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=priceasc&id=6418

Trek Fuel
http://texomacyclingcenter.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=3881

They all look nice...I need to narrow the search down to 2 or 3 bikes and choose one of them ..lol :thumbsup:

Thanks.

 

[Becane73]

Becane73,
They look like great bikes.. You personally have a nice bike.. How much did it cost?
Thanks

Thanks,

My bike is a custom build of parts I bought from ebay, craigslist, and here and there. Total cost was about $1300. :

 

[mrpercussive]

thanx dirtlife... loving my current bike... i've never thought i'd ever be doing the things i am now...

 

[Jake Pay]

I'm bias, LOL

My gym partner for the last 13 yrs works in Security at a nearby Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapon facility. I've been slack. He has to stay in shape to keep his job. He rides with a group of co-worker's reguarly. He's been trying for several years to get me to join them. I want a bike that I can keep a long time and still be happy with.
Since I am 5.9 " tall. My inseam is 28 or 29 inches. Would I need a 16.5 or a 18.5 high bike?

IMO, a 16" would foot the bill

Jake Pay, 07' Trophy Pro.. One very nice bike.

Thank you very much

I do have some lower back problems, would a full suspension be better for me then a hardtail with front shocks?
Thanks

Here's a DS that will help you with the lower back aches and pains :thumbsup:
(click>) 07' ASTA Comp X7 $999

The ASTA Comp comes with an 07' SRAM X7 drivetrain and Avid BB7 disc brakes that are considered as #1 in the mechanical brake department.
The bike as a whole is a well balanced package that should serve you well in XC, AM and Road work to and from the
trails or just knocking around the neighborhood............

2007 Asta X7 Geometry Chart
Frame Size 16" 18"
Effective Top-Tube Length 22" 23.4"
Stand over 27.0" 28.5"
Effective Stand over 29.0" 30.5"
Typical Rider Height 5'3"-5'9" 5'8"-6'0"

Jake :ihih:

PS. To learn more about IBEX bikes come read and ask questions in the (click>) IBEX board :cornut:

 

[corleone]

My gym partner for the last 13 yrs works in Security at a nearby Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapon facility. I've been slack. He has to stay in shape to keep his job. He rides with a group of co-worker's reguarly. He's been trying for several years to get me to join them. I want a bike that I can keep a long time and still be happy with.

Since I am 5.9 " tall. My inseam is 28 or 29 inches. Would I need a 16.5 or a 18.5 high bike?

I do have some lower back problems, would a full suspension be better for me then a hardtail with front shocks?

corleone,

Iron Horse Azure Comp 2006 (Cross Country)

Good looking bike, Sounds like the bike I'm looking for, What do you other guys think?

Thanks

A 16.5 would probably be short for you...I would go with an 18.5 at your hieght. On a 16.5 you would be at the maximum hieght which can make for some really steep seat to handlebar angles. My wife is 5'8" and rides the 19 inch azure I linked you to and it fits her very well. As for the fs being easier on the back...it is much easier on the back.

With the Moto and the Ibex FS you will get shinier parts to hang on the bike as they are both just using a 4-bar type suspension. If you are going HT I would go with the Ibex, if you want FS just to take the sting off your lower back look into http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18856&subcategory_ID=5260
but if you want an FS that will improve your ride quality you are not going to beat the Azure for a responsive, well-tracking, non-brake jacking ride.

 

[dirtforlife]

A 16.5 would probably be short for you...I would go with an 18.5 at your hieght. On a 16.5 you would be at the maximum hieght which can make for some really steep seat to handlebar angles. My wife is 5'8" and rides the 19 inch azure I linked you to and it fits her very well. As for the fs being easier on the back...it is much easier on the back.

With the Moto and the Ibex FS you will get shinier parts to hang on the bike as they are both just using a 4-bar type suspension. If you are going HT I would go with the Ibex, if you want FS just to take the sting off your lower back look into http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18856&subcategory_ID=5260
but if you want an FS that will improve your ride quality you are not going to beat the Azure for a responsive, well-tracking, non-brake jacking ride.

I was looking at buying the Iron Horse Azure Comp 2006 (Cross Country), for a $300.00 hundred more I could get the Iron Horse Azure Expert 2005 (Cross-Country Race). Should I spend the extra money?

thanks

 

[older guy]

I was looking at buying the Iron Horse Azure Comp 2006 (Cross Country), for a $300.00 hundred more I could get the Iron Horse Azure Expert 2005 (Cross-Country Race). Should I spend the extra money?

thanks

If you have the extra $300 go with the IronHorse Azure Expert, hydraulic brakes, nicer wheelset, and I would say balance higher level suspension package with both shocks from the same manufacturer.

 

[dirtforlife]

If you have the extra $300 go with the IronHorse Azure Expert, hydraulic brakes, nicer wheelset, and I would say balance higher level suspension package with both shocks from the same manufacturer.

The expert is a Azure Expert 2005 model for $300.00 more. The 2006 Azure Expert is $600.00 more. Is there that much difference in the parts between the 2005 and 2006?

 

[corleone]

The expert is a Azure Expert 2005 model for $300.00 more. The 2006 Azure Expert is $600.00 more. Is there that much difference in the parts between the 2005 and 2006?

I have the 05 expert and love it...A lot of the components on the 05 vs 06 are very similar if not exact. If you have the extra just laying around I would get the 06 simply for the fox shocks front and back, but if 300 is going to really squeeze the budget get the 05. Remember you still will want to buy biking shorts, camel back, tools ect ect which all adds up as well.

 

[Jake Pay]

dirtforlife,
Even a bias SOB :lol: like myself has to agree with older guy and corleone that the
money would be well spent on the 05' Azure Expert :thumbsup:

Jake

PS. Good deals go fast, get on it............

 

[dirtforlife]

thanks

 

[dirtforlife]

OK,

I ordered a Iron Horse Azure Expert 2006 Cross Country Race, size 19". Can I use regular shoes to ride or do I need special shoes for the pedals? What shoes should I buy?

What essential accessories should I get right now? pump, etc

Helmet? Gloves? Shorts?

thx