Obese Rider, need help!

[sophiejo]

I've been riding for a little over a month now, put about 120 miles on my bike & am having a few issues that I need guidance on.

Here are my stats:
5'9, 300 lbs
currently riding a globe carmel 4, xl frame

I'm currently riding about 30 min 5 days a week, on pavement that is relatively flat. I'd like to be able to comfortably ride on more hilly terrain (still pavement). I'd also like to start to build on my length of rides to make the workout better.

My problem with my current bike is that I can't find a comfortable riding position; when I lower my seat so I can touch the ground it makes my toes numb & knees hurt when riding for more than a few minutes. If I put my seat up higher where it is more comfortable when riding, I have to lean the bike over when I stop, and I seem to be leaning over further to reach the handlebars which makes my hands numb after a while.

It also seems ridiculously hard to pedal, I don't know if this is only because of my weight or if there are more factors I could change - tires, etc., but I'm typically only going 4 miles in 30 min & I'm pedaling hard almost the entire time, mainly using 1st gear. My husband is a little more fit than I am, and he is able to ride that without even starting to strain.

Do you think I should be looking for a new bike & if so, any suggestions? Or, should I just make modifications to my existing setup?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

[featuretile]

I have a few suggestions. I also used to feel that I needed to have my toe touch the ground to get off the bike, and that makes the seat too low. I have learned a new way to get off. Always dismount on the same side. I keep my right foot on the pedal and step down with my left. I let the right foot go to the bottom of the pedal stroke, hop forward off the front off the saddle and put my left foot down. Then I put my right foot down. Once I got the hang of this, it was easy.

Then if you feel that you are leaning too much on your hands, you can get an adjustable stem or get a new stem fit at a bike store, to raise the handlebars up.

For flat rides the Globe should be fine. It was my first bike. If you want to go longer or faster later, you could upgrade later. When you say that you are riding in 1st gear, are you referring to the front or back? The easiest gear is smallest ring in the front and largest ring in the back. Perhaps you are not in that combination. You should not have to struggle and push at all in that gearing. On flat ground you may feel that you are spinning and there is no resistance at all. You might want to be in the middle ring in both front and back for a flat ride.

[OakLeaf]

I wonder if the bike isn't just too big for you. According to Specialized's site, a men's Carmel 4 in XL has a 645 mm top tube, which is HUGE, even considering the high head tube. Did the people at the shop spend any time with you to help figure out what size bike you need? It really has more to do with your torso and arm length than with your leg length or overall height.



Beyond that, do you keep your tires inflated to their maximum recommended pressure and check them every ride? Tire pressure makes a huge difference to rolling resistance and pedaling effort.

[goldfinch]

I've been riding for a little over a month now, put about 120 miles on my bike & am having a few issues that I need guidance on.

Here are my stats:
5'9, 300 lbs
currently riding a globe carmel 4, xl frame

I'm currently riding about 30 min 5 days a week, on pavement that is relatively flat. I'd like to be able to comfortably ride on more hilly terrain (still pavement). I'd also like to start to build on my length of rides to make the workout better.

My problem with my current bike is that I can't find a comfortable riding position; when I lower my seat so I can touch the ground it makes my toes numb & knees hurt when riding for more than a few minutes. If I put my seat up higher where it is more comfortable when riding, I have to lean the bike over when I stop, and I seem to be leaning over further to reach the handlebars which makes my hands numb after a while.

It also seems ridiculously hard to pedal, I don't know if this is only because of my weight or if there are more factors I could change - tires, etc., but I'm typically only going 4 miles in 30 min & I'm pedaling hard almost the entire time, mainly using 1st gear. My husband is a little more fit than I am, and he is able to ride that without even starting to strain.

Do you think I should be looking for a new bike & if so, any suggestions? Or, should I just make modifications to my existing setup?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

Your first month sounds a lot like mine was, but you rode more miles. I went no faster than you are going. It takes time to be fit. However, I do agree with the other posters who wonder if your bike actually fits you right. I started out on a comfort bike that was too big for me and I was similarly uncomfortable.

[Biciclista]

If you're doing 4 miles in 30 minutes, that's great!!! it sounds like the bike is way too big for you; you need a bike that fits better so you can be comfortable. When I stop, i have to lean my bike over to get my foot on the ground, but it's almost unnoticeable. ON the other hand, I CAN stand and straddle my bike if I have to. As tall as you are, there are a lot of bike options out there for you.
Good luck and welcome to TE.

