Suggestions for Bikes

juddfan1974
on 8/27/12 7:25 am - TN

VSG on 07/02/12

Hi All,

I am looking for a bike to ride mostly on paved bike paths. I do not like bikes where you ride in the butt up head down position so I think I have narrowed my search to a hybrid bike or possibly a cruiser. However I most of the curisers only have between 1 and 8 speeds I think I will want more speeds than that. I am also looking for a bike with a weight limit of at least 300 pounds.

Right now I am seriously looking at an Electra Townie 21 speed. I am just wondering if any one has any other suggestions. I am a guy standing about 5'9" and I plan to buy this as a gift for myself when I reach my 300 lbs milestone in a few weeks. My main concerns are riding position (I want to ride in an upright position), good seat comfort, and avalible speeds.

Thanks

jubjub
on 8/27/12 7:33 am - Palm Desert, CA

VSG on 06/25/12

I just sold my Trek Navigator 3.0. Excellent bike for what you're looking for. Has a wide, comfortable seat, shock absorbers in the fork and seat post and chunkier tiers for use on any kind of path (paved, dirt, crushed limestone, etc.). And an upright seating position.

It's pretty heavy duty, I got mine when I weight close to 300. It was comfortable. I just sold it and bought a ligher bike with skinny tires as I've lost 80+ lbs now and ready to go faster :)

Heaviest: 313/VSG Pre: 295/Surgery: 260/Maintenance target:190 - Recent: 195 (08/15/19)

1st 2015&2016 12-Hour Time Trial UMCA 50-59 Age Group
1st 2017 Race Across the West 4-Person 50-59 Age Group
4th 2019 Race Across America 8 Person Team

Airpun79
on 8/27/12 7:33 am - Jacksonville, FL

Great post! I was looking for the same. Congrats on your success so far. -Larry

HW: 360      SW: 351             CW: 212         GOAL: 200
Monthly Weight Loss Progression:
M1:-46 M2:-24 M3:-14 M4:-17 M5:-9 M6:-13 M7:-7 M8:-5  M9:-1 M10:-3 M11:-8 M12: -10

jubjub
on 8/27/12 7:40 am - Palm Desert, CA

VSG on 06/25/12

I just checked the Trek website - looks like the new model is called the "Shift Comfort"

I'd always check craigslist for bikes - lots of activity usually as people clean out the garage or trade up.

Definitely look for bikes in the "Comfort" category - they should have the upright seating position and soft saddle and probably some shock absorbing fork/seatpost action.

I sold mine for $200 BTW, new it went for $450.

A good, heavy duty bike like this will last 10 years, and have decent resale value if you trade up when you get ready.

I bought a Trek 7.6fx (also from craigslist) like new, 2 years old for $800 - a new one goes for $1350 list... no dealer in Minneapolis even can keep it in stock so used was a great way to get what i wanted at a very good price.

Our local REI offers free classes on how to do simple maintenance on your bike as well. Keep that Chain clean and lubed!

Heaviest: 313/VSG Pre: 295/Surgery: 260/Maintenance target:190 - Recent: 195 (08/15/19)

1st 2015&2016 12-Hour Time Trial UMCA 50-59 Age Group
1st 2017 Race Across the West 4-Person 50-59 Age Group
4th 2019 Race Across America 8 Person Team

AnnieinIA
on 8/27/12 7:41 am

I had a Townie - just gave it to my daughter a few months ago. I wanted a bike that was less "heavy and clunky". I am not anti-townie, but wanted a higher quality bike.

I suggest looking at Rans bikes. I have a Rans Fusion ST and truly love it.

louisamay
on 8/27/12 9:16 am

VSG on 04/27/12

Thanks for this post! I haven't ridden my bike in about five years. Even then, I was wanting a new one. This may help me get motivated to get my bike fixed so I can start riding it again. And then later, get my dream bike, a retro steel bike complete with fancy welded joints!

http://www.rivbike.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/colors_colemangreen_400.jpg

In Coleman green.

(No, I will never spend that much for a bike, but I do love it. And I will eventually keep my eyes open for a used steel bike.)

[I'm not gaining weight. I keep lowering my goal!] [I LOVE MY SLEEVE!]

vogue
on 8/27/12 9:17 am

VSG on 08/30/12

Ive been eying a Trek Verve all summer but the cheapie in me may end up with a Schwinn hybrid since the specs are similar but price is like $400 cheaper... I may or may not end up being a long term bike rider and am scaed to invest too much $$ in it

Highest Weight: 272 Surgery Weight: 266 (08-30-12)

hit "normal" BMI (161 pounds) in 10 months Superficial Goal: 129 Maintenance Goal: 140 lbs

SKINNY PEOPLE LOOK GOOD IN CLOTHES, FIT PEOPLE LOOK GREAT NAKED....I WANT TO BE FIT!!