Overweight new cyclist looking for tips

Cartman said:

Hi folks,

Great forum. Did some basic searching and found some good information, but was wondering if anyone can recommend a good entry level bike (was looking at the mongoose line around 200-400) and nothing seems to show what weight levels are supported.

For the record, I'm about 280 lbs, 6' tall, and looking for suggestions on where to find what type of bikes will support me. At the moment, I'd like to go with a comfort bike and will primarily be riding around the neighborhood and hopefully on some basic trails (we're in a good area for them). I don't want to spend TOO much initially until I get into the sport (and hopefully will lose some weight in the process)

I work as a paramedic and despite my weight still get around quite well. I can walk many folks into the ground and get only mildly winded when going up multiple flights of stairs. I know all the target rates and have medical support, so that end is covered. Mostly, I just need some good suggestions on if the Mongoose line can support that kind of weight and/or what other lines would be good to work with.

Thanks in advance.

I'm about the same dimensions and started out with a Mongoose about 6 weeks ago- big mistake. These aren't the quality of the mongoose's that we grew up with.

I'd recomend an entry level trek 7200 for about 350- it can handle the weight and comes with a suspension seat post. Pretty comfortable too if you get a gel seat.

Cartman, first of all congratulations on making a decision that will probably change your life for the better; it did for me. I started riding about a year ago (first mtb, then added a road bike this Spring) and have dropped over 50 pounds (in combination with changing my diet). I feel great, look better and still look forward to riding as many times a week as my schedule allows.

As for your question, my #1 tip is to spend some time and find a good local bike shop that employs people you can trust. You didn't mention where you live, but if it's a good sized town, it's very worthwhile to take several days and go to as many shops as possible until you find people you like. I did this and it took about 3 shops before I found the folks who I knew would put me on the bike (now bikes) that was best for me fit-wise and for my riding style.

As for the weight issue, it's really not as big (pardon the pun) as you might think. When I started riding, I was nearly 300 pounds at 5'10" and was just as concerned as you are. What I learned, however, is that most bikes - as long as you're not planning to jump them or something - will handle your weight just fine. Pay more attention to the wheels and get some with at least 32 spokes. Also, very light-weight materials like carbon fibre will probably not support your weight. This doesn't really matter, however, as the weight of the bike at this point isn't much of an issue.

As for the first bike I went with, it's a Kona Hoss (www.konaworld.com). I chose a "built-up" model because I knew I'd want to ride some trails and might beat it up a bit. Otherwise, most any hardtail (non-rear suspension) mountain bike should work well for the type of riding you describe above...

Thanks for the tips guys. Seems at least that the primary concern is tire width and number of spokes. I'll definitely look for something with 32+ spokes (ideally more) and will check with the local bike shops.

I live in Dayton, OH and have some good friends that recommended actually going to [censored]'s Sporting Goods as they spend time with you, are knowledgable, size you properly (in their experience), and do a check and tightening after a month at no charge.

There are a few other bike shops that friends have experience with, but in my past they always seem to steer me toward the $600+ bikes (not that I blame them) and I'd rather get a decent working bike and see how my riding goes before making a greater investment. Hopefully, I'll dump 20-100 pounds and then be eligible for less concerns on a bike.

Always open for more tips if anyone has them.

Jim (Cartman)

Cartman said:

Hi folks,

Great forum. Did some basic searching and found some good information, but was wondering if anyone can recommend a good entry level bike (was looking at the mongoose line around 200-400) and nothing seems to show what weight levels are supported.

For the record, I'm about 280 lbs, 6' tall, and looking for suggestions on where to find what type of bikes will support me. At the moment, I'd like to go with a comfort bike and will primarily be riding around the neighborhood and hopefully on some basic trails (we're in a good area for them). I don't want to spend TOO much initially until I get into the sport (and hopefully will lose some weight in the process)

I work as a paramedic and despite my weight still get around quite well. I can walk many folks into the ground and get only mildly winded when going up multiple flights of stairs. I know all the target rates and have medical support, so that end is covered. Mostly, I just need some good suggestions on if the Mongoose line can support that kind of weight and/or what other lines would be good to work with.

Thanks in advance.

Hey Cartman. Greetings from a brother medic and member of team Hugh Jass.

6'6, 270ish here, have lost well over 40 pounds on the bike.

I started with a Trek 820 (fully rigid bike in 2000). Moved up to a Giant Rainier (in the 600-700 range). With the Trek, I had some problems with wheels coming out of true. Even so, I enjoyed it alot.

With the Rainier, I have not had any problems with the wheelset, and it is a joy to ride.

Be really careful with the low end / big box store bikes. They are frequently very poorly assembled and not built to handle the loads us 'little guys' put on them. Spend a bit more money up front and you will be much happier down the road.

Matt