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