What kind of bicycle is right for me?

Question

How do I choose a bike for me. I want one that can hold my weight seeing I will be riding this bike to help me lose weight and to take my dog on run/walks. What kind of bike should I get?

Thanks for all the advice.

Yeah just to clarify I am not looking to be like Lance Armstrong or anything just to help get me into better shape until I can start jogging.

Thanks to everyone who responded. Now I have some knowledge of what to look for.

Answer 1

You should consider looking into a recumbent. For people that are just looking to lose weight they provide the best of both worlds: a good workout and great comfort. In fact, most modern exercise bikes are base on the recumbent design.

A recumbent keeps you seated in a chair while pedaling, and by doing this minimizes stress on your back, shoulders, and neck. Additionally, if you are going to be walking your dog while cycling, the recumbent provides a more upright line of sight (like a mountain bike you look forward, as opposed to down).

Something to remember: when purchasing a bike for heavier people, thicker tubing and a more weight is ideal. You don't need to get to extreme speeds, and shouldn't be climbing steep hills, so there is no sense is buying a bike that could possible break under your weight.

Answer 2

Sounds like your looking for an inexpensive bike for limited use. A mountain bike or better yet a hybrid would likely fit the bill. If your doing casual rides without heavy use... the better bikes at a discount store would work fine. If the bike will get a lot of use for years buy a better one from a bike shop.

Remember this, bike shops will build the bike far better than Wal Mart and many offer free tune ups for the season. If you're not handy with tools and know a little about bikes a bike shop will be cheaper in the long run.

Answer 3

1. If you're REALLY, REALLY heavy, a department store bike might not stand up to the job. Frames and welds can be a little sketchy on cheap bikes.

2. I would go with an MTB because they are typically more comfortable and the tires are less likely to flat. Try performancebike.com. They have a good selection at reasonable prices.

3. Walking dog + riding = felony bad idea. What happens when the dog bolts? If you're hanging onto the leash as you should be, bad things will happen, including injury to you, the bike, and the dog. Trust me, I've seen it happen. I've wasted an hour of my life running for help and tending to the unconscious rider until the ambulance arrived.

4. Get a helmet while you're at it. Yes, I know you'll only be riding slowly. Bikes are much less stable at low speed. Don't get me wrong, bikes are generally very safe, but a helmet is cheap insurance. I know, I've broken my share.

Answer 4

Taking your dog for a run/walk implies parks and country lanes. So perhaps a hybrid might be viable.

As for your weight, that could be an issue on the forks performance, so rather than a hyrid, if you are a really chunky monkey, just go for a traditional comfort bike. Valid, well built machines. Nothing fancy, but what they do, they do well. I would recommend Dawes or Claude Butler for this.

Note: Do not be tempted by supermarket all singing all dancing machines for £80. Pay extra and get a well built, reliable machine.

Luck

Answer 5

I agree that a hybrid or a hardtail mountain bike is the place to start. Stay away from WalMart. The bikes they sell are absolute crap. They won't last long. Go to a real bike shop and tell them you are looking for their most economic model. You will get a *much* better ride and it will last *much* longer.

Answer 6

A hybrid is an excellent choice to beggin with. MTB are too heavy for an ocassional fitness rider and road bikes required a little more maneubrability.

Here is a great example:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600065&subcategory=60001001&brand=&sku=21890&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Road%20Bikes

Good Luck!!

Answer 7

To be honest with you, a cheap hybrid or hardtail Mtb will suit you fine.

Pop into Halfords or Walmart and ask the guys there, you're not looking for a competitive edge or high tech engineering, you need a leisure bike, for an afternoons amble!

Best of luck!

P.S. . . DONT get a recumbent!!! . . .It won't suit you at all!
and certainly not safe to go 'dog-walking' with!

EDIT:
LSU I have nothing against recumbents, - they are intriguing machines but they are a little specialised! and not really suitable for the askers requirements but thanks for your comment!
.

Answer 8

Well Are you a lard @$$ or what? lol jk
mountain bike if so Racing BmX bike if not

Answer 9

http://www.trekbikes.com/lime/