Hi everyone,
Did some reading around the forums, and so far, finding some great info, thanks!
Here's my situation:
In late February, I finally started doing something about my weight. I'm 6'1", 37 yrs old, and at the time, I weighed (not proud of this!) 270-275lbs. Today at my morning weigh in, I was 221lbs.
Part of the program, besides using an iPhone app to track my food intake, was to undertake the Couch-to-5k running program, most of which I did on a treadmill in my basement during the late winter months. I completed that with some minor knee soreness that I managed to tend to without injury.
Then I sprained my right ankle from overuse and poor selection of running shoes. I let that ankle rest and heal till there was no pain, went and got fitted for proper running shoes, and then eased back to running with no issues. Once fully back, though, my right Achilles started getting stiff after runs, but stretching eased it and no further problems came from it till I did my longest run yet (about a week ago) of 4.5 miles. Enjoyed the heck out of that run, but it sent me to the doctor, who diagnosed me with Achilles tendonopathy (strained Achilles).
It's healing....slowly...and I'm flat out done running for at least a few weeks, if not longer.
I asked the doctor what cardio and activity I could undertake while healing, and what I should avoid. She told me no running until the pain was totally gone, obviously, but said I could do whatever activities didn't cause more pain in the tendon. I specifically asked about cycling, and she very readily recommended it.
I'd already been considering adding cycling into my workout regimen, which includes running and kettlebell weight training, so my forced hiatus from running now has me looking at bikes, as I'm going CRAZY not being able to workout outside like I had been!
So, on to where I'm looking for advice...
I have two realistic bike shop options:
#1- 2 miles from my house; carries mostly Specialized and Trek in stock, but can order a few other brands that escape me at the moment.
#2- 15+ miles from my house, not an easy drive with traffic (30min+), pretty much only carries Trek.
Both have good reputations from what I can tell. Shop #2's owner talked about ordering the frame size he recommends for me, then putting it on a trainer in the shop, have me ride it, make adjustments (including stem/seat replacements if needed). Shop #1, I didn't get to far into how they fit bikes, but need to ask.
Both owners were very approachable and seemed very client focused. Shop #1 seemed more focused on what I would be happy with, what would serve me well, etc. Shop #2 seemed more focused on "here's what you need, now let's adjust it to fit you."
Shop #1 is far, far, far more convenient for me to go to if work needs to be done, or I need assistance.
So.....sorry for the LOOOOOOOOONG post, but here's the crux of the issue:
-Any reason other than personal preference to tend toward Trek or Specialized?
-Within those brands, what would be a good model for me to look at? I looked at the Trek 1.2 at Shop #2 yesterday. Seemed like it would fit my budget and needs? The 1.5, to me, didn't seem worth the added $300, but I may be missing something....
-Thoughts on pedals? Go straight to clipless, which I've never used before, or toeclips (which I have used before)? I would prefer not to buy twice, so to speak.
-What other gear, clothing/accessories/etc, should I be considering? I have a helmet already.
Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post, and for any advice!