Larger rider looking for new bike

[Teppi]

I'm looking for thoughts and advice on buying a new bike...
My specs: I'm heavy, but working on losing weight. I've also got big (heavy) breasts. I'm 5'5, and currently about 250lbs, but relatively active and fit. I exercise regularly (5-6 days/wk 60-90 min) and enjoy swimming, spinning, walking/hiking.
My current cycling experience: I ride an Electra cruiser around town. I also have a Bike-E recumbent that I ride with my SO for fun on bike paths. I spin 2-3 times per week, but have never done any serious or consistent road cycling.
How I plan to ride: I would like to train for, and ride in the AIDS/LifeCycle San Francisco to LA ride next June, which is 545mi in 7 days. This means that between now and next June, I'll be building up to longer and longer distances, with rides of 70 to 100 miles in the final month or two. After the event, I hope to continue to ride often, though probably distances under 50mi.
My concerns: Being as big as I am, I'm putting a lot of pressure on some fairly tender bits. While I intend to lose weight as part of my training process, realistically I expect to still be around 200lbs at the time of the event, and have some concerns that extended time in the saddle could be damaging. I'm confident in being able to build my leg and cardio strength, but I'm worried that I'll be too uncomfortable to make the longer rides, especially in the forward posture of a road bike. On the other hand, I've had several people advise me against a hybrid with flat bars for the kind of distance I'll be doing month or two before and during the event.

I've test ridden about 6 bikes, 2 more traditional "road" bikes, 4 "hybrids", most of which were women specific geometries. I need to make my mind up and buy a bike already, but I just don't feel confident about any of it. I'm looking to spend under $1K, and so far the Trek 7.5 fx WSD is the bike I've liked best.

I deeply appreciate any wisdom, advice, suggestions, experiences, and perspectives you care to share. TIA!
Teppi

[Trek420]

Teppi,

Welcome to TE

This is not only the best place in cyberspace for women (and some men) riders but you will find a lot of ALC experience here (including myself ) as well as many experienced multi-day tour riders of every sort.

This was a pretty good thread on picking a bike for a heavier rider.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=29427

More thoughts and links and stuff as I think of them.

There's plenty of time to find the perfect ALC bike.

[sundial]

Hi Teppi and welcome to TE.

I'm curious as to why you want to go with a traditional diamond frame rather than a recumbent. There are some pretty zippy and responsive recumbents that are excellent for distance riding. A bent bike offer better aerodynamic position, comfort in the seat, less strain on hands, wrists, elbows, neck and shoulders.

Have you considered a crank forward bent bike like the Rans Fusion?

If you prefer the other frame, I can suggest either a 'plush' bike or cyclocross bike with an adjustable stem and touring handlebars and a Brooks sprung saddle. Some people ride mountain bikes set up for touring as well.

[Trek420]

Sundial is right! There are a lot of bents on ALC. If you like the 'bent, ride it to LA

How's it doing on your training rides or which of your current bikes do you train on?

[sundial]

Wanted to add, the Rans 4 man team won the RAAM this year. They rode this.

[oxysback]

Hi Teppi and welcome!

I'm about your size and I ride a regular diamond frame bike. An Orbea Aqua Dama, to be exact. I questioned my LBS (Bike Gallery in the Portland area) about my weight and possible damage that might be caused on longer rides before I took the plunge and bought the bike. As I was getting fit for the bike, I asked again, and the fitter said that most bikes are built to take more weight than we think. My frame is aluminum and my fork is carbon. I have a Brooks B68 saddle and love it. I just rode 73 miles in a local supported ride yesterday. Yes, there were a few aches and pains associated with a hilly 73 mile ride, but I wasn't uncomfortable. The most important thing is fit. After you get your bike, spend the money on a professional fitting. It's worth every penny!