Larger rider looking for new bike

[Teppi]

Sundial - I find my current recumbent uncomfortable after about an hour of riding, plus it's a pain to transport, so I've been looking at diamond frames.

I think the aspect that has me spooked is the more upright riding position of the flat bar hybrids I've looked at, vs. the more forward position of the curved bar road bikes I've tried. Leaning farther means lest wind resistance, but for me at this size, it's very uncomfortable. I don't mean just the strain on by back, or upper body. In that position there isn't a lot of clearance between my thighs and my body, and my boobs are in the way despite the steel belted sports bra. OTOH, while the more upright position is more comfortable, I'm concerned that as I add more milage, the increased wind resistance, and single grip position will become the greater limiting factor.

Maybe I'm over-thinking all this, and I just need to get something to start with, that has a good fitting basic geometry, and adjust as I go.

Thanks again, everyone. I appreciate the warm welcome.
Teppi

[aicabsolut]

For that kind of mileage, it could take you a lot longer to get through it on a more upright bike instead of a road bike. Plus, you are right about having various hand positions at your disposal with drop bars.

If you don't want to buy a bike now for improving your fitness and losing weight and then have to buy another bike later to make long distance riding more enjoyable, then perhaps you can find a touring bike that you can set up into a relaxed position and then you can make it slightly more aggressive (bent over) down the road. Touring bikes are already have the most relaxed geometry of road bike styles, and they are built to hold a good amount of weight. You may find that the right saddle at the right angle will make all the difference, too.

[sundial]

Touring bikes are already have the most relaxed geometry of road bike styles, and they are built to hold a good amount of weight. You may find that the right saddle at the right angle will make all the difference, too.

I agree! Surly Long Haul Trucker comes to mind as well as the Cross Check.

[abejita]

I had the trek 7.5 and I hated it. I loved it when I first got it, but as a started to do more miles, it just got more uncomfortable. I just got a road bike and it is infinitely better. There are some nice road bikes in your price range. Two that come to mind or the orbea fleche (http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?la...xid=57&pid=160) or jamis ventura (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...turaracef.html)

mary

[graceomalley]

I had the trek 7.5 and I hated it.
mary

Oh no! I just upgraded my brand new 7200 WSD to the 7.5 last week. It hasn't arrived yet but I absolutely loved the test ride.

Hopefully I will not hate mine!

[Trek420]

Oh no! I just upgraded my brand new 7200 WSD to the 7.5 last week. It hasn't arrived yet but I absolutely loved the test ride.

Hopefully I will not hate mine!

Not every body fits every bike. The perfect bike for one ride is another riders torture device. You might be fine.

[Vanderkitten]

There are many more things to confuse/consider when picking the right bike, and from my ALS experience and sponsoring tons of women who have done it here in Cali) there are many things to consider.

Each frame material will have a certain ride quality. Each will transmit vibration to your back and body more or less than another. Also, it's hard to generalize materials because of the new technologies in frame tubing etc. Steel is generally a nice option, but it's heavy and you generally do not find steel bikes off the rack with the quality components you might want.

Also, consider that the bike you buy now might not be the bike you own in 2 years... so buying a bike for your goals now will create a more comfortable and positive experience in achieving those, keeping you more motivated to be involved in cycling and excited about setting more and more goals for yourself!

I don't want to say one bike style is worse or better than another, because they are all valid, and that's entirely up to you! I can tell you on the ALS in Cali, there are some hills and an extended gearing range will allow you to feel confident tacking all of them!

If you have found a bike you like, and it sounds like it's a Trek performance hybrid, than you might want to go with that. It's a very valid, fast bike. As mentioned, there are many ways to add features for variable hand positions, but you aren't even worried about that yet... you need something you can get on, everyday (or so) and ride it. Your body will go through many changes to accommodate the new demands being placed upon it, and it will be sore but only get better.

A proper fit is key, but I might encourage you to get a bike that is the correct size, work with the sales person to adjust the saddle position and bar position, and then RIDE!

A majority of your riding on the ALS will be with other riders... since there are thousands. Wind resistance is less of a concern when you are in a line since the wind is being broken by the riders in front of you somewhat. I can guarantee if you got a bike with drop-bars (curved bars, ala road bike) you would never ride in the drops. This is the worst position for your back while it provides a very slight aero-dynamic advantage. For most of us, it's a disadvantage physically to fold ourselves into this position.

So, think of the ways to improve your quality of ride: shorts with a VERY GOOD chamois... a supportive seat (squishy seats seem appealing, but actually are less supportive than a proper-fitting one with less padding... your chamois will provide all of the support you need), proper saddle height and feeling good about your joy and pain!! Everyday you will be stronger, you will be faster, you will be one-day closer to riding 585 miles to LA!!

Sorry for the long post.

[Trek420]

....Leaning farther means lest wind resistance, but for me at this size, it's very uncomfortable. I don't mean just the strain on by back, or upper body. In that position there isn't a lot of clearance between my thighs and my body, and my boobs are in the way despite the steel belted sports bra.

Found it. I knew we'd had a serious discussion of "boobage" on bikes

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2551

OTOH, while the more upright position is more comfortable, I'm concerned that as I add more milage, the increased wind resistance, and single grip position will become the greater limiting factor.

If you like the hybrid and it fits you well there are lots of things to do for more hand positions. Wind resistance will not be that much of an issue but pressure on your butt vs pressure on your hands could be.