New (overweight) rider - need bike for my weight

[nancyBug]

Hi,
I need assistance in what type bike I need to support my weight. I weigh 230 pounds and want to begin biking, loose weight and plan to do a bicycle tour in the New England area this coming October 2008.

Can someone advise me on what type bicycle I should purchase (without spending a good deal of money) that will accomodate my current weight and still be suitable for my needs.

Thanks so much in advance !!!
Nancy

[Blueberry]

Nancy-

Welcome!

Your weight isn't that far off of some of the folks who post here (myself included), and except for a few really light racing bikes, I seriously doubt it would be an issue. Be honest with your shop - and they may beef up your wheels a little (i.e. give them extra attention to make sure they are true, etc). Otherwise, not an issue

There are LOTS of bikes that would work great for you. Is your tour supported (i.e. someone else carries your stuff) or self-supported (you carry all your stuff)? That will make a difference in the kind of bike you'll want to get.

I have a Trek 520, a Bike Friday and a Surly Cross Check - any one of these would work for either kind of tour (though the Friday and the Trek will handle fully loaded touring better). Lots of folks like the Jamis aurora (another touring bike). There is also the Novara Randonee. If these bikes are out of budget, you may want to try looking on Craigslist or otherwise at 2nd hand bikes. I bought my cross check off ebay.

Let us know more, and we'll try to help

CA

[Pax]

Hi Nancy, welcome to TE!

Like CA said, there's lots of here that are in your same ballpark weight wise. I'm one and I ride a Trek 1500 WSD for my road bike and a Trek 7.5FX for my commuter.

Ride a bunch of bikes, get a good fitting done, then pedal away!

[Triskeliongirl]

I do suggest looking at steel. When I was heavier I found my titanium bike seemed to not be stiff enough, and I had to ride my steel bike, but when I lost weight I was able to ride the titanium bike again. Likewise, I would avoid carbon, but I not sure about aluminum.

[Melalvai]

Steel will certainly be cheaper than carbon or titanium!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Nancy, what is your height?
Most importantly.....aside from describing this one ride you want to do in New England, can you tell us a bit about the general kind of typical riding you think you might be doing? On paved roads only? Combo of paved and dirt roads? What might be your typical distance on a ride for the first year or two? Many hills where you live? This will help.....

[tulip]

Steel will certainly be cheaper than carbon or titanium!

and more comfortable than aluminum!

Nancy, I would start at your local bike shop to get some basic info on the different types of bikes out there. What kind of riding do you want to do? Riding on bike paths, on streets, on country roads, on wild mountain trails?? There might be a good bike club in your area; it's worth asking. There might even be some TEers in your area.

I did a bike trip in Vermont last October and it was really nice. Assuming that type of riding, I'd suggest that you look into touring bikes. Jamis makes some nice touring bikes in steel that are reasonably priced (of course, that's all relative). I've heard from people here on TE that sometimes some bike shop guys (and usually guys are the culprits) will assume that because we are women and because of our weight that we want a total hybrid comfort bike for beach cruising. That might be fine, but it won't work for a New England tour! So arm yourself with info and go in with questions, curiosity, and patience.

Keep in mind for your budget that you will also need a helmet, shorts, water bottle and holder, pump, extra tubes (learn to fix a flat!), possibly cycling shoes, and gloves. Oh and some basic tools. And a bell if you'll be on a bike path with pedestrians and other cyclists. Maybe a bike computer to keep track of your distance and speed. As you can see, the bike is only the beginning.

The most important thing about the bike is that it fits you properly. Try out lots to get a good comparison going. Beware of bike shop folks who try to sell you what's on the floor regardless of its appropriateness to your riding type or body. Some deals can be found that way, but take your time and get one that fits. There is lots of discussion on fit in these forums...a whole lot. But the most important thing is that it feels comfortable. If it's not comfy, you won't want to ride it.

[DonnaInHouston]

Hi Nancy!

I can tell you from personal experience that your weight is fine for a road bike. A couple years ago I was over 347lbs. (Not anymore -- yaya me!). I have a Specialized Vita, and I even have some snooty comp wheels my husband put on and it was fine.

Admittedly though, when my husband put the wheels on I was like, "Uh, where did all the spokes go?" "No way is that ever going to hold my a$$!" It did... now at 212 (and still dropping), those same wheels are fine and have never had to be trued-up, but we did check them from time-to-time when the bike was tuned up.

Congrats on your decision to ride. It was the best thing I ever did. I am no pro, but I certainly enjoy it. Next weekend I'll be doing my first MS150.

Donna

[Pam Sayler]

Nancy

don't worry about the weight - get out to your local bike shop and try a few bikes, a hybrid, a cross and a road is a good place to start. a comfort or mountain bike will (possibly) be slower than you want. The best place to start is with a test ride. bring your helmet and comfortable clothes. don't buy based on color or brand, buy what feels good. the better it feels (and ask for the bike to be fit to you) the better chance you will actually ride!
180 lbs and on a road bike...