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I admit it. I'm a Clyde. Help me please?

1594 Views 24 Replies 12 Participants Last post by timk125, Jul 31, 2010

timk125

Discussion Starter · Jul 6, 2010

So I looked myself in the mirror last week and was disgusted with myself. So I decided to get my ass in gear and buy myself a bicycle and get healthy.

Basic facts.

I'm 6'3'' 6'4'' and somewhere around 235-240 pounds in weight.

I'm looking at entry level bicycles. I just need to know which ones have the strongest components for us large guys.

I'm not a complete bicycle newbie. I've ridden bikes since I was 3. I'm 18 now. I have decent bicycle skills as I came from riding motocross since the age of 4.

I'm open to used bikes, old model closeouts. Anything. I'll probably be using it to commute to school every once in a while also. Then hit up the local trails on the weekends if not a couple of times a week.

Thanks in advance. Don't be afraid to laugh at my ignorance. I have thick skin.

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

CaveGiant

· #2 · Jul 7, 2010

If you like moto you are probably going to get into hard stuff quite fast, so different from the normal tubby peeps.

Just buy something that is catagorised for AM riding, not XC.

It will be intentionally over built.

Just try and avoid something that is designed to save weight.

My fave recomendation for Clydes that ride hard was the Kona Coiler, but they are getting hard to find.
Kona hoss for the HT, but even harder.

You will be amazed how fast this sheds weight, a few years back i didn't ride and was a tub of lard, I am now much stronger with below average fat levels.

It is worth looking for something with a 20mm front axle, that means it is designed for abuse.

This will cost money, but worth it in the long run.

What is your max budget?

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basso4735

· #3 · Jul 7, 2010

CaveGiant said:
If you like moto you are probably going to get into hard stuff quite fast, so different from the normal tubby peeps.

Just buy something that is catagorised for AM riding, not XC.

It will be intentionally over built.

Just try and avoid something that is designed to save weight.

My fave recomendation for Clydes that ride hard was the Kona Coiler, but they are getting hard to find.
Kona hoss for the HT, but even harder.

You will be amazed how fast this sheds weight, a few years back i didn't ride and was a tub of lard, I am now much stronger with below average fat levels.

It is worth looking for something with a 20mm front axle, that means it is designed for abuse.

This will cost money, but worth it in the long run.

What is your max budget?

Wheelworld has em if you can figure out your size.

http://wheelworld.com/product/kona-2009-coilair-7054.htm

timk125

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 7, 2010

My budget was around $500.

But it sounds like that may be unreasonable?

Although. I really don't want to spend too much money for a first time bike.

I was looking at these two bikes. Let me know what you think?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/1821454010.html Trek 6500

And now I can't find the ad for the other bike. But it was a trek 4300.

Yeti2424

· #5 · Jul 7, 2010

6'6" 245lbs and ride a 2009 Trek 4500. No issues thus far and I am pretty hard on it.

Eric Z

· #6 · Jul 7, 2010

i'm just about your same height/weight. i've never had issues with my bikes and i ride them pretty hard. nothing special about them either.

what kind of trails do you ride? you might be perfectly fine with an entry level trek or similar brand. doesn't hurt to check out your local bike shop and see what they can do for your budget. sometimes they can cut you a deal or have last year's model discounted.

even though biking will help you get into better shape, if you really want to get healthy and look better, definitely watch what you eat. at 18, your metabolism should still be quite high. i'm 36 and have been at 242 for a little while now. i know it's my body but i can only lose so much weight by exercise alone. once i start decreasing portion size, my weight drops again. then if increase my vege intake, i can really knock off the weight. the hard thing for me is to keep eating healthy like that.

good luck! i'm sure you'll be in the 220s in no time. enjoy, too!

crump582

· #7 · Jul 7, 2010

I'm 6'1 245... I ride pretty hard, but on singletrack with few jumps and have managed to break a frame. I just ordered a Spec Pitch Comp which is an all mountain bike that I will ride singletrack with as it should hold up better than the XC bikes in that range. The Pitch seems nice and gets really good reviews, but is in the $1500 range.

If I was you I would hunt on craigslist and do some research when you find a brand/ model you like. Also might want to check the classifieds on here.

timk125

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 7, 2010

Thanks for all the help guys.

I'll definitely be watching what I eat, I've already pretty much given up sodas. I've been eating waaaay less fast food, and if I do, I don't eat as much, or go easy on the sauces and other crap.

