[Tom34461]

Hello,
I'm a newbie here. Mayt as just say that I'm also a newbie at riuding a bike too since the last time I was on one was when I was 17 years old. I'm 60 years old now and the last bike I had was a 12 speed racing bike. I wanting to get a bike now and have it be one of the Mountain Bike types. Before I go ahead I need some infortmation. Should I just go to K-mart or Wal Mart and buy one? I'm 6'2' inches tall and around 300 pounds. I've been on a diet and lost a lot so far but I think that getting a bike will get me in better shape plus being able to enjoy the scenery of having a Mountain Bike. I'm not so sure that getting a bike that is of high cost (Around $700.00 dollars) to start off with as a starter bike is my best bet. I've been reading the comments for the bikes sold at Wat Mart that the people have been happy with their purchases and even compared some of them to a high price bike. I just want to ride my bike around the neighborhood and back trails. I called one bike shop and they suggested that I get a "Trek Bike" that runs more then $750 dollars. Not so sure I need one like that to start off with. I want to trim off a lot of the excess pounds off and have a good bike too. Open for suggestions. Thanks.
Tom

 

[jdreher55]

If you want to get a bike that won't cost you a fortune but won't fall apart I would look at the entry level specialized and Trek bikes. The Specialized Hardrock is around $350. You should check out a bike shop and see what they have. Also if you have a target you can try finding a Forge Sawback. I think places like Dick's carries Diamondback and you can find a decent deal there as well. I would however check the bike shops out first though. You get what you pay for.

 

[rlouder]

The Forge's aren't sold at target stores, only through their website and ship from manufacturer. Plus, it's only available in 17 and 19.

Most advise not to get a bike from kmart or wallyworld. Those bikes are generally intended to be used on pavement, even though they look like mtn. bikes. However, the main reason not to buy one is because they are too small for you. They are made to be sold to the masses of average joes who are 5'10".

You might look on your local craigslist for a used bike and visit more bike shops. You may even want to consider a hybrid bike if you will use it primarily on hard surfaces and an occasional dirt road or fairly smooth trails.

 

[toyman]

I bought mine and my wifes first bikes at K-mart around 1990. They cost $100 apiece and we were young, just married and that was about all we could spend. We rode mostly on country roads until I found some local trails. I think on the 2nd or third ride on the trails I broke mine. We enjoyed it so much that I somehow found the money (read: credit card) to buy me a Schwinn and her a Mongoose from a local bike shop. The K-mart bikes went to Goodwill. After riding the Schwinn & Mongoose for a few years, they were traded in on a couple of Cannondales. So it was a progression, and worked out fine. I don't regret the K-mart bike at that stage of my life. Now (or in your shoes) I'd spend the money to get the best I could afford at a local bike shop so you can also get fitted and serviced. If you don't like it, you can probably sell it for a little less than you bought, more than likely only losing the same amount of money as the cost of a K-mart or Walmart bike. Good Luck!

 

[jdreher55]

good advice ^ +1

 

[Mount Dora Cycles]

Tom,

Congratulations on losing some weight and wanting to do more for your health! A bike can be a great way to get exercise and be low impact on your body when set-up properly on the right bike. Having said that, Wal-Mart only sells 1 size bike, a medium, to fit the majority. At 6'-1" you would be on a large or even XL in some brand bicycles. Your best bet is to visit a local bike shop and try out some of the bikes. It doesn't sound like you NEED a mountain bike. Try riding some of the hybrids or comfort bikes they have. You might even ride a road bike to see if you like it since that what you rode in the past.

My point is, there are so many options of bikes out there to chose from, a local bike shop will be your best bet to help guide you towards the right bike for your riding needs. Not all their bikes cost $700+. They start at a more reasonable $300 and go up. Visit some other shops in the area, any bike they sell will be quality. Make sure they set you up on the right size bike.

 

[Tom34461]

Starting out again and the progress so far.

