I Want to Ride My Bicycle

mistersmithsbox
mistersmithsbox Posts: 65
edited October 7 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm currently 360# and 187cm (around 6'2) and I'm dying to ride a bike! (I haven't since I was 12.) While I'm willing to spend some decent money come tax season, I don't think I could spend over 300$ on a bike either way. (I've seen some go for 4,000$!)

What should I look for when I go to make my purchase? Will I require a specialty bike shop? Any specific brands? If it helps, I'm in Bham, AL and willing to make the trip to ATL to procure my baby. lol

Any help would be appreciated!

Replies

  • SavCal71
    SavCal71 Posts: 350 Member
    Now I have Freddy Mercury in my head ...
  • CannibalisticVegetarian
    CannibalisticVegetarian Posts: 1,255 Member
    Now I have Freddy Mercury in my head ...

    Ditto!
  • dannyg1000
    dannyg1000 Posts: 1
    I used to work at a bike shop and your going to have a hard time finding a bike for $300 unless you go to walmart or something like that. You can order some bikes direct from the manufacturer that are about that price but if you go this route you should bring the bike into a bike shop to have it assembled. Some bike brands to check out, Giant, Raleigh, Jamis, Fuji or Kona. The type of bike you should check out in your price range will probably be Hybrids so check those out. Unless your planning on mountain biking I would stay away from mountain bikes especially if they have suspensions because that makes your pedal strokes much less efficient. Look for a Hybrid bike with 700cc size wheels.
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55
    The problem you will have finding the right bike is not the price, but the weight capacity. I don't say this to shame you, but your average bike is not well-suited to someone like you. There are companies that manufacture bicycles for heavy people (like http://www.supersizedcycles.com/), but they don't come cheap! There are loads of websites and advice for you out there.
    Best wishes and keep your spirits up!
  • mistersmithsbox
    mistersmithsbox Posts: 65
    I'm thinking of waiting until I'm under 300# to buy it, but the idea of wind in my hair and peddling to shops is so wonderful sounding. I'll keep my spirits up! Thank you. :)
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55
    That's great! In the meantime, as incentive, do a little bike research. A decent bike to toodle around town can be found on craigslist. Spring is the best time to buy one use because many people are out there upgrading and getting rid of perfectly good bikes. I would shop for a men's bike because of your height and maybe look for 32"-34" (or 60cm)--these may be harder to find.

    EDIT: If you can't wait to ride, try http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/cruisers.html
    They have some stylish looking cruisers that can be custom modified and start at $319!
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    I'm thinking of waiting until I'm under 300# to buy it, but the idea of wind in my hair and peddling to shops is so wonderful sounding. I'll keep my spirits up! Thank you. :)
    I was in the best shape of my life when I rode my road bike every day. I wish you much wind in your hair and bugs on your sunglasses. :D

    Seriously, it's the best exercise I can think of from all angles. Low impact, high enjoyment, great sustainability (because it's FUN! You don't have to argue with yourself every day).
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