DallasBigGuy said:
Hello,
I'm new here. I was hoping that I could get some friendly advice from this community in regard to a new bike purchase.
I just taught my 8 year old son how to ride a bike and now he wants me to ride with him. I'm looking to purchase an inexpensive, off-the-rack bike to ride on the weekends on a paved trail. I'm 6'6" and weigh 350#. Can I buy off-the-rack? Will something from a Wal-Mart type store be suitable for me?
Thanks!
Billy
Dallas, Texas
Everything that follows is based on the sentece: "I'm looking to purchase an inexpensive, off-the-rack bike to ride on the weekends on a paved trail." Emphasis on: "...
paved trail."
Yes, you can buy a stock bike that will be "suitable" for someone of your size. The bikes you will find at the big box stores will work, however the build quality is going to be extremely suspect (read: horrible 99 times out of 100 and bad the other time). Wheels and seat posts tend to die under fella's of our size (6'3" @ 250, down from 3 bills). Wheels and peripherals are areas the big box bike builders tend to skimp on. They hang a branded part here or there for the sake of legitimacy, but all other parts (rims/spokes/hubs especially) are pretty bad...
Most local bike shops have several new bike models that are sub-$400 and would serve you well on the paved trails for many years to come. With them you also get the backing and support of pros (if you shop at a quality shop). Many shops carry trade-ins or the occasional used bike as well. The two I frequent (read: spend my life away at) have many "townie" types or used "mtb-ish" bikes for sale most of which are below $300 and all of which come with free tunes and wheel truing for at least a year.
Unless you are going to spend mass amounts of cash I wouldn't get too hung up on the brand of bike for the use you mention. Some makers that tend to produce reliable bikes at fair prices and encourage their retailers to treat their customers correctly are: Giant, Kona, GT/Dyno, & Raleigh. There are others, but those all produce bikes that fit the bill you are asking for and produce sizes large enough to accommodate you. There is a chance you may wish to get a longer/higher rise stem (or whatever), but any shop can help out with the fit and maybe give you a "hook-up" if they/you are cool.
Anyway, lots to think about but spend your money wisely and it will treat you well. Take care.
K.