Hello and thanks everybody for your great advice. I really wasn't so keen on getting a bike at Wal mart or Kmart. Didn't thuink I had a choice either but to go there. After reading all of your post I googled Bike Shops for my area and got one that is a town about an hours drive from me. They suggested I get a Trek Bike Series 4 - 4500 Mountain Hardtail for $769.00. He also said that their would be no guarantee because I'm over 269 pounds. I asked him if I could see the bike on his site and was told that I would have to go to the Trek Site. I like the bike. I also took notice of the Mountain Hardtail Police Bike too. Thats more expensive but being a former officer of the court it kinda of caught my eye. While I was on the Trek Site I was able to find dealers in my own are and found one real close. I told him that I was looking for a Trek Bike. I also told him how tall I was and my weight. He suggested that I get a Rover Three Wheel Bike. That took the air out of my sail as most three wheel bikes are Mentally handicapped bikes. Or for people who have no sence in balance and told him I was of sound mind. I just couldn't get the picture out of my mind.

And again like it was pointed out to me at my stage in life I should get the best that is for me without worry its going to break down on me. I plan on using it for now on pavement and trim off some extra un needed pounds. At some time in the future I would like to take it on trails . One trail that I have on mind is in Wyoming in the Medicine Bow Mountains.
Do they make attachments to put on the bike for tents and sleeping bag? Thats off in the future for me but I think I will use that as a goal to use to lose this weight!

So right now I'm looking at the Trek Bikes and seeing them use all over Police Force, Area races just to name a few.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Tom:thumbsup:

 

[rlouder]

Trek is one of the biggest manufactures. That doesn't make them better (or worse) than others.

The main concern that your weight causes is that most suspension forks are only designed for lower weight people. Even with heavier springs installed (available for some forks), they really aren't suitable for someone your weight. Some forks come with the ability to lock them (so they act as a rigid fork), but I don't know if the lockouts will hold up to your weight.

Here's a couple of bikes that should be a good choice for the type of riding you describe. Notice they have rigid forks. Many companies make similar ones.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/comfort_nav/navigator10/

http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaen...n-Urban/Quick/Quick/Details/1308-9QR5-Quick-5

You may want to check out the Clydesdale sub forum. Lot's of good info there from people your size.

 

[aunchaki]

I'm also a hefty (325lb+) gent getting back into biking. I found a used Specialized Hardrock on craigslist for $125. It's old (1996) and has fixed forks. I hadn't thought about the weight issue with the bikes with shock absorbers in the forks/frame. I guess weight would be an issue there.

Go for something simple, an old-school hardtail and have fun! Let us know what you find!

 

[ntlarson]

Generally speaking go look at the Clydesdale forum and they will be able to give you plenty of advice. One of the common suggestions there is the Surly Karate Monkey but that is a pricey option at a little over 1000 msrp. But if you can find one used you might be able to find one in your pricerange. The other common recommendation is the Kona Hoss.

There are plenty of "lower end" suspension forks that will work for your weight but you have to be sure its air sprung not traditional spring or elastomer. Air suspensions are, within reason, infinitely adjustible and can be made to more easily support higher weight. I am a clyde at 275 and 6'3", though I made room in my budget for a higher end bike so I cant really comment on lower end ones except to say there are plenty of good bikes in the 500 - 800 dollar range with air sprung front forks that will support your weight and do nicely for the type of riding you describe. Look at the other big bike companies and see if they have dealers in your area (kona, giant, Gary Fisher). When I was looking I tended to find slightly better deals on Kona than many others for some reason, might be worth checking or it could have simply been a local anomaly amongst the LBS's here around me.

 

[Tom34461]

Sound Advice

Tom,

Congratulations on losing some weight and wanting to do more for your health! A bike can be a great way to get exercise and be low impact on your body when set-up properly on the right bike. Having said that, Wal-Mart only sells 1 size bike, a medium, to fit the majority. At 6'-1" you would be on a large or even XL in some brand bicycles. Your best bet is to visit a local bike shop and try out some of the bikes. It doesn't sound like you NEED a mountain bike. Try riding some of the hybrids or comfort bikes they have. You might even ride a road bike to see if you like it since that what you rode in the past.

