what kind of bike at $300 price? - Page 2

07-20-2004, 10:35 AM

humblejohn <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> i have looked around and what i see is toys r us and sports authority
> bikes which are so-so and certainly a lot cheaper than a bike store. i
> need a bike for comfort and not racing or climbing mountains. I am 55
> and my doctor said if i don't lose the paunch i will be in serious
> health trouble. I am 6'4" and a problem comes up with frame size.

> (i weigh 270lbs). Is fuji a good reliable bike? the most
> reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing them Not sure.

Definitely stay away from ANY department store or sporting goods store
bike at your size. Also stay away from shocks absorbers.

You want a sturdy comfort or hybrid bike with wide tires, strong wheels,
and as large a frame as you can get.

The wheels will be your biggest challenge. Make sure they have 36
stainless steel spokes, and that the spokes are tight and have been stress
relieved. Otherwise, you're going to be breaking spokes and/or having the
wheels go out of true. Many wheels are machine built. Have the shop
tension, true, and stress relieve the spokes for you.

Cycling is great exercise, and MAY help with weight loss if done
regularly. There was a long thread on that subject a few weeks ago.

Good luck,

Art Harris

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

"humblejohn" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42f5b3ab.0407200738.6a29702d@posting.google.c om...
> i have looked around and what i see is toys r us and sports authority
> bikes which are so-so and certainly a lot cheaper than a bike store. i
> need a bike for comfort and not racing or climbing mountains. I am 55
> and my doctor said if i don't lose the paunch i will be in serious
> health trouble. I am 6'4" and a problem comes up with frame size.

I'm 6'3". You won't likely find anything to fit outside a bike shop. Even
there you might have limited selection to try, or they might need to order
in. Plus, you need something that's pretty sturdy.

> each
> bike shop claims their bike has the biggest frame in the line. I look
> on the net and see xl (22) which i have no idea about but i assume it
> is the largest frame. I cannot find the frame size on the bikes in the
> shops. they are interested in unloading what they have and they know i
> don't know anything about bikes.

Yeah, this can be a problem. If you have a local bike club, show up at their
meeting. Find some tall guys. Ask them what bike shops they like.

Even more of a problem for you is that the right frame size depends on the
bike style. In a road bike, you might need a 62 (centimeter) frame. On a
hybrid, with a different shaped frame, the sizing will be different.

I don't want a disaster because if
> the bike turns out to be painful or a dud i can't bring it back. some
> bikes have shock absorbers in the fork and seat. Are these really
> necessary? When i sit on the bike it pushes these "shock absorbers"
> down so i don't know what use they could have for cushioning in that
> postion. (i weigh 270lbs).

Shock equipment isn't necessary if you are riding on pavement. I own 6
bikes (yes, down from 7) and none has suspension. However, it's hard to find
new bikes without it.

> Is fuji a good reliable bike? the most
> reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing them Not sure. need
> help. thanks in advance.

Fuji is a reliable manufacturer. So is Trek, Cannondale, Giant and others.
More important for you is to find a good guy at a dealer who will help you
find what you need.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

"humblejohn" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42f5b3ab.0407200738.6a29702d@posting.google.c om...
> i have looked around and what i see is toys r us and sports authority
> bikes which are so-so and certainly a lot cheaper than a bike store. i
> need a bike for comfort and not racing or climbing mountains. I am 55
> and my doctor said if i don't lose the paunch i will be in serious
> health trouble. I am 6'4" and a problem comes up with frame size.

I'm 6'3". You won't likely find anything to fit outside a bike shop. Even
there you might have limited selection to try, or they might need to order
in. Plus, you need something that's pretty sturdy.

> each
> bike shop claims their bike has the biggest frame in the line. I look
> on the net and see xl (22) which i have no idea about but i assume it
> is the largest frame. I cannot find the frame size on the bikes in the
> shops. they are interested in unloading what they have and they know i
> don't know anything about bikes.

Yeah, this can be a problem. If you have a local bike club, show up at their
meeting. Find some tall guys. Ask them what bike shops they like.

Even more of a problem for you is that the right frame size depends on the
bike style. In a road bike, you might need a 62 (centimeter) frame. On a
hybrid, with a different shaped frame, the sizing will be different.

I don't want a disaster because if
> the bike turns out to be painful or a dud i can't bring it back. some
> bikes have shock absorbers in the fork and seat. Are these really
> necessary? When i sit on the bike it pushes these "shock absorbers"
> down so i don't know what use they could have for cushioning in that
> postion. (i weigh 270lbs).

Shock equipment isn't necessary if you are riding on pavement. I own 6
bikes (yes, down from 7) and none has suspension. However, it's hard to find
new bikes without it.

> Is fuji a good reliable bike? the most
> reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing them Not sure. need
> help. thanks in advance.

