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- Thursday, March 28, 2024

MtB Message Board

 Help a fat noob choose the right bike...
I've been lurking for a while and reading through the posts trying to learn what I can. But I have a specific question that I am hoping your expertise can help with.

I am going to say it... I'm fat. Not morbidly obese to the point where I can get around, but i have a huge gut. I have been eating well and working out in the gym and on a recumbent bike at home for the last several months, but there is a problem. I AM BORED of working out at the gym. Of course I plan to keep going because I know that it is an important part of my lifestyle change to increase muscle mass to lose weight. I am currently riding around the neighborhood on a bike I bought for $25 at a yard sale. Let's just say I over paid.

I used to enjoy Mt. Biking when I was younger (19-21) but I got away from it, and a sedentary lifestyle got me where I am today. I was never an expert, so I am still a bit of a novice when it comes to Mt. Biking. Don't think I am whining about it, it is important that I point this fact out, because it is one of my key driver's for my desire to get back into it. I take full responsibility for where I am today, it was my poor choices that got me here, and it is my good choices that are going to get me healthy.

I am 5'7" tall and I weigh just under 250lbs (down from 285). I would ultimately like to get back to Mt. Biking, but I know that before I go tackle the hard trails I am going to have to spend some time riding around the neighborhood with the kids and perhaps even riding my 30 mile commute from Riverside into Orange County and back.

I am looking to spend about $800-$1200 on a bike. So given my size, and the fact that i plan to do some street riding and work my way back up to going up and down those long hills. What should I be looking for when I select my bike. I am not interested in a road bike, but at least initially I will be spending some time on roads and relatively flat dirt trails with a few smaller hills here and there, but I still want to work my way up to tackling the big hills without the need to buy a new bike. In addition, the bike has to be able to hold up to my girth, and also fit my short stature.

I will be honest and say that I have looked around at bikes, and find it a little intimidating, the bikes have shocks on them now. This was something that was just getting started when I was younger. SO any help you can provide on what features or components I should look for, or even better on a specific bike model would be great.
Posted by DrMemnok a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a $25 Yard Sale Bike from Riverside, CA on 01/14/09


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  •  Re: Help a fat noob choose the right bike...
    DUDE...relax. I tip the scale at 250, and it sucks, but I ride everything, I don't walk, I ride (slow), but dam it I ride. I use to race downhill for 7+ years, I made my life around it. Now things have changed. I have a real job, I'm married and I am fat, so what, I will ride it away(at least that is the pan) What you need to do is put some miles on that beater you bought for 25 bucks. Ride it on some local easy trails by you, ride it everywhere. You need to develope a good base of core miles. I cannot stress this enough, I suggest this before jumping into an expensive bike, because I will tell you, you need a REAL bike made from quality workmanship so you don't kill yourself (from one big guy to another). I rip on the downhill, I jump everything...and I destroy stuff. Till that day comes you could buy a 600-800 hardtail bike so you have decent equipment? But it is all about the miles regaurdless of what you ride.
    Posted by HEADFIRST a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant Reign... It's a luv affair from Fullerton on 01/14/09

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    •  Re: Help a fat noob choose the right bike...
      I have been riding the heck out of my beater. All the while I have been saving up to buy a new bike. So while I enjoy getting out and riding, I know me. This money is going to burn a hole in my pocket. In March I will have saved up my target of $1000 for the bike.
      Posted by DrMemnok a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a $25 Yard Sale Bike from Riverside, CA on 01/19/09

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  •  Re: Help a fat noob choose the right bike...
    Hi, Great atitude. But you will most likely have to spend a little more money than $1200. But if you plan on doing it for awhile it will be worth the $. Check with your local bike shops and stay away from department store bikes. If you choose a bike that starts at $1200 you will most likely get a good bike. Good Luck.
    Posted by 24hrdemolitionman a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 08,Specialized enduro expert from Castaic,CA on 02/01/09

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  •  Re: Help a fat noob choose the right bike...
    Just a suggestion, try out craigslist. Thats were i got my bike(a good deal too!) there will inevitably somthing good. Just a thought. talk to the giys at your local bike shop. Thay should be able to help you out. Peace
    Posted by X7freeride a Downhiller riding a haro x7 from riverside on 04/07/09

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