My point is, there are so many options of bikes out there to chose from, a local bike shop will be your best bet to help guide you towards the right bike for your riding needs. Not all their bikes cost $700+. They start at a more reasonable $300 and go up. Visit some other shops in the area, any bike they sell will be quality. Make sure they set you up on the right size bike.

Thank you Mount Dora Cycles for the advice you gave me and the support you gave me about losing some of my weight. Thats one of the reasons why I decided to pick up the bike again because it is low impact and fun at the same time. Also being asble to see things that I can't see from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
I like your advice and will look at some of the bike dealers near me. Not so sure as if I will go to the guy (Bike Shop in Inverness FL) close to me who suggested a 3- wheel bike or take the information in from someone who suggest that I take the suggestion of "You may want to check out the Clydesdale sub forum. Lot's of good info there from people your size." I may not be the same size as most of the people who ride a bike here, but I use too! I will with the determination get back in shape using a bike.:madman: I welcome support and not the feeling You better go with the blimp mobile talk, it just turns me off! With all the concern that I have been getting the last couple of days I may just buy a used bike to start off with and ride it till I gwet a little more fit. I also may take in a few extra miles and go see you in Mount Dora if nothing else pans out by me. Thanks again Mount Dora Cycles.
Tom:skep:

 

[larlev]

Toyman and Dora had good advice....

I would also suggest you look at hybrids...such as the specialized crosstrail. It's well under the $700 the two shops are trying to push you into. If you do 70% street I wouldn't buy a MTB. The good thing about a trek or specialized is resell value. Granted you won't get your money back but you will get a good portion. The biggest thing like others have stated is fit...which is absolutely important. A decent trek or specialized will provide yrs and yrs of pleasure.

You can find a crosstrail for under $500....which will leave you room for helmet, shorts, hydrapak, bike computer...etc.

Where do you live?

 

[biggoofy1]

IM 6'8 255 was 280 and I love my Specialized P1 all mountain it would be a great choice for you and specialized truely does stand behind their products P1 AM

 

[rlouder]

Not so sure as if I will go to the guy (Bike Shop in Inverness FL) close to me who suggested a 3- wheel bike or take the information in from someone who suggest that I take the suggestion of "You may want to check out the Clydesdale sub forum. Lot's of good info there from people your size." I may not be the same size as most of the people who ride a bike here, but I use too!
Tom:skep:

Tom,

I was offering constructive advice when I suggested you check out the Clydesdale forum. You must have misread some derogatory intent, which was not the case. If you scroll down the main page here: http://forums.mtbr.com/index.php, you will see that there is a sub forum called:

Clydesdales/Tall Riders (30 Viewing)
heavy duty bikes/parts/discussions & big bikes for heavy and/or tall riders

The people who frequent that section are heavier/taller riders like yourself, ntlarson and aunchaki. As such, they can offer better advice than most people since they have first-hand knowledge. Plus, some of the topics frequently include health and diet.

Congrats on starting your diet and good luck with your bike search.

 

[Tom34461]

I misread your post and took it wrong.

Rlouder,
When I read your post telling me to check out the Clydesdale forum I got real angry. I just had spoken to two different bike shops in my area. The first one told me that there would be no guarantee on any bike I bought from him because of my size. The second dealer suggested that I should get a three wheel bike to handle my weight. The image that I had in my mind was one of those three wheel bikes that are used for the Mentally handicapped. He didn't even want to explaine himself over the phone just told me to come in and see. Got the feeling he just wanted to sell me a bike. So when you told me to check out the Clydesdale forum it was like adding fuel to the fire. I see now that I mis read your post now and that you were offering constructive advice. The fact is that I'm more angry with myself because of my size. Not my height, just the fact that I'm carrying a extra person on my body where ever I go! When I was riding I was like a bean pole! Thats is some what where I would like to be again and riding a bike is low impact and fun at the same time. Whats hard is trying to get the right bike (shopping and weight) now because of my size. Like I said earlier I plan to use it on pavement to trim off the extra pounds then once that goal is met to go on some back wood trails to view more of nature. I may have to start out by buying a old bike with one speed and big tires from some junk dealer that stocks real old bikes around here before I buy the type of bike I want.
Again I'm sorry I misread your post and took it wrong.
Tom

