Bike advice for a fat rider

[Riff Lord]

Greetings all,

I've been looking off and on for a few years now at getting back into biking. It's something I've always enjoyed, but it's been a number of years since I've had a bike or done any form of cycling. Right now, I'm looking at using it as a supplementary method for both helping me lose fat mass as well as an alternative to get to work, and for fun on the weekends. As it sits currently, I'm about 295 lbs. (134 kg), and 5'8" or 172 cm. I've lifted my whole life so I have a very muscular lower body, but I have plenty of fat in my upper body, so for my build (based on previous weights I've been), I probably should be somewhere between 190-200lbs to be healthy. So...quite obese, and I know most bikes probably won't work for me since I'm over the weight limit, or would be pushing it too close, especially with clothes and gear on, and transporting anything else I needed while riding.

The used bike market in my area seems to be pretty good with some stuff that may or may not work, but before I go out and spend money on something, I wasn't sure exactly what it is I should be looking for. I would prefer a road bike/hybrid bike over a mountain bike, but I know the mountain bikes usually have a higher weight limit. From what I've gathered looking at other posts on here as well as some forum posts elsewhere, I know a steel frame would be preferable, but that the main point of concern is going to be the wheels. I'm on a pretty tight budget at the moment. I could probably swing around $300-$500 for something new or used, and I know something new at that price point isn't going to be worth it at all.

I was hoping some of you may be able to give me some brands, models, specs, or anything else that might help me narrow down the search some so I can start trying to see what might be available to go take a look at near my area. If I've left out any pertinent information, please let me know. As far as preferences or anything else go, I don't really have any. I'm mostly just looking for something that will stand up to use until I can shed weight. I do prefer drop bars, but apart from that it doesn't really matter. Thanks in advance!

 

[Big T]

I would go for something like a Trek FX1 hybrid. Robust bike with plenty of gears. My wife has had an FX2 for around 5 years and it’s a great bike for getting around on. The only upgrade we’ve made is changing the tyres to Schwalbe Marathon Plus, as she rides on the local canal towpath where there are lots of thorns. She also rides it on the road and has done rides up to 40 miles on it. The wheels are pretty strong with plenty of spokes.
I have been as heavy as you in the past , I’m now about 225lbs, but I still rode road bikes with few problems. The main problem of being heavy is snapping spokes in the wheels but if you get a decent pair of hand built wheels, they should be OK. Hunt wheels do a specific wheelset for the heavier rider, called the SuperDura, if you do decide to go for a road bike. The stock wheels on an FX1 or 2 should be fine.

Another consideration could be a drop bar Touring bike, as they are built to carry extra weight. I have a Dawes Super Galaxy, but they are no longer made. Perhaps a Genesis Tour de Fer or Surly Long Haul or Disc Trucker would be suitable, but these would be over your budget unless you can pick one up secondhand.

 

[Big John]

I won't recommend anything because one man's meat is another man's poison. Whatever comments, recommendations, suggestions given by one CC member will be quickly shot down in flames by the next thread addition. The only thing I'd say with any real conviction is don't spend a lot because the bike you finally buy/borrow may never get used. Very often our best intentions crash and burn (new years resolutions are a classic example) and you don't want to be left with something to gather dust in the shed that's cost an arm and a leg. If possible borrow one and see how it goes. If you manage twelve months with no breaks then it might just be worth investing a bit more money in a better suited machine. I wish you well in your endeavours and good luck with getting a bike sorted 👍

 

[mustang1]

I read the title, but not the thread, forgive me for I have sinned.

Anyway, imho, get a MTB, leave MTB tyres on if you go off road or get road type tyres if you go on road. Enjoy the ride, don't worry about a thing.

Ps, a proper MTB, not a BSO. Cheap ones from Voodoo (Halfords) would be my choice (my local Halfords Is good, your mileage may vary) or Decathlon (idk what their line up is). Or better still, one from your LBS but idk what prices they start at.

Don't think about it too much. Just buy the bike and then you can think of bikes all day long while you are riding. Enjoy!

 

[Sixmile]

A friend who rides with us on our slow paced tours is obese. He's rides a Carrera Crossfire e-bike which means he can ride 30-40 miles with us as he's getting a bit of extra help. His back wheel does take a bit of a beating and he has broken a fair spokes and picks up more punctures than us but the bike is carrying a serious amount of weight. However the bike is fairly solid and I would say that an e-bike would be your best starting point.

If you don't find one within your budget, the only thing I'd say is to go for a flat bar over drop bars for practicality and comfort.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

My choice - speaking as someone who is also around the design weight for bikes - would be something like an old school touring bike. They're enormously practical and they're built to carry weight. Someone has already mentioned the Dawes Super Galaxy, but there are lots of touring bikes out there well within your budget.

 

[Dadam]

Buy bike.
Ride bike.

 

[carterluke]

Hey Riff Lord,

Good on you for deciding to get back into biking! At your weight, it’s important to focus on bikes that have strong frames and reliable wheels. You’re right that steel frames are a solid option since they’re sturdy and can handle more weight. For your budget, you might want to check out used Trek, Specialized, or Giant hybrids. They tend to have good build quality and might be available in your range.

For wheels, look for double-walled rims. These will be stronger and can handle heavier riders better. Also, you might need tires that are wider (around 32c or more) to give you more stability and comfort. Check the spokes too—something with more spokes (32 or 36) will hold up better under extra weight.

If you like drop bars, you could look for an older steel road bike, but make sure the wheels are upgraded or in good shape. In your price range, you’ll probably find more hybrids, though, which might actually be more versatile for commuting and weekend fun.

Secondhand is the way to go with your budget, so keep an eye out locally and maybe ask the seller about the bike's history. Test rides will be key to finding something comfortable and sturdy. Best of luck, man!

