Noob

Schwiiing

Hello everyone.

Having recently tipped the scales at a hefty 17 stone I've decided to do something about losing some weight.

I'm 24 and haven't been on a bike in about 10 years when I used to cycle to get the school bus so I'm completely out of the loop when it comes to bikes in terms of frame sizes, wheel sizes, the best makes etc.

I'm 5'10 with a 31'' inside leg with a budget of 400-500 euro and I'm looking for a bike for general road use and maybe some rough country lane use aswell.

Any help would be appreciated

RidleyRider

Are you looking for a hybrid or road bike?

Schwiiing

What the difference between a road bike and hybrid and will either do a bit of rough off road work if I wanted it to.

Cyclepath

I'd recommend you start with a hybrid. Btw, I'm about the same weight as you (lost a few kilos, still losing it slowly).

If you're only getting back to cycling after 10 years, you probably won't be comfortable with a road bike riding position.

A hybrid will allow you plenty of variation in tyre size so you'll be able to adapt your bike for rough lanes or road/commuting use.

One final tip, from experience, when you're putting 17 stone weight on a saddle, your arse is going to feel it! I'd strongly recommend you start off wearing padded cycling shorts and make sure the saddle is sized properly for your sit bones (http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/health-are-you-sitting-comfortably-30179/).

RidleyRider

A hybrid is a flat bar racer like this; http://www.carrollcycles.com/giant-escape-1.html Usually have a more relaxed geometry.

And a road bike has drops like Tour de France bikes like this; http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810691_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

More race like geometry. Neither would do off road, the 700c wheels wouldnt have it in them:L

Schwiiing

Thanks for the feedback lads.

I have a couple more questions. I have my old bike from 10 years ago still in the shed but it's in need of repair. It's a Raleigh firefly mountain bike. It needs replacement brakes sprockets chain and tyres. Is it worth getting it fixed up or just getting a new bike that's more suited to road use as that's where I will be using it most of the time.

RidleyRider

Schwiiing wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback lads.

I have a couple more questions. I have my old bike from 10 years ago still in the shed but it's in need of repair. It's a Raleigh firefly mountain bike. It needs replacement brakes sprockets chain and tyres. Is it worth getting it fixed up or just getting a new bike that's more suited to road use as that's where I will be using it most of the time.

Treat yourself to a new bike;) a new bike would be lovely along with your out look on your weight issue.

You could also do both and have a bike for both? Fixing the Raleigh won't cost much.

Cee-Jay-Cee

You could probably have it back on the road for around €100 and use it over the winter as a MB would be better suited for your needs initially and then next year if you're fitter and possibly lighter you could look about getting a hybrid or road bike.

Hungrycol

Step 1.
Change your diet.
Step 2.
Exercise.

Step one is as important as step two.