Heavy rider trying to decide on first bike

Hi there,

I recently started a new job with about a 3.5km trip from my apartment. I currently weigh about 300lbs and have been losing weight pretty steadily for 2 months now. I thought it might be fun to start commuting to work by bicycle. What I didn’t realize is how at my weight, it seems, finding a bike that is going to a worthwhile first purchase isn’t necessarily straightforward.

After a considerable amount of research, I came across an article that suggested this bike which is currently selling for $600 CAD:

Now my question is about this bike:

Elops Hoprider 100, 21-Speed Aluminum City Bike

Someone is selling this bike used for $400 CAD, in great condition (see attached pictures). It has more spokes, similar sized tires (700cc), and a similar frame (XL) but the best I found were lists of its capacity as either 220lbs or 250lbs.

Is there something I’m missing here? I don’t understand what the major difference is between these two that makes the Schwinn Discover Hybrid list its weight capacity at 405lbs but the Bt’win Hoprider 100 Hybrid as 250lbs. Should I give the used one a try or should I just stick to the marketing and buy the Schwinn?

I understand tires are a huge contributor, especially spoke count and wheel diameter. Not to mention steel frames vs aluminum, but to me, these bikes are so similar and the Bt’winn should be the better option for heavy riders based on what I understand so far!

Any help deciding between these two or illuminating how to better decide what bikes are worth looking at for someone my weight would be greatly appreciated.

by Time-Persimmon5605