Tom,

I was offering constructive advice when I suggested you check out the Clydesdale forum. You must have misread some derogatory intent, which was not the case. If you scroll down the main page here: http://forums.mtbr.com/index.php, you will see that there is a sub forum called:

Clydesdales/Tall Riders (30 Viewing)
heavy duty bikes/parts/discussions & big bikes for heavy and/or tall riders

The people who frequent that section are heavier/taller riders like yourself, ntlarson and aunchaki. As such, they can offer better advice than most people since they have first-hand knowledge. Plus, some of the topics frequently include health and diet.

Congrats on starting your diet and good luck with your bike search.

 

[hiPSI]

Rlouder,
When I read your post telling me to check out the Clydesdale forum I got real angry. I just had spoken to two different bike shops in my area. The first one told me that there would be no guarantee on any bike I bought from him because of my size. The second dealer suggested that I should get a three wheel bike to handle my weight. The image that I had in my mind was one of those three wheel bikes that are used for the Mentally handicapped. He didn't even want to explaine himself over the phone just told me to come in and see. Got the feeling he just wanted to sell me a bike. So when you told me to check out the Clydesdale forum it was like adding fuel to the fire. I see now that I mis read your post now and that you were offering constructive advice. The fact is that I'm more angry with myself because of my size. Not my height, just the fact that I'm carrying a extra person on my body where ever I go! When I was riding I was like a bean pole! Thats is some what where I would like to be again and riding a bike is low impact and fun at the same time. Whats hard is trying to get the right bike (shopping and weight) now because of my size. Like I said earlier I plan to use it on pavement to trim off the extra pounds then once that goal is met to go on some back wood trails to view more of nature. I may have to start out by buying a old bike with one speed and big tires from some junk dealer that stocks real old bikes around here before I buy the type of bike I want.
Again I'm sorry I misread your post and took it wrong.
Tom

Hey Tom,
I am not a beginner anymore as I have been riding (again!) for almost 15 years. I am 47, 6'4" and 250 lbs. The above comments are right on. I felt just like you 15 years ago. Big guy, did not want to spend much, etc. I started with a homemade bike and gradually worked up to the Specialized Stumpjumper 29er hardtail I ride now.
Two things that are not addressed yet:

1) Riders assume that you can size a bike by your height. Wrong. It's your inseam measurement that is most important. A friend of mine is the same height and his legs are 3" longer than mine! So, test them out you might fit a large frame instead of XL.

2) Losing weight. I really have not lost much weight and I ride over 1500 miles of singletrack a season and use a trainer in the winter. What HAS changed though are my "dimensions," like waist got smaller, chest got bigger, etc. Also muscle weighs much more than fat.

Don't fret the clydesdale. Some of us are just not 5'10" and weigh 150 lbs. Most bikes can handle the weight it just depends on the riding style. That said I will never shop for a carbon fiber frame though! Good luck!

 

[Tom34461]

Hello again, Like I said before I'm a newbie at this and since the last time that I rode a bike was ages ago. Not so concerned if I can ride again, just get on a ride. Maybe a little bits till I get use to the seat. Seems to me that when I first rode a 12 speed I developed a little pain down below and that took getting use too! Now my question for all of you is since the time I last rode there are several new types of bikes out there! What is the difference between a mountain bike, Specialized P1 all mountain and the hybrids,specialized crosstrail and comfort bikes?

I did go to the Clydesdale forum and was impressed. Thank you all for pointing it out to me and sorry again that I mis read the info. I did take a look at some of the bikes that were shown on the Clydesdale forum and there were so many different types and designs of bikes! I have no idea as to which type is better then the others. It will take me a while just to take it all in! I know I could have posted that question on that forum but since I started here and this is for beginners and I'm feeling like I'm a real newbie now! A little help and understanding here. I just dreaming of myself being trim again and taking a bike to the trails again!

Thank you all very much.