I posted this before looking for topics, but it kinda ended up being online support for general bicycle troubles.

Which is a good thing! Ask your questions about bicycles that are currently on your mind and we all try to help.

Pre-Emptively calling in @dallasw and @Kissmydadonthelips for their knowledge.

  • 4bicycles [he/him]
    hexagon
    ·
    4 years ago

    If it ever gets more specific write me a PM, I'll help where I can.

    One more thing to know I forgot: the weight a bicycle can take is limited basically by two factors, what the frame withstands and what the wheels withstand. This is less of an issue buying new, as most bicycles will not have wheels that don't support the maximum frame weight, but if you're buying used it's worth considering.

    The basic gist is more spokes can take more weight. I've seen an, for this use case, unfortunate amount of used bicycles where the frame can take a lot more, but the wheels were upgraded to like lighter 16-Spoke carbons or tri spoke wheels or disc wheels. Just keep that in mind basically, you do not want your wheels to fold when at speed.

    • Wmill [they/them]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Sounds scary, would you recommend me going to a cycle shop or chain store? I think we have one in my town but need to see if still there. I'll be sure to hit you up but in general do you have an idea how much it will run me?

      • 4bicycles [he/him]
        hexagon
        ·
        4 years ago

        Sounds scary, would you recommend me going to a cycle shop or chain store?

        Sorry for making it sound like that, it's just that I'd rather tread carefully for beginners. To go the other route, if it's an aluminium wheel and it has spokes it's going to be fine.

        It's not a bad idea to check out a local bike store as a beginner. For chains, take the usual precautions, chances are no one there has half a clue about what they're selling.

        Maybe look around for bicycling advocate groups in your area. They're usually really keen to get other people into it for obvious reasons and there's a good chance they can provide better information for your area.

        I’ll be sure to hit you up but in general do you have an idea how much it will run me?

        It's basically a question of how much you want to spend and where you are, sorry. Even as a heavier person, if you don't go riding straight up curbs or over cobblestone, even a normal bicycle will hold up for a a good while. I mean, I'm handwringing about safety here because I'd hate for someone to get hurt due to my advice, but realistically I see lots of heavier people riding all kinds of bicycles with no ill effects.

        To give you some point of reference, a 500€ new hybrid where I live will do basically anything that's asked of it unless you get into jumps or wanting to hit roadbike speeds with ease.