beginners bike - wide load!!

A used road bike. Road bikes are faster. I'm 240 lb and keep up pretty good on mine. I'd go to a shop and find out what size frame they think you need, then buy a bike computer from them and get the bike elsewhere used.

umm- would e bay be a good source for that? how do I know what a good bike is? I do know which way round and up they go but my knowledge comes to a grinding halt at that point!

You need to go to a local bike shop and be fitted for a bike. You do not want to get a bike that is the wrong size, because you will be uncomfortable and you don't want that. Once you know what size bike you need then go to ebay and look for one if you want to use ebay. Also check with your local bike shop and you may be able to pick up a good deal on a used bike from them. Some other board members have picked up some last year models for great prices so they may chime in with some good advice for you. Hope this helps!

here's how I feel about the LBS....local bike shop. Don't go in there and use them for information and then go buy a bike on ebay. If you go in to the LBS and work with them, they will do everything they can to get you on the bike that's right for you.....IF it's a good shop. And if it's not, you don't want to be there anyhow. But to go and basically use them for their knowledge and then try to save a buck somewhere else just rubs me the wrong way. Those guys are just a bunch of working stiffs trying to make a living just like the rest of us.

The relationship you build with your LBS can be very important. You find a problem with your bike the day before your race and they will fix it while you wait because you are a valued customer. Someone else will wait 2 weeks or more for a less serious issue to be resolved. I've seen it more than once.

That being said, it is possible to buy a very good bike and save money on ebay. I've done that too. You can then take it to your LBS and pay for them to tweak it for you. There are also places that specialize in fittings, such as Fitwerks in either NH or VT. Whatever you do, unless you are a wrench, you need your LBS.

my husband (who is an XXL type) rides (should I say has? rides is wishful thinking I guess) a Trek 7700. It is road geometry with a flat handlebar instead of the racing bar. It also has slightly wider tires than a regular road bike. It has Shimano Tiagra components and Bontrager wheels....I'd like to have those wheels as a matter of fact......9 speed cassette and a triple chain ring. I'm not sure what pedals or seat it came with, I think he has changed both of those. If I remember correctly it was about $1000 a couple of years ago. It's a sweet bike. The Trek 7500 is comparable as well.

hope that helps a bit.

I hear what you're saying Trimom, but in my experience the LBS people are willing to help whether you're making a purchase or not. Just don't demand their attention during their busy time. Hit them when they're a bit bored and they're happy to talk to you. Buy your accessories from them to assuage remaining guilt (if any).

Mike, You might get a good bike off ebay, but you might get damaged goods too. Best bet is to find a bike club in your area, show up at their weekly ride, and ask where good used bikes can be had. In my area, there's a florist who deals in bikes as a sideline.

Things to be on the lookout for:
funny noises when you ride it
wobble or play in any of the parts
difficulty shifting
worn gears
quality of components

yes, I agree, the people at the LBS are good about helping and not expecting anything in return. It just bugs me when people use them because of their good nature. An even better example is this guy I know who runs the pro shop at a local ice rink. He spent a lot of time with this guy and his son making sure he had the fitted the kid for the right size skates. Now this guy is not short on cash, but then he turned around and bought the skates online to save all of 25 bucks. The guy in the pro shop was pissed. Rightly so if you ask me. I know how hard he works and how far he travels to get to work. He also has a family to support and could have spent this time working with someone who was going to buy from him.

The same thing happens at the LBS. End of rant

I'd like to reccomend a book put out by Rodale press: 'Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair'. It is pretty complete, costs 19.95, and covers how to judge a frame and what the different types of components are, how to upgrade and fix, etc. Ch 2 has a part on the fit.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1579540090/qid=107444...

Also, bicycling magzine has an excellent web site with many howto's and fixits and workout advice. http://www.bicycling.com/0,1577,,00.html

I'm off to cry my LBS's pardon.

skip the crying, just toss 'em some business so they'll still be there when you really need them. That's how it works.

I couldn't agree more with you Ellen. Between me, my wife, and the 4 kids we've been there a dozen times in the last year buying parts, helmets, shorts, gloves, tubes, tools, shoes, wheels, truing, comps, two racks and a hitch. I go to the LBS instead of bike line or performance bike because I know the staff and I know they know more than I do. Part of the relationship we've developed over the last two years is me getting advice from them and they seem happy to give it. So I take your point very well about supporting a good LBS.

My last job was as part of a consulting group, and whenever prospective clients came in for lunch and to discuss plans they would almost always bring unrelated issues/problems on which we'd advise them, or even run a chemical analysis for them. Didn't make money on it, but created lots of good will. It's fun to teach. So as long you support the merchant it's perfectly cool to use them to support your needs. But you're right, don't abuse it, just use sense.

However given that a nice new trek or specialized might run you $1100 - $2000 or better it does make sense to buy a used bike and upgrade the components if you're not made of money.

ps, luck to the 'Pats & GO EAGLES!!!

yup, that was exactly my point. I am in the same position as you, buying bikes for a family of 4. I have spent so much at my LBS, and brought in friends who have as well, that they even give my cousins and my dad discounts when they go in. And when I had a problem the week of a race hey took care of it for me while I waited. I even went into the shop and watched what they were doing. Not much danger of me doing it myself next time

Just woken up after reading this thread and remembered that one of the guys at work is a massive biker and is part of the local club. Time to have words! I’ll still use the LBS as they are just down the road from work. And I’ll be buying lots of extras from them – after all I still need that Bike rack so the wife can drive me around !!!