Larger rider looking for new bike

[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.

[Teppi]

Special thanks to Vanderkitten!! That was great input.

This weekend I did another round of shopping, and did some side by side comparisons of flat bar/hybrid style bikes, and curved bar road bikes. I stumbled across a sale at one of my LBSs (Mike's Bikes) and a woman there was very helpful, and had also done the ALS. She was good at helping me sort out whether the comfort/discomfort I felt on the different bikes was a function of the bike, or of my experience and confidence.

I decided on a Specialized Dolce Comp Triple. I probably would have been fine with the Elite (one level down), but decided that if I opted for the carbon rear stays, and 105 components now, I'd probably be happier with the bike longer. We are going to try swapping out the stem for one with a higher angle to start with so that I'm in a little more upright position. As I lose weight and get more confident on the bike, I can choose to swap the stem back. I also picked up a more forgiving saddle to use while I get my sits in shape, again figuring that I may elect to swap back to the original saddle when I'm in better road shape.

I'll get fully fitted later this week, and bring the bike home. Then I just need to find some beginner rides, and learn how to use the darn thing!

I really appreciate everyone's time and consideration!
Teppi

[owlice]

~~ sniff ~~

:: wipes away a tear of joy ::

I just love a happy ending!! Good riding to you!!