20st and need my first adult bike!

[mattprince]

I would go for a hybrid without front suspension as a good start (all suspension adds on the road is extra weight and you lose power bobbing up and down). The Carrera Subway mentioned above is a good solid bike, and there are others around that would work as well.

I'm a couple stone lighter than you, but have been able to ride a road bike on 23mm tyres so don't worry about the bike being up to it, they tend to be tougher than you'd think. What you would be more likely to do at your size is to knock the wheels out of true so a spoke key would be a good investment. Also a pump that will get the tyres up to the maximum written on the sidewall of the tyre.

For £200-300 then you will probably get more second hand. Disk brakes are good, but don't discount rim brakes. V-brakes once set up on a decent bike shouldn't need much in the way of adjusting. I've used them, and cantilever brakes on my bikes for many 1000s of kms without any problems.

Whatever you get then make sure you are happy with it being the right size for you, and that you like it. You will be more likely to ride it if you like it.

Have fun, and soon you will be a 5-day a week commuter. You're about the same distance form work as I am. Then you will get to the stage where you start extending the ride home to make it longer

So this one would be ok too? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_912123_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#tab3

 

[mcshroom]

Looks reasonable for the price. A lot of the kit is low end but effective, and 7sp freewheels are old technology but should work ok. Not a light bike but for commuting to work and back it looks like a solid enough little workhorse. I note you can also get the disk equipped subway inside your upper budget as well if you'd prefer disks.

I'd be budgeting for a set of better tyres soon (most bikes would probably need this anyway) but other than that it seems ready to roll

 

[mattprince]

Looks reasonable for the price. A lot of the kit is low end but effective, and 7sp freewheels are old technology but should work ok. Not a light bike but for commuting to work and back it looks like a solid enough little workhorse. I note you can also get the disk equipped subway inside your upper budget as well if you'd prefer disks.

I'd be budgeting for a set of better tyres soon (most bikes would probably need this anyway) but other than that it seems ready to roll

Thanks for the reply again. Excuse my ignorance but what benefit would I get from replacing the tyres with better ones? Is it just grip?

Do you think the more expensive Subway is worth buying or would I not notice much difference?

 

[mcshroom]

They share the same frame, similar forks (though the more expensive one is disk specific). The black bike has disk brakes, better wheels and slightly better shifters. It will be better stopping in the wet, and the gear changes might be a bit smoother, but that's about it.

I was thinking of tyres that roll better (less resistance) and with a bit of puncture protection built in. Slicker is actually better for riding on the roads as there's more tyre area to grip with.

 

[mattprince]

Ah right. Theres another one aswell.. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId_1001526_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#tab1

Is that any better than the cheaper red one?
If the black one is going to restrict me after 6 months , id rather buy the red or this orange one and then upgrade in 6 months time. If the black one would do me for a year or more then id probably spend the extra.

 

[mcshroom]

I can't actually see any difference between the red one and the orange one other than colours.

 

[mattprince]

So if I bought the black one and after a few weeks, put some better tyres on then that's a good base to start with and should last me 12 months or more so I can save up and buy something of much better quality?

 

[mcshroom]

Either the red or black bike would still be fine a year in I'd expect. The Subway is a Jack of all trades and master of none, but either would be decent work horse bikes. It would give you chance to consider what your perfect bike would be at any rate

 

[mattprince]

Either the red or black bike would still be fine a year in I'd expect. The Subway is a Jack of all trades and master of none, but either would be decent work horse bikes. It would give you chance to consider what your perfect bike would be at any rate

Ok, I think I will go for the red one, its cheaper which will come in handy and if it lasts me 6 months and I sell it , I wont lose all the £170 I paid and can then buy something better if needed. Im going to get a gel seat cover too as don't want bum ache lol

Thanks for all the advice everybody and will update with a pic when I go collect it, which will probably be Saturday.

 

[vickster]

Do NOT get a gel seat pad, they are a false friend, they chafe which you won't want. See how you get on with the standard saddle. Get padded shorts, if money is tight, try sports direct or tenn outdoors for larger sizes

 

[cyberknight]

Excuse me for asking but why would the bike restrict you after 6 months ? and see if you can convince the boss ( wife in my case ) that you need 2 bikes as you can still ride if one is in need of repair and use the subway for rides with the kids as its a lot easier on grass etc than trying to ride road bike tyres .The gearing is also lower so you can keep pace with them .
Went out with my nearly 7 year old son last weekend and the subway was perfect for tootling round the park and it also is perfect for winter commuting as the wider tyres give me more confidence when the roads are dicey .

 

[cyberknight]

This is my current set up for winter, going to a disc specific rack before next winter as the seatpost rack was all i had spare at the time and getting single sided spd /flats rather than double sided spds so its easier to ride with the kids and not wear cycle specific shoes.
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-new-winter-hack-has-arrived.136257/

 

[shouldbeinbed]

avoid gimmicks like gel seat pads. Get the bike set up for your comfort by adjusting the saddle, it has a whole range of movement possible to get you comfy.

Post up and down: balls of the feet should rest on the pedals with your knee ever so slightly less than fully extended when the pedal is at its lowest point, you'll be touching the ground on tip toes, or hopping off the saddle when stopped if you prefer.

Saddle slide front to back: Sit bones on the wide bit whilst you can reach the bars in comfort and safety.

Saddle tilt: Not tilted too far nose down that you slide forward on it nor too far nose up that you put pressure on your perineum (blood and nerves running through there) and cause numbness or tingling in your old chap.

Alternatives to Halfords (tho the subway is a good priced bike) are Decathlon & Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative - their own brand Revolution range is superb VFM

 

[Triban5riderGD]

Hi Matt
Congratulations on your decision to buy a bike, get fit and loose weight.
You are not on your own, many people have started from your position and have gone on to great success. ( have a look at Gaz the 39 stone cyclist) Its a truly inspirational story.
Whatever bike you decide upon it is important that you don't go out and over do it. If you are starting from a very low fitness base just ride out for a mile or two (or whatever you feel comfortable with) before you start your ride to work. Like most people starting cycling you will probably find your saddle quite uncomfortable at first. Don't be tempted to get a padded saddle cover, they really don't help. Padded shorts or leggings are much more effective as they don't chafe. (time in the saddle will harden your bottom). Once you are happy doing a couple of miles gradually increase your distance. Don't worry about speed that will come in time. You will be amazed at how quickly you will improve (and you will). Cycling can be very addictive.
Like you I also drive for a living (London Black Cab Driver). November last year I was a 57year old, weighing 20.5 stone with a couch potato life style. I started cycling on a Dawes Kalahari Hybrid (triple with lots of gears) and soon the weight began to drop off and fitness levels rise. My addiction had begun and it wasn't long before I was looking at other bikes. At just over 18 stone I got my first road bike a Triban5. I thought I would still be too heavy for it, but I have had it for a few months now with no problems (627miles done). My weight is still dropping and in three weeks time my thirteen year old son and I will ride from London to Brighton (about 60 miles from my house).
Im sure that given time you will also have a story to tell and I will look forward to hearing it and reading about your progress. Keep us posted and good luck.

 

[HLaB]

Ok, I think I will go for the red one, its cheaper which will come in handy and if it lasts me 6 months and I sell it , I wont lose all the £170 I paid and can then buy something better if needed. Im going to get a gel seat cover too as don't want bum ache lol

Thanks for all the advice everybody and will update with a pic when I go collect it, which will probably be Saturday.

Avoid the a gel seat cover; discomfort is caused by movement/ chaffing, covers only promote that movement.

Enjoy the bike