lbm703

Hello - my husband is 6'2", large around the middle and enjoys the stationary bikes at the gym - I want to buy him a bike but not sure what is best for his height and weight. He's had a hip replacement and doesn't have the best knees, but has expressed wanting to ride the bike path near our home. It's not hilly. Since he hasn't ridden in years and I'm not sure how he'll take to it I don't want to spend more than $200-$250. Can you recommend something? Perhaps something with a wide seat for comfort?

CliffordK

I'd work with your husband to find something that he likes and enjoys.

The "road bikes" can be racy, but expensive, and probably won't fit the scenario you describe.

A "cruiser" bike should be fine. If there are no hills, then single speed, 3 speed, or 5/7 speed should be just fine.

The next choice is where to look. $200 to $250 in NEW bikes puts you in department store class bikes (also online). Ok for a few miles, but they have their limitations.

If you and your husband are handy with tools, then there are a lot of good used deals (Craigslist). Often needing some tinkering. And, will include a mix of recycled department store bikes, and some nicer ones.

Old MTBs make great cruiser bikes too. Your husband would need a pretty large one.

leftthread

I'm 6'2", 195 lbs. I am a big fan of older mountain bikes with no suspension. Or early hybrids. They're often pretty reasonably priced in the used section of your local bike shop or on your Craigslist, $50-150. Look for a frame size of 21 to 22, maybe 23 inches. The important factor wiil be his ability to mount and dismount easily. A newer hybrid with a slanting tube or a smaller frame may well be better. Then you can ditch the knobby tires and get tires with a slick or smoother tread for easier pedaling effort.

If you can give us a general location we can look over CL for you.

leftthread

Like this.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/6134726721.html

bikemig 

+ 1. At this price range (around $200) and use, a quality vintage mountain bike is the way to go.

RonH

If you and you're husband are limited in bike knowledge then I'd suggest you visit a bike shop or two to see what type of bike he might take to. The shop owner/manager will get him on the correct size bike. He should test ride every bike that appeals to him. If you're budget is fixed in the low hundreds then you'll be starting with a craigslist or other used bike. If you can boost the budget then you may be able to start with a new bike from the bike shop.
FYI: I started with a Raleigh road bike in 1999 when I was 54 and was 6'-0" and weighted ~245#. I still ride road bikes but the weight has been ~180 for the past 16 years. I'm now 72.

If you see any bikes at the shops he likes feel free to ask questions. We're always glad to help. Have fun looking.

alathIN

I'm going to get kicked off the forum for saying this, but I've seen some bikes that looked pretty serviceable in that price range at Costco recently.
Agree, re hybrid or cruiser type bike.
Craigslist is where I do a lot of my shopping, but I am not reading anything in your post that says your husband is looking for a bike restoration project.

If folks are struggling with balance, back problems, knee problems, etc., often a recumbent trike is a better choice than a bicycle - but that is about 10x your price range.

mwalsh5757

+1. Triple Triangle for the win! Cheap as chips for a "classic" GT, especially a better than average model like the Tequesta (which sold for over $500 in the early 1990s!). I would be all over this at $50.

A concern with a used bike is the frame size. At 6'2" your hubby will probably need a larger frame, unless his legs are short and his torso long. Harder to find used, and sellers most of the time don't indicate what frame size they're offering, so you kinda have to know a larger frame by sight.

The other thing is that a used bike might not be "ride ready" and he might need some basic repair skills to make it so.

OldsCOOL

A hybrid is nice, light, upright and easy to ride. My choice would be a Giant Rapid 3 though you could find comparable bikes such as the Trek Fx series. Check shops and local Craigslist.

big john

I'm about the same size and I think an older rigid mtb is a great choice for fun/fitness riding.
They're tough, have low enough gears for anyone, and can be ridden about anywhere.

blue192

I am just going to chime in with one other thing. Bring the husband along when buying the bike as you want him to use it. As such, the bike needs to be nice and comfy for him but I agree with other posters here a hybrid or cruiser would be the best bet to buy.

europa

Let him choose the bike. If you want to make it a surprise, present him with a nice card containing a 'voucher' for a shopping trip to a decent bike shop. You can check out the shop beforehand (probably a good idea), but buying without him can easily lead to disappointment if it's the wrong sort or doesn't fit or...

RonE

I agree with the comments about getting a decent used mountain bike and then see what happens.

When I started riding about 8 years ago, I borrowed and then bought an old mountain bike from a friend. I put on a good set of tires and rode it for about 6-months. By that time, I had a much better feeling for what I wanted in a bike. I then bought a new hybrid that I have been riding ever since.

Have fun!