plus-sized beginner seeking advice

Hi all,
I am in my early 40s, quite overweight (250+) and out of shape but inspired to take up casual bicycling after 10 years of not riding at all. I started by researching bikes and I think I will get a hybrid (for the comfort factor and because I want to be able to ride on bike paths, the road and dirt roads and paths, and because they should be sturdier). I stopped in a local bike shop and they suggested a Trek 7200 and it seems like the reviews I see online are all pretty positive. I walked into the bike shop and talked about my worries of being so heavy - would a bike crumple under my weight, etc...and he seemed to take my concerns seriously and give me ideas for what things to look out for, etc. Now I've found this forum and I'm reading about the need for special clothing (the sizes of which might be hard for me to find - and sound expensive) and I'm worried again. I used to just ride my 10 speed touring bike with my regular clothes and I was usually sore for a few days afterwards. This time I'm making sure to get a cushy seat - but do I really need special shorts? Padded clothing? I imagine that I might ride an hour or so a day - maybe longer every once in a while - but not racing or commuting or all-day trips. I just want to be able to bike with my dog and my child and get a little exercise. Are there any websites that explain all the details of what I might need to bike happily and free-from-soreness? Are there any other very plus-sized women bike-riders reading this that might have words of advice for me? Do you think a Trek hybrid 7200 is a decent bike for a recreational beginner like me? Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer!!

All bikes have a gross weight limit, that is, rider plus bike plus load. Mountain Bikes with 26" 36 spoke wheels and with steel frames seem to be the highest rated.

Ask the bike shop...

Comfort and clothing, there are specific discussions in the Womens Cycling Forum near the bottom of the main forum page.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

Thank you. How can I find out the gross weight limits of a particular model (say, a Trek 7200)? I looked on the Trek website at the specs but I couldn't find a weight limit anywhere.

You will need to ask the bike shop. For Felt and Giant it is in the Owners manual.

Trek 7200, I would not suggest this bike, it is neither 26" wheel nor steel frame.

If I knew where are you located then I could suggest something more suitable. There is nothing in the details on the left.

__________________
Cheers,
George.