plus size cycling..where do I start?

[sdashm]

So I bought a used bike, a centurion, just to try out cycling. I've read other blogs that talked about getting stronger tires to support the extra weight. What is absolutely essential to upgrade/maintain on the bike just for a beginner cyclist? I'd appreciate the help and support!:)

[ny biker]

I don't know about the wheels.

To get started, I recommend a helmet and some comfortable wicking clothes, a water bottle and the tools and knowledge to change a flat tire. Always carry ID and a cell phone in case of emergency. Make sure the brakes work.

Then get on the bike and go for a few short rides.

The rest will follow, based on how you feel. If the saddle is not comfortable, if something starts to hurt (shoulders, knees, hands, whatever) then you can look into a fitting and/or finding a better saddle. You'll also get a sense of possible problems with the bike, e.g., if it doesn't shift smoothly, it needs a tune up.

Have fun!!

[Bike Writer]

sdashm,

I think you might be referring to what special needs there are for a bicycle for a plus size person? If you're new to cycling or cycling again as an adult I'd say that you are probably casually riding at this point and most bikes will probably be fine for casual rides up to 250-275 pounds. Much more than that and you might have to look for different wheels so that safety is not an issue. You can check your bike out at a local bike shop. If you explain you bought a used bike to know if you'd like biking, a good shop should understand that and help you out so that when you are ready to upgrade, you'll come see them for a new bike. Most bike tires have a range of how much PSI to fill the tires up to, if you're plus size, use the higher number to inflate the tires to.

For starting out you can wear anything that's comfortable, just beware of loose flopping clothing that can get caught in your tires, chain or on the handlebars and saddle when you are getting on or off the bike because it can cause you to fall, that's one of the reasons that cyclists wear form fitting clothes, among others.

Welcome to TE and I hope you fall in love with your bike like most of the ladies around here!

[sdashm]

Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to getting out there!

[nuliajuk]

So I bought a used bike, a centurion, just to try out cycling. I've read other blogs that talked about getting stronger tires to support the extra weight. What is absolutely essential to upgrade/maintain on the bike just for a beginner cyclist? I'd appreciate the help and support!:)
I don't think it's the tires, but the wheels (rims and spokes). Sometimes heavier people need to have their wheels re-trued more often, but this is something you can be taught to do at a bike maintenance course. Larger diameter tires can protect the wheels with a bigger air cushion, and keep them inflated to the higher end of the recommended range. Unweight the back wheel by getting out of the saddle over level crossings and frost cracks or potholes that you can't avoid going through.
Really, it's unlikely that the wheel is going to collapse, just go out of true more often, so just ride and don't worry. The Centurian dates from the 90s, when wheels had at least 32 and more often 36 spokes, so you should be fine.

[lgibster]

TE is a great place for Plus size shorts and jerseys. Other than that just get out and enjoy it. I started out at 247 and now I am down to 210. I have always ridden a bike with factory rims and never had a problem because of my weight. Just make sure the bike is in good conditioned and tuned up to avoid basic shifting issues and such. Then just get out there and have fun. My first ride was 2.5 miles and I thought I was going to die. I am now working towards my first metric century, so if I can do it you can do it. Have fun.

[sdashm]

Thanks so much for all the votes of confidence! I can't wait to get out there. I do need to hit the local bike shop and make sure everything is a go- the tires are flat :(. I'll also be sure to get a helmet and some gloves there and glasses. I got a floor pump coming to me! And I'm pretty excited to get some TE gear as I work my way up to longer rides. I'll keep you posted!

[sdashm]

Thanks for all the advice! I rode some this weekend and I loved it! I definitely need to get some of those shorts though or the skort. Eventually, maybe a new saddle?
Thanks again for the encouragement- ya'll are great!