[ivorygorgon]

I am wondering what you mean by first gear? Maybe you have it in the hardest gear without knowing it?

[pll]

ivorygorgon: It looks like the Globe has only three gears and uses grip shifters and 1 should be the lowest gear.

sophiejo: In addition to the sizing that others have mention, I had two additional thoughts.

First, is the geometry of the bike. In addition to fitness, the geometry matters a lot. Some bikes, like cruisers, are almost designed to go slow. The Globe Carmel is compared in some fora to the Electra Townie, with more a cruiser geometry. Is your husband's bike also a Globe or does he have a different bike altogether?

My second thought was about the fact the the Globe Carmel has front suspension and a seat post with suspension. Those may simply have too much give for you and, therefore, the energy you try to put on the pedals gets dissipated by bouncing on the bike. I think you can make the suspension in the front tighter, with less give or none. In the same line of thought, if you use mountain bike shoes, you might be more comfortable. Bike shoes have a stiff sole, allowing more efficient pedaling.

Welcome to the sisterhood of cycling. :cool:

Here is the link to the Globe Carmel 4 specs, for those who have not seen/found it: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45662

[Dannielle]

Is your bike a men's or women's version?

I have a globe carmel 5. A men's Lg. I'm nearly 5'11". I do have the same issue to some degree and I keep my seat higher so I have to lean it when I'm standing over it. It's because of the hydraulic cushion thingy in the seat. When you get off the seat it pops up a little.

I started riding mine when I was 270lbs. At first I'd make the seat press all the way back down when I sat on it. Now I don't and I've had to adjust the seat a little. Even so I still lean it a little when I get off. Maybe I need to lower it some more now but I've gotten used to the leaning lol.

You might try raising your handlebars. You should be sitting fairly upright on a Globe Carmel, not leaning over.

I'm also wondering if that bike just isn't too big....but if you have a women's version maybe it's not.

I hope this doesn't seem like too silly a question but are you familiar with how the gears work? I ask because my daughter began riding with me not long ago and she had the same complaint. It took me a while to realize she was riding in a hard-to-push gear.

[Seajay]

First of all...Well done!
+1 on getting some hands on evaluation of the fit. It does sound like it could be too large.

The shocks on this particular bike and the seatpost are not really effective unless you fall in the narrow weight range they work for.

Regarding a first bike to have a good experience on while getting started on a program. We've had very good luck showing folks the Electra Townie.
Low Seat "Flat Foot technology" with good leg extension.
Step Thru Frame
Larger volume tire
A bit more room between the hips and the hands.

Keep up the good work!

[sophiejo]

Thanks to everyone who replied. My husband checked tire pressure and it was near the low end so he bumped it up to near the top. I did get the bike used, and do agree that it is probably too big, I'll probably know a lot more the second time around buying one from the local bike shop. I just didn't want to put a lot into it until I knew I could/would keep it up.

For now, I'm really enjoying myself & last night even shaved over a minute off my per-mile number. Thanks for all of the encouragement!

[sophiejo]

I'm stopping back to say thanks again, I ended up getting a specialized expedition low entry & am loving it! Taking the time to adjust it properly made all the difference in the world too. Thanks!

[jyyanks]

Congratulations!!! I'm thrilled that you're enjoying yourself and invested in a bike that fits better. Happy Riding!

[Kiwi Stoker]

In regards to fitness I would start thinking of other exercises you can do to mix it up. Doing only one type of excerise can make your body used to it and not get fitter. Also don't forget you do need to do "impact" exercises to keep your bones strong.

So how about adding walking or gym work outs (these are impact exercises) or swimming to use other muscle groups. All will help you fitness and ability to ride longer.

Congrats on the new bike!

[Biciclista]

keep riding! have fun! and keep us posted.

[missjean]

A new bike - congrats! & enjoy! It sounds like you are off to a very good start.

[OakLeaf]

Exciting! Enjoy the new bike (and share pictures when you get a chance)!

[ClockworkOrange]

YAY, another good story with a very happy ending.

Just enjoy your bike, have fun and ride safe.

Keep us posted with some new pics soon. :)

[Seajay]

Congratulations SophieJo. All the best. Hope you continue to let us know how you are doing.

[Pax]

I was quite impressed by the 120 miles in the first month of riding by a new rider. And on a bike that doesn't fit!

Take care:)

Me too, that's some riding!

[Koronin]

Congrats on your new bike!