Fuji is a reliable manufacturer. So is Trek, Cannondale, Giant and others.
More important for you is to find a good guy at a dealer who will help you
find what you need.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

"humblejohn" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42f5b3ab.0407200738.6a29702d@posting.google.c om...
> i have looked around and what i see is toys r us and sports authority
> bikes which are so-so and certainly a lot cheaper than a bike store. i
> need a bike for comfort and not racing or climbing mountains. I am 55
> and my doctor said if i don't lose the paunch i will be in serious
> health trouble. I am 6'4" and a problem comes up with frame size.

I'm 6'3". You won't likely find anything to fit outside a bike shop. Even
there you might have limited selection to try, or they might need to order
in. Plus, you need something that's pretty sturdy.

> each
> bike shop claims their bike has the biggest frame in the line. I look
> on the net and see xl (22) which i have no idea about but i assume it
> is the largest frame. I cannot find the frame size on the bikes in the
> shops. they are interested in unloading what they have and they know i
> don't know anything about bikes.

Yeah, this can be a problem. If you have a local bike club, show up at their
meeting. Find some tall guys. Ask them what bike shops they like.

Even more of a problem for you is that the right frame size depends on the
bike style. In a road bike, you might need a 62 (centimeter) frame. On a
hybrid, with a different shaped frame, the sizing will be different.

I don't want a disaster because if
> the bike turns out to be painful or a dud i can't bring it back. some
> bikes have shock absorbers in the fork and seat. Are these really
> necessary? When i sit on the bike it pushes these "shock absorbers"
> down so i don't know what use they could have for cushioning in that
> postion. (i weigh 270lbs).

Shock equipment isn't necessary if you are riding on pavement. I own 6
bikes (yes, down from 7) and none has suspension. However, it's hard to find
new bikes without it.

> Is fuji a good reliable bike? the most
> reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing them Not sure. need
> help. thanks in advance.

Fuji is a reliable manufacturer. So is Trek, Cannondale, Giant and others.
More important for you is to find a good guy at a dealer who will help you
find what you need.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

"humblejohn" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42f5b3ab.0407200738.6a29702d@posting.google.c om...
> i have looked around and what i see is toys r us and sports authority
> bikes which are so-so and certainly a lot cheaper than a bike store. i
> need a bike for comfort and not racing or climbing mountains. I am 55
> and my doctor said if i don't lose the paunch i will be in serious
> health trouble. I am 6'4" and a problem comes up with frame size.

I'm 6'3". You won't likely find anything to fit outside a bike shop. Even
there you might have limited selection to try, or they might need to order
in. Plus, you need something that's pretty sturdy.

> each
> bike shop claims their bike has the biggest frame in the line. I look
> on the net and see xl (22) which i have no idea about but i assume it
> is the largest frame. I cannot find the frame size on the bikes in the
> shops. they are interested in unloading what they have and they know i
> don't know anything about bikes.

Yeah, this can be a problem. If you have a local bike club, show up at their
meeting. Find some tall guys. Ask them what bike shops they like.

Even more of a problem for you is that the right frame size depends on the
bike style. In a road bike, you might need a 62 (centimeter) frame. On a
hybrid, with a different shaped frame, the sizing will be different.

I don't want a disaster because if
> the bike turns out to be painful or a dud i can't bring it back. some
> bikes have shock absorbers in the fork and seat. Are these really
> necessary? When i sit on the bike it pushes these "shock absorbers"
> down so i don't know what use they could have for cushioning in that
> postion. (i weigh 270lbs).

Shock equipment isn't necessary if you are riding on pavement. I own 6
bikes (yes, down from 7) and none has suspension. However, it's hard to find
new bikes without it.

> Is fuji a good reliable bike? the most
> reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing them Not sure. need
> help. thanks in advance.

Fuji is a reliable manufacturer. So is Trek, Cannondale, Giant and others.
More important for you is to find a good guy at a dealer who will help you
find what you need.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

"humblejohn" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42f5b3ab.0407200738.6a29702d@posting.google.c om...
> i have looked around and what i see is toys r us and sports authority
> bikes which are so-so and certainly a lot cheaper than a bike store. i
> need a bike for comfort and not racing or climbing mountains. I am 55
> and my doctor said if i don't lose the paunch i will be in serious
> health trouble. I am 6'4" and a problem comes up with frame size.

I'm 6'3". You won't likely find anything to fit outside a bike shop. Even
there you might have limited selection to try, or they might need to order
in. Plus, you need something that's pretty sturdy.

> each
> bike shop claims their bike has the biggest frame in the line. I look
> on the net and see xl (22) which i have no idea about but i assume it
> is the largest frame. I cannot find the frame size on the bikes in the
> shops. they are interested in unloading what they have and they know i
> don't know anything about bikes.

Yeah, this can be a problem. If you have a local bike club, show up at their
meeting. Find some tall guys. Ask them what bike shops they like.

Even more of a problem for you is that the right frame size depends on the
bike style. In a road bike, you might need a 62 (centimeter) frame. On a
hybrid, with a different shaped frame, the sizing will be different.

