Bicycle Super

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Bicycle Super
What is a good brand bicycle for a 280lb woman to ride on paved trails?

Brand names and/or websites would be super helpful too! I have heard a lot of people say "don't buy a bike at Wal-mart or K-mart", but we are a family of four living on 1 income so I can't go out and spend two months mortgage on an expensive bicycle...I'm hoping to find one that will support my weight and be comfortable enough for me to ride with my husband and daughters on a paved "rail to trails" trail in my neighborhood.

Also hoping to lose weight and this is my first choice for exercise (if I can find one that I can afford that meets my needs) Thanks in advance for any help you can offer! BTW, please don't respond if you are only responding to be mean or to make fun...I've heard all the fat jokes and then some. Thanks

Good for you for wanting to ride. It's lots of fun and healthy too. Heavier riders can ride most bikes if the wheels have at least 36 spokes. Most bikes from Xmart stores are cheaper parts and not always assembled well. It's worth your while to save up (that's what I did) to buy a low end bike from a bike shop. They will fit you properly with the correct frame size and adjust things and even swap saddles (seats) or handlebars for free. At a bike shop you can test ride bikes to see which feel most comfortable. It's amazing how different styles can make a difference in comfort.
There are various categories of bikes. The main ones are road bikes (thin tires, drop handlebars, built for speed), mountain bikes (fat tires, sturdier frame, flat bars, slower riding because of weight and geometry), cruisers (upright seating, swoopy handlebars, wider seats) and hybrids which can be anything in between.
I have a Giant Suede which is a hybrid - kind of mtn. bike & cruiser rolled into one. It has pedals forward which let me put my feet on the ground while seated at a stop. I love it for my road conditions: rocks, dirt, gravel, sand, pavement & hills. Mine's a 7 speed which helps on hills and windy days.
Some recommendations on more advice:

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=248

Clydesdale/Athena section has advice for 200+ lb. riders.
Typical brands include Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Fuji, Specialized, Electra, Breezer, Marin, Gary Fisher, etc.

I saw mt. bikes in my bike shop (LBS) for as low as the $200's. They also sell used bikes.
Some sites to visit:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/

http://www.teamestrogen.com/wsdBikes.asp

http://www.harborcountrybike.com/Electra_Women_s_Townie_1_Bicycle_p/180192.htm

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=248

http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/

Super fast bike could revolutionize transportation