I have not ridden since 96. Things have changed since then and need some advice as to what type of bike I should get for ride long distances. I'm about 60lbs over my fighting weight and definitely out shape. My goal is to loss about 50lbs or better and have the opportunity to go on long tours with my brother before I get too old. I don't need no $5000.00 bike but something. lite weight. I had a steel 531 Reynolds. With so many choices out there it is over whelming. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Your best bet is to check Facebook Marketplace for a bike and tune it from there.
Anything with an aluminum frame and disc brakes. You can get a $50 Zeroing or Nanlio aluminum fork from AliExpress. $50 aluminum IXJ crankset, bcd 104 single oval Deckaz chainring. That will bring the weight down a lot. That's pretty much the most important upgrades other than good slick tires. Specialized Nimbus Sport 2 are great on a budget—as are Pirelli P7—and Goodyear Eagle Sport are said to be as good as them even.
Then for the best conditioning, try doing long duration aerobic riding, where you don't totally lose your breath. Try putting the bike into a happy spinny gear then trying to lightly grind your whole ride. This type of riding reduces DHT and balances your hormones, as well as upregulates your metabolism. Anaerobic sprints will boost your metabolism a lot also, but you'll want to keep them contained until you get your conditioning up.
(11-05-2025, 10:02 AM)Return rider Wrote: I have not ridden since 96. Things have changed since then and need some advice as to what type of bike I should get for ride long distances. I'm about 60lbs over my fighting weight and definitely out shape. My goal is to loss about 50lbs or better and have the opportunity to go on long tours with my brother before I get too old. I don't need no $5000.00 bike but something. lite weight. I had a steel 531 Reynolds. With so many choices out there it is over whelming. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I would go for a nicely equipped Hybrid. 7 or 8spd because parts are better priced and widely available. They can offer a more upright position if you so choose. Keep em simple. stay away from disc brakes, v-brakes are a much more economical choice and work flawlessly. rigid or front shock, I prefer rigid.
Steel is what I love the most but aluminum is probably what you be able to find on the cheap and more common today because it is cheaper to manufacture. How tall are you? what is your price range?
Stick with major brands like Trek, Specialized, Giant, Jamis. Do you want to be your own wrench? Or do you think you want a bike solid and ready to go?
I may be able help you with that. I sometimes offer bicycles that have been frame off reconditioned to like new condition with many key components upgraded to better than the bike had when it was new. All at prices lower than new bikes often with lesser equipment.
There are two kinds of people in the world, "Those who help themselves to people, and those who help people!"
(11-05-2025, 10:02 AM)Return rider Wrote: I have not ridden since 96. Things have changed since then and need some advice as to what type of bike I should get for ride long distances. I'm about 60lbs over my fighting weight and definitely out shape. My goal is to loss about 50lbs or better and have the opportunity to go on long tours with my brother before I get too old. I don't need no $5000.00 bike but something. lite weight. I had a steel 531 Reynolds. With so many choices out there it is over whelming. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Honestly, 30 years and 50 lbs is a long way to go, in my opinion, before getting on the bike. Are you 50 years old or 80? Are you 300lbs looking for 250 or 180 looking for 130lbs?
Base training and heart rate training is most important. Get a medical exam. Don't worry about a bike right now. Good luck. Love the desire. Low and slow, you'll get there.
Two Wheels
Stay Safe
Robert
"SPINMAN"
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