I don't want a disaster because if
> the bike turns out to be painful or a dud i can't bring it back. some
> bikes have shock absorbers in the fork and seat. Are these really
> necessary? When i sit on the bike it pushes these "shock absorbers"
> down so i don't know what use they could have for cushioning in that
> postion. (i weigh 270lbs).

Shock equipment isn't necessary if you are riding on pavement. I own 6
bikes (yes, down from 7) and none has suspension. However, it's hard to find
new bikes without it.

> Is fuji a good reliable bike? the most
> reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing them Not sure. need
> help. thanks in advance.

Fuji is a reliable manufacturer. So is Trek, Cannondale, Giant and others.
More important for you is to find a good guy at a dealer who will help you
find what you need.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

many thanks but the krono is not sold in new york.

maxo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] >...
> On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 08:38:48 -0700, humblejohn wrote:
>
> > Is fuji a good
> > reliable bike? the most reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing
> > them Not sure. need help. thanks in advance.
>
> Fujis are fine, as are many mass market ~300 bikes.
>
> You can get a perfectly good entry level "hybrid" bike for 300 bucks, but
> I'd steer clear of any suspension gizmos, get a bike with a real fork and
> save yourself the headache of breaking a cheap suspension fork. Around
> here the preferred cheaper entry model is the Marin San Anselmo. The
> frame's a bit rigid in my opinion, but since you're a bigger guy--the
> strength might be a good thing.
>
> Personally, if I lived in a flatter area and wanted a bike for just
> tooling around, I'd get a Kronan. I've owned one before, and they're awe
> inspiring. They weigh 46lbs and who cares? You'll get there in style.
> These and the ****roaches will survive after a nuclear blast LOL:
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> $359 for the single speed. You know you want one.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

many thanks but the krono is not sold in new york.

maxo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] >...
> On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 08:38:48 -0700, humblejohn wrote:
>
> > Is fuji a good
> > reliable bike? the most reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing
> > them Not sure. need help. thanks in advance.
>
> Fujis are fine, as are many mass market ~300 bikes.
>
> You can get a perfectly good entry level "hybrid" bike for 300 bucks, but
> I'd steer clear of any suspension gizmos, get a bike with a real fork and
> save yourself the headache of breaking a cheap suspension fork. Around
> here the preferred cheaper entry model is the Marin San Anselmo. The
> frame's a bit rigid in my opinion, but since you're a bigger guy--the
> strength might be a good thing.
>
> Personally, if I lived in a flatter area and wanted a bike for just
> tooling around, I'd get a Kronan. I've owned one before, and they're awe
> inspiring. They weigh 46lbs and who cares? You'll get there in style.
> These and the ****roaches will survive after a nuclear blast LOL:
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> $359 for the single speed. You know you want one.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

many thanks but the krono is not sold in new york.

maxo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] >...
> On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 08:38:48 -0700, humblejohn wrote:
>
> > Is fuji a good
> > reliable bike? the most reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing
> > them Not sure. need help. thanks in advance.
>
> Fujis are fine, as are many mass market ~300 bikes.
>
> You can get a perfectly good entry level "hybrid" bike for 300 bucks, but
> I'd steer clear of any suspension gizmos, get a bike with a real fork and
> save yourself the headache of breaking a cheap suspension fork. Around
> here the preferred cheaper entry model is the Marin San Anselmo. The
> frame's a bit rigid in my opinion, but since you're a bigger guy--the
> strength might be a good thing.
>
> Personally, if I lived in a flatter area and wanted a bike for just
> tooling around, I'd get a Kronan. I've owned one before, and they're awe
> inspiring. They weigh 46lbs and who cares? You'll get there in style.
> These and the ****roaches will survive after a nuclear blast LOL:
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> $359 for the single speed. You know you want one.

07-20-2004, 07:19 PM

many thanks but the krono is not sold in new york.

maxo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] >...
> On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 08:38:48 -0700, humblejohn wrote:
>
> > Is fuji a good
> > reliable bike? the most reasonable dealer in my area seems to be pushing
> > them Not sure. need help. thanks in advance.
>
> Fujis are fine, as are many mass market ~300 bikes.
>
> You can get a perfectly good entry level "hybrid" bike for 300 bucks, but
> I'd steer clear of any suspension gizmos, get a bike with a real fork and
> save yourself the headache of breaking a cheap suspension fork. Around
> here the preferred cheaper entry model is the Marin San Anselmo. The
> frame's a bit rigid in my opinion, but since you're a bigger guy--the
> strength might be a good thing.
>
> Personally, if I lived in a flatter area and wanted a bike for just
> tooling around, I'd get a Kronan. I've owned one before, and they're awe
> inspiring. They weigh 46lbs and who cares? You'll get there in style.
> These and the ****roaches will survive after a nuclear blast LOL:
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> $359 for the single speed. You know you want one.