Quote Originally Posted by sdashm View Post
So I bought a used bike, a centurion, just to try out cycling. I've read other blogs that talked about getting stronger tires to support the extra weight. What is absolutely essential to upgrade/maintain on the bike just for a beginner cyclist? I'd appreciate the help and support!
I don't think it's the tires, but the wheels (rims and spokes). Sometimes heavier people need to have their wheels re-trued more often, but this is something you can be taught to do at a bike maintenance course. Larger diameter tires can protect the wheels with a bigger air cushion, and keep them inflated to the higher end of the recommended range. Unweight the back wheel by getting out of the saddle over level crossings and frost cracks or potholes that you can't avoid going through.
Really, it's unlikely that the wheel is going to collapse, just go out of true more often, so just ride and don't worry. The Centurian dates from the 90s, when wheels had at least 32 and more often 36 spokes, so you should be fine.