I would like some advice on upgrading my bicycle.?

Question

I own a Trek hybrid 7100 bike that I purchased 4 months ago. I have built myself up to commuting about 20 miles a day round trip back and forth from work on paved roads. I commute about 3-4 times a week not including weekends for an average of between 60-80 miles a week. I started having problems with the back wheel of my bike about 2 months ago. I have broken 3 spokes in that time. The last time being just yesterday. The bike shop where I bought the bike is going to replace the wheel under warranty. But they also recommended that I think about upgrading my bike to something more suitable to what I need for the distance and conditions I am riding under. Also let me say that I am a stocky but athleticly built man. I now weigh 270 pounds with the goal of getting down to 240. When I started riding I was at 285. The shop salesman said that the bike I have now was rated for more casual use by people who weigh about 200-220 pounds, and that my weight and the distance and road surfaces I am riding under may be contributing to the pressure on my back wheel thus causing the spokes to break, and that the bike itself is was not made for the distance and circumstances I am riding under. I have really grown to love riding and plan to continue riding just as much if not more in the future. And while I wouldn't consider myself to be an avid bike rider I have grown to have a passion for it. So I am faced with the question of whether I really should upgrade like the shop salesman said or is he just trying to sell me another bike. Also should I put my money into getting a higher grade of wheels to put on this bike, which understand may cost about $100 a piece or use that money toward the upgraded bike. Can someone please give me some feed back and advice on this? Thanks in advance.

Confused from Baltimore

Answer 1

Trek is a reputable brand and the 7100 is designed for long distance commuting.  The explanation that the bicycle shop has given you is rather rubbish.  It is likely that both the front and rear wheels needs to be re-tuned for your strenuous weight.   The tension of each spoke needs to be adjusted, which will take about three hours of labour.  I guess the shopkeeper is not willing to do it; but it is likely to be covered by the warranty.  If the shop is an official dealer, you might try to report this case to Trek.

Answer 2

If you have really started to feel a passion for cycling, it is probably time to get a new, higher quality bike. I would recommend that you buy a decent road bike, either used (craigslist is a great place to find one) or new, your choice. I might actually go with a medium to somewhat high quality used one, which you will probably pay less for than a medium quality new one.

The way in which road bikes are built distribute the weight of your body more evenly over the front and rear wheels. This will be less comfortable, definitely, but it will make your riding much faster and more efficient, and it will distribute the weight better.

Check out bikesdirect.com if you are in the market for a new bike, but be careful! They are priced very low, so you should read reviews on the bikes before buying because some of them might just be too low quality, but many of them will be good quality bikes with some crappy parts on them (wheel skewers, seatposts, etc.) These can be usually be upgraded to higher end used parts for little money at a good bike shop.

Good luck, and do not give up with your newfound passion!

Answer 3

High quality wheels are much more expensive than $100 each!  

Anyway, I'd save your money and upgrade the bike.  What you've got now is meant more for casual cruising around the neighborhood.  Go with a higher-end, lighter bike with more gears, better wheels, etc., and you'll really love cycling!  Putting $400 worth of wheels on a bike that you paid $400 for would be silly.  

I don't know the shops in Baltimore at all, but if you feel like taking a bit of  a road trip, check out Mt. Airy bikes right off I-70.  They have a really nice selection of different brands, including Trek and Specialized among many others, and don't pressure anyone to buy.  They also encourage you to do a real test ride on the bike, and have a great road with hills right at their front door that you can cruise on.  

Answer 4

Unfortunately, that shop really needs a few lessons.

Your bike is fine, but they have to take the time to retension the wheels for your weight. I live in the Baltimore area and have a suspicion who you got the bike from.

Once they replace the wheel under warranty, leave the premises and don't go back. Then, wheel the bike into Lutherville Bike Shop. This isn't meant to be an advertisement...these guys know how to build a bike, and trust me... I don't make any recommendations lightly.

Answer 5

I have to wonder why the bike shop sold you that bike if they are now telling you the bike isnt suitable for a man of your carriage.  I'd visit a few other shops and look at a different bike as the 7100 is a lower end bike, which means its components(like wheels) are of lower quality.

I am about 6'/240 and ride a Cannondale cyclocross bike for distance.  Its a road bike with slightly larger wheels/tires and rides like a dream.   I didnt think a regular road bike would hold up to my style of riding which involves taking dirt paths and such.  Several of my bike guys recommended the 'cross bike style and I am very pleased I did the research and listened to them.

Upgrading the wheels on your bike would be the cheapest way to go for now, but since you say you've really gotten into biking, I'd really start to consider a cyclocross or touring road bike.  A touring bike is a type of road bike built to be loaded down fore and aft with gear, thus its built real sturdy and good for most any kind of distance/commuting.