Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi folks,

Thanks for reading my post!

I am looking for a new bike, I have had a Public bike (out of San Francisco) for 10 years now that I bought living in NYC. I have been overweight the whole time with no issues. The pandemic has pushed me into a higher weight bracket, plus I am 5'10.

Does anyone have advice on a bike. I love riding. I am willing to spend a bit of money on it (not thousands) but am nervous to go into a shop and be judged.

I am looking for an upright for my back. Dutch style suits me just fine.

Thanks in advance for any advice, much appreciated. Oh and please dont tell me to lose weight before riding, its all part of the process

Yes a Dutch style bike would probably suit you or a Tokyo style bike which look similar.

Don't know where you're located so it's hard to recommend a shop to go to....those bikes are only sold in certain shops.

Other than that a good sturdy Hybrid bike which are a split between Hard tail Mountain bikes and a road bike.....or an MTB 29er


cheers

brumby33

Just buy a bike that you like and fits

Any bike you'll break the wheels eventually after about 3000km, then just buy some stronger ones and keep going.

Sadly most people will park it in the garage and rust will be the biggest damage from non-use.

Consider an e-bike. Generally e-bikes a sturdily built and better suited to carrying a heavy rider.
You’ll still get a good workout while enjoying the other benefits of being active and outside to keep you motivated.
You can reduce the level assistance as your fitness improves.
A quality e-bike will cost quite a bit more - but what price you put on your health and well-being is a decision only you can make.

If you are in Sydney I would try going to Omafiets to have a look and discussion.

They have a wide range of bikes, including ebikes, cargo bikes etc. They also build a lot of touring and bikepacking bikes. So they are used to dealing with bikes that need to carry a lot of weight, and know about what is needed.

Also, they are a very diverse and "inclusive" group of owners, sales people, mechanics etc. I certainly would not expect them to be judgemental in any way.

As a general point, you have a couple of ways going. Buy something cheaper, expect things to break, and replace as you go. Alternatively buy something better that won't break. The second option sounds like it may be out of your budget though.

robbo mcs wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:26 pm

If you are in Sydney I would try going to Omafiets to have a look and discussion

OP lives in the USA

At the bike shop, durability should be part of the conversation and tge bike (and particularly wheels) are confirmed to be suitable, or they recomend sturdy wheel which they may build and are more robust.

As the customer, you are after their assurances / guarantee … so even questions like “ if I came into the shop in one month and the spokes on a wheel have broken, what happens then? “

Otherwise you are generally not limited in the style if bike but check if there are weight limits and how the shop can provide solutions.