Looking for a Bike
Hello All,
I am sure that this topic has come up before, but I am new and looking for a bike. I currently weight 305 lbs. At this time I own a Cobra Cruiser and I can't stand it! I think I want a hybrid or a mountain bike. But I want a bike strong enough to hold me but not so heavy I can't move it about. I am not that educated when it comes to what to look for in a bike, the only thing I can tell you is what I don't like about my bike now. The handle bars are too big and hit my side when I turn. The brakes are in the pedals UH! With no gears I can't get any traction or speed going. I also think my bike my be a bit short for me which puts more pressure on my knees. I am 5feet 5 inches tall. Well I hope that is enough info. for some of you out their to guide me in the right direction when it comes to looking for a bike. In addtion, maybe some price ranges and brands can help.
Thanks in advanced,
Gidge
I am sure that this topic has come up before, but I am new and looking for a bike. I currently weight 305 lbs. At this time I own a Cobra Cruiser and I can't stand it! I think I want a hybrid or a mountain bike. But I want a bike strong enough to hold me but not so heavy I can't move it about. I am not that educated when it comes to what to look for in a bike, the only thing I can tell you is what I don't like about my bike now. The handle bars are too big and hit my side when I turn. The brakes are in the pedals UH! With no gears I can't get any traction or speed going. I also think my bike my be a bit short for me which puts more pressure on my knees. I am 5feet 5 inches tall. Well I hope that is enough info. for some of you out their to guide me in the right direction when it comes to looking for a bike. In addtion, maybe some price ranges and brands can help.
Thanks in advanced,
Gidge
There are a lot of good bikes out there that will support your weight and be light weight enough that they are easier to get around on. I started out with a Trek Navigator about 6 years ago. This is a comfort bike with an upright riding position, multiple gears, hand brakes, wider tires and a large seat. Comfort bikes are good for riding on trails at distances up to 15 or 20 miles at a time. Within a year, my wife and I were riding longer distances (40 to 60 miles) and made the switch to hybrid bikes. I bought a Trek 7500 which is an aluminum framed bike with 21 gears, hand brakes and narrower tires and seat. Yes the narrow hard seat is actually more comfortable on longer rides. My 7500 has held up very well and I topped out at 315 lbs before my surgery. On the hybrid I rode many rides that were in the 50 to 60 mile range and my longest was 78 miles. Since my surgery, I gave myself a goal and reward. When I reached 200 lbs, I bought a new carbon fiber road bike. This time I bought a Specialized brand. I found that the specialized fit me better than the other brands as I have short arms and need a shorter top tube to prevent having to stretch out too far. Also, the Specialized bike shop that I went to provided me with a more indepth fitting process. The technician (who was specially trained in fitting) spent close to 45 minutes with me on the bike in a trainer making adjustments. After a couple of months, I went back and spent close to 2 hours with him making more adjustments and changing out things such as handle bars and inserts in my shoes.
Also, as you are looking at bikes, you will need other accessories such as bike shorts, helmet, shoes, tire pump, bags for carrying things with you on the bike, etc. Yes I strongly suggest getting the padded lycra bike shorts. I fought getting them for a long time, but will not ride without them now.
Also there is a web site for biking www.bikejournal.com . It is free to become a member and they have forums where you can ask questions and research bikes as well. then as you ride, you can log your miles and ride information as well as find organized rides in your area to go on and meet more bike riders as well.
As you are looking, go to as many bike shops as you can and look at and test ride different styles and brands. Don't just look at price, ask about the fitting that the bike shop includes in their price and adjustements for down the rode. No matter what they say you will need service and adjustments as the cables stretch and wear. Also, as your fitness changes there will be need to adjust the bike to accomodate those changes.
I hope that this helps but no matter what just ride and enjoy.
Also, as you are looking at bikes, you will need other accessories such as bike shorts, helmet, shoes, tire pump, bags for carrying things with you on the bike, etc. Yes I strongly suggest getting the padded lycra bike shorts. I fought getting them for a long time, but will not ride without them now.
Also there is a web site for biking www.bikejournal.com . It is free to become a member and they have forums where you can ask questions and research bikes as well. then as you ride, you can log your miles and ride information as well as find organized rides in your area to go on and meet more bike riders as well.
As you are looking, go to as many bike shops as you can and look at and test ride different styles and brands. Don't just look at price, ask about the fitting that the bike shop includes in their price and adjustements for down the rode. No matter what they say you will need service and adjustments as the cables stretch and wear. Also, as your fitness changes there will be need to adjust the bike to accomodate those changes.
I hope that this helps but no matter what just ride and enjoy.
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