Hybrid Bike buying advice for an unfit fat bloke

[Big Chap]

Hi

I am wanting to buy a hybrid bike for a daily 10 mile commute to work and weekend trail riding. I weigh about 24 stone and want to do this in addition to the swimming and gym work that I currently do to lose the weight and get fit. I have a budget of about £300. Is there anything out there that is strong enough to take my weight and has really small granny gears that can take me up and down the hills of Derbyshire in the Peak District? I also have a dodgy back and so need something with an upright riding position?

Thanks

Big Chap

 

[Soltydog]

I have a specialised globe sport which was £300. I was 18st+ when i bought the bike & it's done me fine. Done over 3k miles now, including 2 coast to coast tours. The gearing should be okay for the hills, once you've gained a reasonable level of fitness

 

[Oddjob62]

I have a specialised globe sport which was £300. I was 18st+ when i bought the bike & it's done me fine.

Ditto, but i was over 19st when i bought my sport 2 months ago. Use it for commuting in London, i have to cycle up to Hampstead on my way home which is one of the biggest hills in London (yes i know that doesn't say much) and have no problems without even having to drop to the lowest chainring.

The bike has been rock solid, even after hitting a couple of potholes at full speed.

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

GIANT CRS 3.0 i'm no balet dancer, had this bike for about 3 months, doing 10 - 20 miles every other night + 20 - 30 at weekend if i can, also did 54 mile GNB last sunday.

£250 quid, seems like a light enough but sturdy enough piece of kit, these things seem built to work and last(and i think theres 2 slightly better models in the range still under £300) , i wouldnt worry too much about your weight, or maybe if you have a good bike shop ask them - i felt realyy self conscious about getting started, wearing the gear etc....so far it seems to me like the cycling fraternity is refreshingly free of body fascists, at least if this forums representative...last sunday there was all shapes and sizes and no elitism.
good luck man, and take it at yer own pace...i hammered the gym+swimming a few years ago but it became a chore. Cycling

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

???? i wsnt finished !!! was saying cycling is the most enjoyable way of getting fitter i've done....gets the feelgood brain chemistry fired up and theres allsorts going on in t'gret outdoors that ye dont otherwise notice

HILLS are the devils work though !

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

my 'A' key doesnt work too well. people think i cnt spell

 

[Ivan Ardon]

No recommendations for a particular bike from me, but - for the larger gent:

26 inch wheels are stronger than their 700c equivalents
Avoid cheap suspension forks
Suspension seatposts won't last long so consider a sprung saddle
Gel saddles will compress very quickly, so consider leather