Hey all. I’ve been spending hours trying to decide which bicycle may be best for me and I have decision paralysis. I figured it’s time to call in the pros…
In short, I’m looking for a bike to get around my small town in place of my car for everyday things like going to the gym or riding with my young kids. It’s a fairly flat town, with some gradual hills but nothing crazy. I wouldn’t go off-road or take it in any sick jumps.
I used to have a Diamondback Response 10 years ago for this purpose but I hated the riding position and felt like it hurt my wrists to lean so far forward. I never could get it adjusted right, sold it, and never had another bicycle.
My size is the last factor to consider. I included a pic for proportions and build and whatnot (is this helpful? I don’t know…) but I’m 6’ 2” 330 pounds right now and trending down. I have really great hip and general mobility.
I’m leaning towards a hybrid, but it’s overwhelming to read about picking the right wheels and tires for my weight.
Thank you for the help, sorry I didn’t give you much to work with…
by Buh_lake
8 Comments
Realized I forgot to include budget and I’m not sure how to edit… $800 maximum probably for now. Thanks again everyone.
Trek fx 2 or specialized sirrus x 3.0.
Might want to look at a hard tail mountain bike
As long as you’re not riding aggressively your frame wiill be fine, its the broken spokes that will get you. Maybe look for a used touring bike? Or if you end up with a standard hybrid, upgrade with a high spoke count rear wheel.
Are you looking for new or used? As a bigger biker myself I prefer steel frames, they seem more forgiving and I don’t worry about them all that much. Brands like Surly, Salsa, All-City all have semi-reasonably priced steel bikes. Id look at maybe a Surly Preamble? It’s right on the outside of your budget and I’m a bit of a surly fanboy. Just simple, durable, kick around, multipurpose bikes.
Lots of good advice here, don’t overthink it. And remember that any bike that is generally the right size for you can be made to be more comfortable by swapping the handlebars or stem for not much money. On many bikes I have owned I have swapped in a shorter and higher stem to raise my handlebars.
Personally I like shopping used for bang for my buck. But walking into any good bike shop (many have used bikes, others are more swanky) you can try different bikes, they can give you advice.
You should be able to get something solid for way less than $800, If you really need it you can get a rear wheel with 36 spokes, although I might hold off until needed
Marin Muirwoods
As others have said the limiting factor is spoke count, higher the better. And steel or aluminum frames will be fine. Enjoy getting out and riding.