LBS asks weight to schedule test ride

Hi all!

When I realized I wanting to trying biking a couple months ago, I bought a $100 big-box bike off of Craig's List. It's served me alright, but needless to say I am pretty excited that DH is getting a new job and I'll be able to sink a little bit of money (>$600) into a new bike. I found a bike shop near me that seems to stock a lot of the brands I wanted to look at, and they even have the ability to let you schedule test ride on their website. One of the questions asks for your weight (along with height) . . . I am a very short fat women and while I'm not exactly ashamed of that, I'm not too anxious to email that number to a complete stranger who spends all their time thinking about athleticism. I'm just picturing a bunch of guys standing around joking, "Oh, we've got a fat-*** coming in tonight!"
Is this a strange question for them to ask? Any guesses on why they require this info? Would you give it?

if you were buying a really high end bike (and you were really heavy) yes, that would be important. I know of 3 different guys that are about 6'2" or 6'3" and weigh 250 lbs or more who have broken bike parts because of their size and strength. The wealthiest of the 3 had a super carbon bike made for him that has specs that take his weight (which isn't going to go away) into consideration.
For the kind of bike you're getting, it's none of their business.

Hey there Tabby
I see this is your first post... welcome to TE

Although I haven't had a fitting per se at a bike shop, height and weight are important as to what type of bike and size of bike you will have.

Your height will dicate the frame size of the bike... your weight will govern what type of bikes are available to you.

The bikes my partner and eldest sons race on have weight restrictions, and I could not ride on them.

I have special wheels for time-trial racing (on road) and they have a weight restriction of 90kg. I have been losing weight steadily and am now 98kg, so last TT I used the front wheel. But I daren't use both until I reach 90kg.

And if the gys at this LBS are anything like the 4 local shops we deal with, then they will just be wrapped to see another convert to cycles, be pleased to make the sale, and hope that the lifestyle change for you leads to increased fitness. They know perhaps more than others, that accomplished cyclists come in many shapes.

Let us know how you get on
:)

Bike manufacturers are striving to make bikes lighter and lighter in response to consumer demand. Even in your price bracket you may find a few composite or ultra-light alloy components. A bike designed for the "average" female market may have lighter tubing or wheelsets, or narrow tires that wouldn't be comfortable for you but may for someone else of the same height. It is a legitimate question. If you walked into the shop they would apprise your weight without saying anything and steer you toward bikes and components that would provide the proper performance for your weight without you even being aware that they are (at least initially). Since you are requesting a test ride via the web site they can't do that. In terms of customer satisfaction, they are doing their job.

If you are uncomfortable with the question, can you stop by the shop first and talk to them? Then you may not need to fill out the questionnaire, but you and they can gain the necessary knowledge to help you find the right bike.

Oh yeah, welcome aboard. There's a thread about "Getting to Know You" in which we can, er, get to know you. :)

even if they do think from your stats that you are overweight, it's not going to be some big deal to them-- i think you are more conscious of it than they will be really-- they are used to big-big guys going in after all with MUCH more weight than you have, I'm sure-- and they will NOT be critical that you plan on doing something about it ie. cycling to get fitter-- you will be respected i reckon for that alone...

most people i see in my LBS are just regular looking folks of all shapes and sizes like you and me and not super-athlete-types at all.

imho, i would fill in the weight box online-- you will know if you are getting a disrespectful vibe or not when you get there-- i strongly suspect though that they will be so pleased to help you find something right for you-- LBS are in the business of turning people onto cycling and encouraging them to get out and do it, so dont worry about your stats-- just go and enjoy the test rides and HAVE FUN!

and welcome to TE :-)
batsheva

Also don't forget, if you happen to be in the market for a full suspension mtn bike( which your not, but I'm just sayin) they will need to know for the rear shock. They will either need to pump it up, or let out some pressure or whatever depending on your size.
I was a bit flustered when they asked me as they were setting up a mtn. bike for me to test ride. But then I realized WHY they needed to know. They didn't bat an eye when I told them my weight, but I was a bit self conscious.
And for the record I have weight issues (to say the least)...:cool:

The thing is, you just have to realize that most people really don't care. And like someone else said- we LOVE converts!! And if they DO snicker?? Well that is a personality flaw on THEIR part. Ignore the negative ones and embrace the positive!
Good luck in your bike search. ANd remember... We want PICS when you get her!! :)

HEY! I just realized this was your first post! WELCOME!!! Hope you stay awhile. We are quite a friendly bunch here!!