 

[si_c]

I don't think it matters too much - assume your budget is for getting a functional bike rather than a bike, and assume there will be a couple of problems with it when you get it. If goind second hand then I'd budget at least for replacing brake/gear cables and new brake pads. I'm assuming you are in the US as you note $ as your currency, most of us here are in the UK but the principles are the same!

I'd avoid the local big box stores - they can be a nightmare for getting a bike set up properly, have a look to see if you have a bike co-op local to you - if they refurbish bikes and get them working they may have something that suits you and can also help with maintenance and clue you in on if any bikes are for sale locally.

I reckon your best bet is likely to be going for a mid-2000s mountain bike with 26" wheels - the wheels are likely to be the weakest part of the bike and 26" wheels are generally considered some of the most robust - the frames are often pretty indestructible but watch out for any cracks in the paint around welds, that can indicate issues.

Look for signs the bike has been well-maintained - is the chain clean or is it black and covered with grime same for the cogs front and back. Brake pads should have a little meat on them - 3/16" for rim brakes should give you a bit of time before needing to think about replacing them. 1/8" or less they need immediate replacement - disc braked bikes are different.

Take it for a test ride if possible - you want to be able to brake comfortably and for the gears to be changing smoothly, anything less than that and you'll need to budget for a service at a bike shop which will probably run around $100 plus any parts. Tyres should have some tread on them and no cracks in the sides - the latter indicates they are old and the rubber starting to perish and in need of replacement. Budget between $30 and $50 per tyre - you can get them cheaper online though.

Look for bikes by Trek, Cannondale, Giant or Specialized, they are generally well made and in sufficient quantities that they aren't overpriced. Keep in mind that bike sizing is more rough guide than science - a medium in one brand might be a small or large in another.

 

[Riff Lord]

Great advice, thank you all. I want to reply to each of you but I doubt everyone would take the time to read it. I don't foresee an issue with getting a bike and having it sit. The last time I was biking more regularly was around 2017 when I was living in Korea, and I used that as my main mode of transportation around the city. When I came back, I changed careers and am now doing something else which required a different degree from university, so I just got lazy between studying and classes, and am now trying to drop all the fat I've put on since that point. But I do agree...often people start out with good intentions but let it drop.

I appreciate the recommendations on brands, specific types of tires with different specs, and where to go/what to look for when browsing. I have a coworker here who is big into gravel biking that I've also been talking with and he recommended a few bike shops in the area I didn't know about, so I'm going to try those and sit on a few to see what feels right. Again, I appreciate all the advice. When I do pick something up, I'll report back here and see what everyone thinks about it.

 

[si_c]

Great advice, thank you all. I want to reply to each of you but I doubt everyone would take the time to read it. I don't foresee an issue with getting a bike and having it sit. The last time I was biking more regularly was around 2017 when I was living in Korea, and I used that as my main mode of transportation around the city. When I came back, I changed careers and am now doing something else which required a different degree from university, so I just got lazy between studying and classes, and am now trying to drop all the fat I've put on since that point. But I do agree...often people start out with good intentions but let it drop.

I appreciate the recommendations on brands, specific types of tires with different specs, and where to go/what to look for when browsing. I have a coworker here who is big into gravel biking that I've also been talking with and he recommended a few bike shops in the area I didn't know about, so I'm going to try those and sit on a few to see what feels right. Again, I appreciate all the advice. When I do pick something up, I'll report back here and see what everyone thinks about it.

A gravel bike may well be a good option - they have nice wide tyres which provide a comfortable ride and are in many ways a modern replacement for older cross country mountain bikes. Given that the US has a lot of unpaved roads if you are willing to invest a little more up front that might be a good way to go. That being said a mid-2000s hardtail MTB will likely be just as good.

FWIW I came back to cycling a number of years ago riding a 2007 Trek MTB I've had since new, the frame is really solid and I still use the bike for off road rides - it's survived quite well and I weigh somewhere in the ballpack of 250lbs at present.

 

[EckyH]

a mid-2000s hardtail MTB

(Relatively) Modern MTBs in most cases have a suspension fork. Suspension forks require servicing from time to time to work properly. Imho that should be considered as an additional effort or cost factor.

As brands for good and relatively affordable bikes I'd like to add GT and Marin. Models from both brands should be widely available in the US.

E.

 

[Riff Lord]

Anyone have any insight on the Marin Nicasio 1? It's a bit higher than I was initially wanting to spend, but I love the looks of it and it seems to tick some of the boxes...steel frame, drop bars. etc.

 

[Riff Lord]

Also, I meant to ask in the previous post but didn't see a way to edit it and add this...I'm curious about sizing. I have a disproportionately long torso, but have an extremely short inseam (173 cm tall, 66 cm inseam). When looking at most sizing charts, my height puts me around a 54, but my inseam is way below that. I don't know which I should be trying to fit for since I am such an odd shape.

 

[EckyH]

I have a disproportionately long torso, but have an extremely short inseam (173 cm tall, 66 cm inseam).

Are you sure about the 66cm?
If that's correct, then...

Anyone have any insight on the Marin Nicasio 1?

...probably wouldn't be a good choice.
According to https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2025-nicasio-1#geometry the smallest size of the Nicasio 1 has a standover height of 718mm.
That means that getting on and off the bike would be very challenging.
The seat tube angle is fairly steep. That means that you would need a seat post with much setback and probably a long stem. Both would add extra cost and the distribution of the weight to the front has a notable influence on the bike handling.

Another approach could be that you look out for a MTB from the early 90s with a rigid fork. Probably the geometry (long top tube, low standover height, short head tube) of those would suit your needs better than 28" bikes. Even with the cost of a drop bar conversion that should fit into your budget.

E.