halzan

Hello all! Brand new to the forums here. I've been seriously wanting to take up riding again, but it's been years and I'm definitely overweight. Female 29, 5'5" and a little over 300 lbs. I'm active and I eat healthy, so taking this up again shouldn't be too much of an issue.

I've never had a professional bike, just cheap ones whose tires go flat a week after you purchase it.

I'm still trying to read threads to glean more info, but if anyone has any good suggestions, I'm all ears!

I'm interested in a hybrid, because I do have a few off road trails in my area that I'm interested in, as well as riding on pavement.

Thanks guys! Can't wait to meet you!

IAMAMRA

I'd look at a mountain bike instead of a hybrid. Hybrids aren't that great off road but you can get smooth tires for a Mt. bike.

ill.clyde

Welcome ... I'd consider something like this ... an "adventure" bike ... lets you use road tires, or slightly wider tires for gravel trails and/or comfort

https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/RALEIG...3E5803/Product

munkeyfish 

Adventure bikes are cool. Hybrids too.

Check out the specialized roll. It is newer and selling well. I tried one and loved it. My LBS is having a hard time keeping them in Stock, all levels of the bike. The step through is very easy to get going on.

halzan

Wonderful!! Thank you guys so much for your responses. Looks like I've got some research to do!

travbikeman

I've ridden my hybrid for nearly 2000 miles the past two years. Most of it on Canal roads or rails to trails. Hybrids very well can handle these off road trails. Example, C&O canal, where there is plenty of mud, small rocks, tree roots.....fallen trees...and plenty of wildlife to avoid. Hybrids like my Crosstrail can easily handle different size tires for your needs.

Nice thing is there is a large variety of bikes out there for you to choose. You need to go check out several LBS to get an idea of what you like. Cause what one person likes and fits them, will not necessarily fit you. For an example, I went to check out several years ago the Giant Roam 2. Very nice bike, but even though it was my size, the geometry of it didn't fit me. I ended up buying another bike instead.

Good luck and happy shopping!

lenny866

If the trails are basic and hard packed, I'd recommend a "gravel bike" or adventure bike (like mentioned above)....more upright than a road bike, good on pavement and sturdy enough to do some light off road riding. The drop bars will give you multiple hand positions and the gearing is comfortable.

I have two road bikes (one carbon and the other aluminum), a cross bike (like a gravel bike) and two Mt bikes (a 26er and a 29er). If I could only keep one, it would be the cross bike. It is very versatile.

halzan

Thank you guys so much for your input! I'm picking up my new bike today! Giant Liv Rove 2-an adventure bike! I'll post a photo later!

Yendor72

Congratulations!! Remember, it all happens a mile at a time. Your first ride may only be a mile, or less, but as you keep working at it the miles will fall. The next thing you know you're doing 20-40-60 or more.

ill.clyde

Happy new bike day!

ClydeTim

Nice!

You talk about flat tires on other bikes. You new bike is nice but at times, the mfger will use a cheap rim strip inside the wheels to protect the tube from getting sucked into the spoke holes (the holes inside rim need to be covered up so the tube does not get sucked in causing flats).

Sometimes that cheap plastic liner can slip to the side and cause a flat. I replace all those strips with an adhesive medical cloth like tape that works well an stays in place saving heart ache down the line when you need it the least.

It's inexpensive and works well and comfort for those who worry about unnecessary flats.

It cost about $5 or so. If you have any friends or maybe the bike shop might install it/swap it out free for you if they are cool.

Should look something like this. One strip for each wheel.

2cam16

Congrats and can't wait to see it!

munkeyfish 

How do you know which size to get for which wheel? I seen on amazon that they offered different widths.

ClydeTim

Search

I did a quick google search and it lead me to this thread. Explains the widths and uses.

Seems 18-19 is for most 700 road rims.


https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...ape-width.html


https://www.bikeradar.com/forums/view...php?t=12838626

You can also measure the inside of your rim and buy accordingly. I have a caliper ( or use a scale) so I have the ability to measure then convert to mm.


I've also used the Perfomance brand Forte with no problems. IT states most rims use 17 mm

https://www.performancebike.com/webap..._1168336_-1___

halzan

You guys are so awesome, thank yooou!!

So, I just tried to post a photo of my bike and it said I have to have 10 posts before I can do that?

Anyway...I rodefinitely one mile, which was my goal for my first ride. Gotta build my endurance back up!

ClydeTim

What year and what color is your bike?



**********

halzan

It's a 2017 and it's mostly silver/gray with some coral for a splash of color!

halzan

Yes, there it is!

Snuts

Welcome to the forum.
I like your approach of easing back into the saddle.
I'm of the belief, more frequent short trips reduce the development of saddle soars.

As above, happy new bike day.

Photo's we like photo's (pack a camera, your new Roam will be in some interesting locations soon enough).




-Snuts-

IAMAMRA

congratulations on the new bike!

Black wallnut 

Welcome! Enjoy your new bike. Keep it fun. Keep posting you'll be over the "I'm not a spamming robot" 10 post threshold in no time.

Keep it fun but try each ride to go a bit farther. Soon you'll be up to being comfortable on the bike. Then the real fun starts.

Sldrvr

Welcome to the forum and I echo what all have said above all enjoy yourself and you will do it more often. Your next big question will most likely be about clothing and yes padded bike shorts make a world of difference in comfort and your ride over all...