Can you help me pick a bike?

Question

Hi Everyone.

I'm 51 years old, 6'3" and about 370. Basically a big guy with a large body frame. I have been trail walking 3-5 miles a day for the past year but now want to look into buying a bike that I can ride on paved streets and on paved bike paths for exercise. $500.00 range is median price but I'm not locked in. Nothing fancy needed but I like style and don't want an old mans bike either. Also don't want to deal with constant maintainance costs either. Gears not important. I also have a slight lower back disc issue that I don't want to aggrevate so the bike posture would be important to me. Appreciate any and all opinions. Thanks much

Answer 1

Try contacting a local vendor who is in the market of selling bicycles.  I prefer the RoadMaster mountain bike, 18 speed; I'm 50.

Answer 2

I would say a mountain bike or a hybrid , 22 inch maybe bigger

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I can't, but the guys at your local bike shop can. They'll fit you, too. Get a hybrid/comfort bike...you'll be in a more upright position when riding. Front suspension will cushion bumps in the road. And with your size, one of those tractor seat type saddles. I ride on a Brooks B-66 Champion, but I don't know if you're willing to drop $70 on a bicycle seat or not. Stick with 26" wheels if you can...they're a bit fatter that you'll find on 700C rims, and that'll make for smoother riding (albeit a bit more rolling resistance). Stay away from department store bikes...Wal Mart and such. You'll be fiddlin' with it all the time to keep it going right. Learn a bit of maintenance. It'll come in handy if you're on the road and need to make repairs. A multi-tool in a seat bag, along with a pump, patches, and tire levers will keep you form having to push it home because you can't fix a minor break-down..