Originally Posted by zjrog

Congrats man, on that weight loss. I know how hard it is. Due to injuries that make walking or hiking difficult beyond just getting around my day, no diet worked. I resorted to weight loss surgery, specifically gastric sleeve. Down a total of 137 pounds from my known heaviest...

Bike shops are easier for a heavier guy to navigate than running stores. Though I used running stores to get the stability shoes I preferred.

I like riding my 29er on gravel and dirt roads, and intend to take it with me on my next trip back home if I get a chance. They have opened a lot of great trails in rural Kansas close to Emporia where the Dirty Kanza is hosted... And I can take a second set of wheels with narrower tires if I choose any road rides.

I ride an old steel 1986 KHS road bike, completely updated with a 2x10 drivetrain. I also have a lighter aluminum bike that was my reward for getting in to the 240s. Both are geared different for different purposes. Any bike you choose will support you fine. 28 spoke wheels are my minimum count presently. 32 and 36 are generally preferred no matter road or MTB bikes. I am very uncomfortable with the clipless pedals. I only use them on my indoor trainer bike. And it is a dedicated bike on the trainer.