[arkiebrian]

Hello MTBR! I've been researching and Googling and feel a bit overwhelmed really. I'm going to get back into mountain biking (used to be an enthusiast but that was 15 years ago). Main qualifier about me is I'm 6' and weigh about 250# - which is why I need to rediscover a sport I once loved! At this rate I'm going to get diabetes, heart disease, or worse!

Anyway...in my searches and studies I'm finding that the Gravity 29point3 is tough to beat as far as what I'm looking for. I want an "entry level bike" that will sustain my girth and will handle well as I lose the spare tire! At $749 from bikesdirect can anyone suggest other bikes I might be interested in with comparable specs? $750 is really about as high as I want to go right now...at the most $900 but that might leave a sick feeling with me.

Is there any feature I should focus on considering I'm not in the best shape? You guys are extremely knowledgeable and I appreciate your help.

Gravity 29point3

Frame	ALLOY 6061 Aluminum with TrailTested Design. D-Section, Hydroformed Downtube with reinforced Gusset, replaceable rear derailleur hanger, water bottle mount
Fork	29" SUSPENSION FORK, ROCK SHOX TK 29" 100MM Long Travel, Lockout
	NOTE: Due to 2014 changes, some equipped with Rockshox XC/TK/32 forks, FSA Gamma Drive cranks, and Elixir 1 brakes. No Choice.
Crankset	SRAM or FSA 22Tx32Tx44T x175mm, ALLOY BLACK CRANK arms
Bottom Bracket	Sealed external bearing, 68mm
Pedals	Mountain Platform
Front Derailleur	No Choice: SRAM X7 or SHIMANO DEORE FDM591, 31.8mm clamp
Rear Derailleur	SRAM X7 long cage, for 30 Speed
Shifters	SRAM X7, 30 speed, trigger shift
Cassette	Cassette 11-36t 10 speed
Chain	KMC DX10, for 30 Speed
Hubs	Gravity by Formula Sealed Ball Bearing Disc with Quick Release
Spokes	Stainless steel
Rims	WTB SPEED DISC 29x32H, Black anodized Aluminum
Tires	WTB PROWLER SL RACE, 29x2.1
Brakes	Avid Elixir 1 or Juicy 3 Hydraulic Disc Brake, 185mm Rotor front and rear
Brake Levers	Avid, Hydraulic Brake Levers
Headset	CaneCreek VP-A42E Sealed Bearing threadless 1 1/8 in
Handlebar	Black Finish Aluminum 6061 T6, 610MM x 31.8mm
Stem	Black Finish Aluminum threadless EXT:90MM(15.5"~17.5")/110MM(19"~21")x10 DEGREES
Tape/Grip	WTB DualCompound
Saddle	WTB SpeedV
Seat Post	Black Finish Aluminum Mountain 27.2mm x 400mm
	(insert min 2 inches below lowest top tube weld / maintain clamp collar tightness)
Seat Post Clamp	Super Light Alloy with Quick Release

 

[arkiebrian]

I should have posted this in the "beginners" forum...my bad all...

 

[Flamingtaco]

I'm riding a 2010 Cannondale F5 at 400Lbs and had no issues for three years outside needing to upgrade to 2.0 spokes. Yes, I do ride trail, in a most hauling of the derrier kinda way. Most trail bikes can handle 250Lb with zero problems. if you want to factor your (rather light weight into your purchase, I'd say go for 32 spokes on the front rim rather than 28. Beyond that, watch out for low-end bikes sporting urban gearsets. "MTB Style" is a keyword to be avoided.

 

[arphaxhad]

If at all possible, find a local bike shop. THAT may be best bike decision you will ever make. Other than that, yes the folks around here can be very helpful. Good luck.

 

[eb1888]

That fork is coil spring with different springs based on rider weight with the highest rated weight 225.
An air fork is a better bet.
2013 Marin Bobcat Trail 29er 19" MTB Hardtail Bike Shimano 9S Hydraulic Disc New | eBay
This Marin in your size has a good quality Raidon air fork.
The Novara Ponderosa at REI is currently on sale for $800. Same fork and local support.

 

[Cotharyus]

If at all possible, find a local bike shop. THAT may be best bike decision you will ever make. Other than that, yes the folks around here can be very helpful. Good luck.

This. Because, look, it's all well and good to think you're getting a great deal on a bike. But ask yourself what that deal looks like when something fails that should be under warranty and you have to deal with that yourself, or when something needs work or requires a tool you don't have? Buy the bike from any reasonable LBS, and not only will you not have to deal with the warranty issues personally, but most offer free service and tuneups for a year, some offer free tuneups for as long as you own the bike.