Good bikes for BIG people?
What is the best (most sturdy and comfortable) bike to get for someone who weighs about 400lbs? And if I ride this awesome (imaginary) bike to work, what do I do? Do I take it inside? Chain it to something? I really have no idea how this works... ... ALSO, I live in a somewhat rainy area, so something that gets good traction on wet ground would be great too. 
Some of the ones I'm looking at:
www . amazon . com/Diamondback-Serene-Comfort-26-Inch-17-Inch/dp/B002E3KPGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1255735596&sr=1-1
www . amazon . com/Schwinn-Loop-7-Speed-Folding-Bike/dp/B000Y2PRTI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1255735529&sr=1-4
Any other suggestions would be great.
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Tags: bikes for big people, schwinn
Commuter and heavy guy myself (just under 300lbs), I have a few tips that might help you. I ride 3 miles to and from work (uphill to work, downhill home). I’ve learned a lot in the past year or so. Can’t speak much for the bike because I ride a 34 year old schwinn 18 speed to work. I believe a mountain bike with the wheels switched to road tires should work best for you as a starter bike, at least until you start to lose weight. A road bike is best though. I would ask the bike salesman which tires work best for wet roadways. When you get the new bike, get a removable cushioning pad for the seat sold at any walmart store, it will help a lot the first several months, trust me on this, your rear will thank you.
Before riding officially to work I found it helpful to attempt the ride about 3-4 times per week from home to work and back for practice. It gives you an opportunity to try various routes to see which one is easiest on you and also gives you a chance to get accustomed to the ride itself. Take it easy, and try not to over do it. Go at a pace that is comfortable for you and you alone. Stop whenever needed for a minute or so everytime you start to tire, sip some water, stretch, and/or get off the bike and walk a few feet, then resume normal course.
Bring water, and eat a very light healthy snack before the ride to keep your energy up, otherwise you’ll tire out by time you’re at work. Clothing, get a basket or a pannier and store your clothes while riding and change at work in the restroom. Keep perfume and a dish towel with you and wet it at work to freshen up some what or take some baby wipes (I prefer the dish towel and water myself). Get yourself a locker or keep your riding clothes in the basket of the bike after changing. If you wear long pants at work and choose to ride in them during the winter like I do, be sure to roll them up past your mid-calf to prevent chain grease getting on them. Tie and shirt I keep in the basket. I use a seperate shirt for riding because I sweat a lot (hence the towel and dash of cologne).
As for bike storage, simply ask your boss prior to riding to work, most places allow it. My boss allows me to keep my bike in a pre-selected place in the backroom of the store for safe keeping, however each place is different and each boss is different. Ultimately, it is their area, so abide by where they prefer the bike kept. Keep a lock on the bike at all times though for extra insurance.
Good Luck and welcome to the club.
Neither of those bikes would be the best. The Schwinn has smaller rims which are not the strongest, and they may not be the best in rain. Depending on your price range it would be a great idea to go to your local bicycle shop and ask if you could try a few out to find the most comfortable bike for you.
Find your local bike shop and tell them what you plan on doing and how much you are willing to spend. They will recommend a few bikes as well as a comfortable seat (very important!!!). A bike with a front shock would make the ride more comfortable. Check out your workplace and see if you can bring it inside. If not, then find a place outside you can lock it up. With the rain, you may want to consider rain/mud guards for the tires to stop the water from splashing up on your face and butt/back.
The most important thing is to get stronger spokes and a good rim on rear tire. Diamondback may not be strong enough? My brother ended up having new, strong spokes put into his rear wheel to deal with added weight. Larger weight will just cause spokes in rear wheel to break faster.
The Diamondback does have larger wheels that will also help. may stress rim and spokes if going off curb or over pothole.
I would not recommend a folding bike if you have not ridden for awhile. I ride a lot and when I use one, it is a little strange for me. My dad and sister love their folding bikes. Just have to get use to them. If you do, stay with 20" tires. Smaller 16" tires don’t take bumps well.
As someone told me, the best bike is the one you will ride. Since it has been awhile, I would recommend a "comfort" bike. Something you sit more upright on. Easier to ride in urban area for short distances. You can also try a touring bike. they tend to have 36 spokes in rear wheel and are designed to carry more weight. However, they are more expensive.
Hope you have fun biking. Sorry I could not give you a specific bike…
I would definitely go to Diamondback for a good comfort hybrid with 26" wheels. I’d look for something a little higher-end, however. Plan on spending from 3 to $400 to get something durable and reliable. It would better suit you to get the bike at your local bike shop. Any bike that you mail-order will come disassmbled and will not be properly adjusted. The bike shop will have the bike assembled, adjusted and will position you properly for optimum ergonomics and performance. If you order the bike online you will still nearly certainly have to go to the bike shop to have all of the above mentioned performed for you, which will cost over $100. Shops often provide free maintenance for anywhere between 30 days and a year. You will likely need the shops assistance from time to time and if you buy a bike from them you will already established a rapport and will get priority, personal service. The bike shop is an invaluable alliance for the commuter.
As far as what you will do with the bike at work, I’d check with mgm’t to see if they will accommodate your bike inside somewhere. If not, then you will need to secure to a fixed object outside. The bike shop will give you their best advice on which lock to use based on their experience in the area. You may also look for other commuters in the area and ask their advice. Good luck and GREAT choice!
You want to go to the local bike shop and talk with them. You don’t want a department store quality bike for your weight. I would try other exercises and lose some weight before getting a bike. Just walking will burn off a lot of calories.
I’m going to say a STRONG bike with burly components.