First *real* bicycle as a grown up... more drama than I had bargained for...

[eclectic]

I didn't read all of the post, but the guys are absolutely correct about wheels. Wheels certainly have weight limits, and you don't necessarily have to weigh as much as 300lbs to start worrying about wheels. For some wheels, 200lbs is enough to cause concern. It will depend on the type of wheel to some extent (a lightweight race wheel for a road bike will have much lower weight recommendations than other types, for example). A thicker metal rim and a high spoke count will definitely be good for a skinny (but not super skinny), sporty wheel. Basically, it's a safety issue. You don't want to be breaking spokes and having maintenance problems with the wheel. The last thing you want is for a broken spoke to turn into a serious crash. I would listen to them on this point. Yes, more durable wheels may cost more.

As for the frame and type of bike, go as sporty as you want. Faster will mean a skinnier wheel rim, a lighter frame, and straighter tube shapes (i.e., not a step-through bike).

It's good to go in and learn about all the different types and make the information-gathering trip you did. Now do some homework and then go back ready to test ride some. Try out other shops and do the same.

aicabsolut said very eloquently what I was thinking. I do a few tours in the summer and an overweight gentleman rides regularily on them also. He is a wonderful person and quite a stong rider but on every tour he is dealing w/ broken spokes. He is either sidelined until the repair can be made or ends up sagging in, thus taking all the fun out of the camaraderie.

So I second the motion - go w/ the more $$$ wheels -I think you will be very glad in the long run you did.

It was fun reading your "long" post. And it will be more fun seeing the picture of your new baby when you bring her/him home

[Tuckervill]

Lots of touring bikes have wheels with more spokes than a regular road bike, to help carry the load of panniers. You could upgrade to touring wheels.

Also, check out bikeforums.net and the Clydesdales/Athena folder. They are very very helpful folks over there.

Karen