Hi Tabby!

First off, you are not alone. You would be surprised at the number of overweight cyclists. It's called 'the fitness paradox". Bicycling is a very forgiving endeavor, it welcomes just about everyone regardless of age, weight, bum knees, or fitness level.
If you think the bike shop is condescending is there any other shop?

I have no idea what the price range is but wouldn't steel be a good option?
What do you think, Lugged Steel Ladies?

Zen, it isn't just the frame. It's the components also. I have a lugged steel frame with a wheelset intended for no more than 150 lbs. 25 mm tires can make a far more comfy ride (for anyone) but especially so for larger folks. I had a mtb bar that was marked for riders under 160 lbs. It's a tad more complicated than just the frame.

The trickle down theory of engineering is heavily applied to bicycling with the lower cost bikes benefiting.:)

My first thought was wheelset. Some are just better than others for us bigger folk...and some are just completely out of the question.

This was actually one of the first questions I asked at various shops when I was looking for a road bike earlier this year. i.e. How will my weight factor into my choice of bikes?

The consensus amongst the people I talked to seemed to be that for the type of bike I was looking at (entry level road bikes), bodyweight probably wouldn't be a big factor. And if it was an issue then it would be mostly about the wheels, which is a pretty easy to solve "problem".

Good luck with your search! :)

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Zen, it isn't just the frame. It's the components also. I have a lugged steel frame with a wheelset intended for no more than 150 lbs. 25 mm tires can make a far more comfy ride (for anyone) but especially so for larger folks. I had a mtb bar that was marked for riders under 160 lbs. It's a tad more complicated than just the frame.

The trickle down theory of engineering is heavily applied to bicycling with the lower cost bikes benefiting.:)

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It's not rocket science. Frame. Wheels. Drivetrain.

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Originally Posted by dex

The consensus amongst the people I talked to seemed to be that for the type of bike I was looking at (entry level road bikes), bodyweight probably wouldn't be a big factor. And if it was an issue then it would be mostly about the wheels, which is a pretty easy to solve "problem".

Good luck with your search! :)

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Yep.

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Originally Posted by zencentury

I have no idea what the price range is but wouldn't steel be a good option?
What do you think, Lugged Steel Ladies?

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Zen, I think she said she's trying to keep it under 600 and of course .... I think steel is real :)

I have a weight issue, I'm a short but sturdy rider.

I've had two steel bikes customized in person, three if you count the commuter.

My shop has an online interview process for folks ordering custom, this follows the questions he asks in person. He says "by the end of the interview I'll no more about you than your spouse does" I bet he asks weight. :D

I wonder is this less of an issue for men so it's in their form? Or does it bug them as well? :cool:

What kind of bikes are you looking at?

In the "under $600" category, I'm pretty fond of Kona, if only because they are based in my hometown and do some nice projects with kids at my old school district. :D www.konaworld.com (I've had Kona Dew aluminum and Kona Smoke steel. Both are under $400. Neither is a fast road bike, but they are spiffy and comfy utility bikes. My LBS calls Konas "bombproof." And the Kona Smoke comes with a fabulous squeaky horn!)

Ride lots of bikes, take notes (honest, a little notebook really comes in handy!) and if you find a few you like, go back and ride 'em again!

Feel the bike love!

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Originally Posted by zencentury

It's not rocket science. Frame. Wheels. Drivetrain.

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hmmm ... who's bein' snarky now ? ;)

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Originally Posted by jobob

hmmm ... who's bein' snarky now ? ;)

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who called anyone snarky? Besides you
Facts is facts

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Originally Posted by zencentury

It's not rocket science. Frame. Wheels. Drivetrain.

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I think Sir Isaac Newton would disagree. I teach physics and heavily incorporate the bicycle in my curriculum. It's a wonderful tool for teaching mechanics and dynamics (motion and forces, and how they interact). Along with the obvious concepts, velocity and friction, you have torque, inertia, center of gravity, and momentum. What changes would a difference in weight, (or you could even go into why a difference in mass...NOT the same as weight) have on a bicycle? It's all physics, my dear. aka rocket science.:D