I'm really leaning towards a Rockhopper. Is it worth getting the disc model to start out? Or should I just wait and upgrade later?

The trails I would be riding are just basic singletrack. Nothing too hardcore. I would love to get into some downhill, but being in Texas that's kind of out.

basso4735

· #9 · Jul 8, 2010

Unless the non disc model comes with disc ready hubs, you will need to upgrade the hubs when you switch over to discs. If you know you want discs eventually, save up the extra money now and get the disc version.

crump582

· #10 · Jul 8, 2010

I would say discs for sure.

orangedog

· #11 · Jul 8, 2010

any bike will work - go for the rockhopper.

truth is, after 6 months you're going to have a better idea for what you want in a bike, and will start saving up for something completely new, better, and more expensive.

this will be your first bike of many, so it doesn't have to be the perfect bike

timk125

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 8, 2010

I think I've found the one.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/bik/1829768879.html

It's exactly what I'm looking for.

What do you guys think?

orangedog

· #13 · Jul 8, 2010

I think this would be a good option. I'd prefer a 29er, but if you want to go 26, this is probably a great start.

if you get it, I hope it works well and you enjoy

dadtorbn

· #14 · Jul 8, 2010

Eric Z said:
i'm just about your same height/weight. i've never had issues with my bikes and i ride them pretty hard. nothing special about them either.

what kind of trails do you ride? you might be perfectly fine with an entry level trek or similar brand. doesn't hurt to check out your local bike shop and see what they can do for your budget. sometimes they can cut you a deal or have last year's model discounted.

even though biking will help you get into better shape, if you really want to get healthy and look better, definitely watch what you eat. at 18, your metabolism should still be quite high. i'm 36 and have been at 242 for a little while now. i know it's my body but i can only lose so much weight by exercise alone. once i start decreasing portion size, my weight drops again. then if increase my vege intake, i can really knock off the weight. the hard thing for me is to keep eating healthy like that.

good luck! i'm sure you'll be in the 220s in no time. enjoy, too!

1e99!

Biking will get your cardio and legs back. It takes a ton of cycling come bad eating habits though. When your ready to drop the weight what you eat to fuel your body makes a huge difference. A major misnomer is to drop the weight you have to go hungry. It's just not true. Healthy selections, minimal simple carbs and the weight will literally fall off w/o nasty starvation hunger pangs which I think are quite unproductive..

xprop1

· #15 · Jul 8, 2010

Great to see your motivated..... for 1st bike, this rockhopper looks great.! Good price.. Beware of this MTB addiciton growing on u, you'll soon dream of a "superbike". for this, save your dollars (as long as possible) , consult your LBS and take YOUR TIME planning that big purchase. Meantime, hit the trails hard, get some tools, keep your wheels trued, parts lubricated and Enjoy !

Been enjoying my "superbike" for 23+ years.... worth the wait and $ spent
_________________________

6'3 at 265lbs and 48 yrs old

85 Mongoose ATB
87 Wicked Fat Chance
87 Fisher proCaliber
06 stumpjumper M-4

timk125

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jul 8, 2010

I've always loved riding bicycles. So I'm excited to get back out.

xprop1

I was thinking that same thing. I'll ride this until I wear it out and see what happens from there.

timk125

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 9, 2010

Ughh. Frustrating.

Whoever posted the ad isn't responding to my emails or calls. Extremely frustrating. I did find out it's an 06 so I think his price is a little high.

timk125

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 18, 2010

I found a Cannondale F5...

It's the large so the frame is 19"

Would it be okay for me being 6' 3"?

BreathesHard

· #19 · Jul 19, 2010

timk125 said:
I found a Cannondale F5...

It's the large so the frame is 19"

Would it be okay for me being 6' 3"?

This is tough to answer without knowing your measurements.

I'm 6' 3" as well, and started on a large frame.

Turns out I have short legs and a long torso. So the top tube length was more important to me than most other measurements.

Now I'm on a XL frame, despite only a 32" inseam. But, I'm not trying to push myself off the back of the seat anymore.

Best advise, find a bike and put 500 miles on it. Find out what you like and don't. Then change to the bike you really want and for the terrain you really ride.

Good luck.

timk125

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jul 20, 2010

I found a 2003 Rockhopper FSR Comp.

It's large. And they're asking $600, Did I run into the deal of a lifetime, or am I crazy?

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

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