what bike is a good bike?

Trista87Marie

Hi. I've been struggling with exercise and I've decided that I need to find something I enjoy that keeps me out of the gym. So I've decided to buy a bicycle. I still weigh close to 300 lbs so I'm looking for something that is going to be able to hold up to that weight and that will have a comfortable seat. Anyone else here an avid biker? I know absolutely nothing about what is good and what to stay away from. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks fellow MFP'ers.

JulieBoBoo

I love my Schwinn and rode her even up to 330lbs. If you want to invest in a really good bike, TREK is a good brand to buy. I recommend a cruiser bike (one that's for both city and offroad) and make sure you get a woman's bike so you can get your leg over the bar. My ticker is my baby (her name is Ruby Tuesday) and that's the seat she came with. It's always been very cosy.

Trista87Marie

Thanks Julie.

Trista87Marie

ok. I checked out TREK's. They are def out of my price range. I'm probably not looking to spend any more then $150. $200 tops, and only if I absolutely have to.

twinsfan1976

The spoke count on the wheels is what you need to pay most mind to. Your best bang for your buck will be used bikes. In your price range the only new ones are not very good. The components are very cheap and will not last long. Check out craigslist bike section. 36 spoke wheels would probably be best. I am over 300 lbs and use 40 spoke wheels on my bike, but just the wheels alone on that bike cost over 700. Lots of treks available, 7300s are good, 7.0-7.3 fx might fall into you range in price sometimes. The older trek multitracks are good too. They are more mountain style with flat bars usually, not the road drop bar style. The more comfortable you feel on the bike, the more you will ride it, I can vouch for that part.

jules0657

I agree with Twinsfan about you probably not being able to get a good new bike in your price range. I too have seen Trek bicycles, etc on Craigslist- just gotta watch! I have a Giant mountain bike and a Giant road bike and love them both, so I would highly recommend those brands. I also would recommend finding a good bike shop and talking to them. We live in central NY and love love LOVE Geneva Bicycle Center... they helped me find what I was looking for, fit me for the right size, etc. Even as a starting point to look around and see what feels best, you may want to stop into a local shop! Good luck!:)

Trista87Marie

Thanks guys. I am finding quite a few on Craigslist. There is a bike shop downtown so maybe Ill swing by there.

twinsfan1976

Good point Jules, I forgot one of my favorite bikes is a Giant. Giant Cypress. A lot of bikes these days called Hybrids have sloping top tubes so they are really for men or women. Just because a bike has a low bar doesn't mean its a girls. Basically there are very few women specific bikes these days. Most are a one size fits all kinda thing. The Giant Cypress or similar is a good value. I have a Cypress frame sitting in a closet that I need to get some wheels for one of these days. It is mostly the higher end bikes now that have WSD in their name. WSD is women specific design. Although the cruiser type bikes like Townies have models considered for women as well. Cruiser bikes are good for short distances, but if you plan to ride longer times and distances, youll definitely want to move up to the hybrid range, mountain bike/multitrack type bikes.

Trista87Marie

thanks jules and twinsfan. I was really starting with zero knowledge so this helps a lot.

JulieBoBoo

ok. I checked out TREK's. They are def out of my price range. I'm probably not looking to spend any more then $150. $200 tops, and only if I absolutely have to.

Yeah they ain't cheap Hence my Schwinn