Recommend me a good bike! (Under $450)

[Dice144]

I had a bike I liked until I started having back pain issues. (and it crushed the boys) My doctor told me it is ok to still ride a bike but to get a bike with a more upright sitting position.

My current bike is a Schwinn Wal-Mart $200 special I got two-three years ago. I tried to replace the seat but the bike being the kind with the drop handle bars makes me lean forward to far. I debated replacing just the handle bar but to be honest the bike is pretty cheaply made and I want to upgrade. Leaning this far forward also bugs my hands. I bought riding gloves which help alot but I rather avoid the need to nerd it up with gloves!

I went to a local bike shop and the guy recommended me getting a Torker T 510 $425). This bike has the adjustable handle bars but the bike shop owner did not seem very willing to measure me to ensure I am getting the right size. He said for that type of bike I do not need to be measured? It has 28" wheels and a more road friendly tread.

I am 5' 11" and fat at 205 lbs.
Not a motorcycle but a bicycle!

 

[olds]

Any Harley.

 

[Dice144]

Not a motorcycle but a bicycle!

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Upright? Get a mountain bike.

 

[alkemyst]

$450 is a decent entry level budget. For the most part the bike shop owner is correct. For a general leisure bike it's more about comfort than measuring you out. The most important is being able to straddle it at a stop.

I'd tour the bike shops in your area and test ride each bike they offer in that price point.

A mountain bike is hardly an upright bike. You will want a cruiser for that. IMHO a cruiser makes an excellent city bike.

 

[Dice144]

Thanks for the helpful info alkemyst.

Yeah I do not want a mountain bike. My best friend is still going to be on his road bike and I want to be able to keep up with him without killing myself in the process. But I also wanted the slightly thicker tire because my GF loves to take rides thru the park. The bike I am looking at has a seat that does not hurt my back or bum. Maybe when I lose my 12 pack I can go back to sitting lower but I rather not be uncomfortable when we go on our 30+ mile bike rides.

Torker T 510 is one of the model I am looking at. Waiting on local bike shop to get a few more bikes together to try the $100 cheaper model without front shocks.

Tires Kenda 29 x 1.95 (700 x 45)

 

[alkemyst]

Depending on your 'roadie' friend. It may be hard to keep up on anything but another road bike.

One of the biggest things that will work against you is sitting upright and getting all that resistance.

Still IMHO enjoying your ride is more important than keeping up with anyone.

I know a few guys that are stuck riding recumbent bikes, they have to tend to do their own thing when in mixed bike groups...but at least they can ride.