Looking for a new bike, but there are some stipulations!

robben

How's everyone doing? This is my first post, obviously, so let me say a few things about myself.

I've always been overweight. Going to throw that out there. Little bit of genetics, little bit of plain old sedentary behavior. Senior year in highschool I lost about 80lbs. I was on a nice schedule, didnt have a problem working out consistently at the gym. All I did was bike w/ a little bit of weight lifting afterwards. Big thing about working out for me on a regular basis is just getting in the groove. The schedule, the pattern, whatever you want to call it. Well, I moved away from college and wasn't comfortable in the gym there, so needless to say I have lost all that drive. I've gained almost all the weight back.

I've been wanting to get into biking, except this time I dont want to be stationary! I plan on riding around my neighborhood at first, and there is also a track up at the school I could ride.

Anyways, I bought a book for beginner cyclists at barnes and noble today, and I also picked up a magazine. I'm quite heavy and only standing about 5'10". I went to the closest bike shop to me and it wasnt a very friendly experience. I got no help whatsoever, so I dont plan on going back there, and I honestly dont want to talk to them about a bike anyways.

Any and all comments/suggestions are appretiated. Also wanted to know what people thought about this 80's trek 1200 I found on craigslist in my town.



Thats the only picture I have right now. Let me know? Also, if you have any links to pages/guides that have good info and labels on all the parts/mechanics/lingo of all the parts of a bike you guys talk about on the boards, that'd be helpful too :P


Thanks in advance, sorry for the insane long post.

Declan05

Robben: You might want to look up a guy by the name of Michael Pate. He is a large man from Louisianna and quite the inspiration for weight challenged people. He also successfully competes in triathlons which ramps up the inspiration to almost insane levels. Michael wrote a book called "When big boys tri" and it is just a fun read that will get you motivated in no time.

I was almost 300 pounds and could barely get from the front door to my car. I got tired of being such a large presence and also wanted to do something other than watch television and sit at my desk during work. 15 months after the bug bit I am almost 80 pound lighter, I've done several 5K runs and a 10K, and I'm training for a triathlon in April '08. If you want it its yours to take.

Read Michael's book and you will find information where you can write to him. I'm sure he can give you some very valuable advice about finding the right bike for your size and experience level. If you go into a more friendly bike store, they may help you as well. People more knowledgeable on this message board will help as well. Just from my own experience and success over the past 15 months, I know you just need to put your heart into it. The winners will rise to the surface and help you because they are in fact winners and want to see people succeed. Idiots are idiots and you should be prepared to not let them deter you in your quest.

Sorry to preach, but I've been where you are and I know you can get to where you want to be if you put it in your heart and develop a routine...no matter how slowly at first. The rest will come. I'm still a clydesdale but now I'm less than 20 pounds from being under 200 and approaching standard weight tables. I'm only an inch taller than you with a 15 month head start.

Good luck my friend.

rosborn

Declan,

Congratulations on not only the weight loss but also the lifestyle change. What an inspiration!

Rob