What kind of bike should I buy?

[hercules410]

I know little about bikes. I am a big guy 6'3'' about 290lbs and what to get back in shape and get back down to 250lbs. Do i need to buy a certain kind of bike due to my weight or doesn't that matter?

[SAINT_X]

... I started riding regularly about 6 years ago. I asked for a TREK 4300 Hardtail ( no rear suspension ) mountain bike for my birthday figuring to use it to provide variation in my cardio...which I did. I didn't do much off-roading with it preferring to stay on flat surfaces for good continuous cardio. Nice to have the versatility though...it isn't a hybrid so it's pretty heavy, which means 45 minutes to an hour of hard riding on that thing is a great fat burner. The 4300 is still affordable - $300.00 or so dollars - but has really been a great fitness/camping/ goofing around bike for me. There are alot of great bikes out there though...check Specialized, Gary Fischer, Giant etc...but I can personally only vouch for the Trek. I did kind of get the cycling bug from the 4300 which caused me to go out and buy a pretty good Trek road bike - which is my primary ride now........but I am never getting rid of the 4300.
Go down to a local bike dealer and check them out...

[FitnessPhotos]

Good post, Saint. I bought a couple Specialized; but alot will depend on the kind of riding you expect to do - offroad or just on bike trails/road biking. Don't get anyone too expensive right off, try a decent $300 or so bike just to get moving and see what you like. Or look for a used bike - if you aren't looking to go fast and just get a good workout a nice hybrid would be great.

Go to a local dealer and take a few for a test ride - you'll be amazed at how different bikes can be. I thought I wanted a Cannondale until I took one for a ride.