New (overweight) rider - need bike for my weight

[dex]

Wow !
I suspect that very few people as short as me who weigh as much as me - bike.

I'm only a couple of inches taller than you, and weigh the same, and I bike.

I'll second DebW on the wheels with higher spoke counts being one of the most important things regarding strength on any bike you get. I've been suffering the frustration of low spoke count wheels, and it's annoying. (I've recently remedied that by ordering a set of handbuilt wheels with a higher spoke count.)

Just start hitting shops and trying out bikes. Lots of bikes. As many bikes as you can get your butt on--steel, aluminum, whatever. You won't know what you'll find most comfortable (and fun...never forget FUN) until you ride some.

When I was shopping for a bike early last year, I went in thinking I needed a WSD (Women's Specific Design...and was particularly coveting a Terry), but it turns out those were the most inappropriate/uncomfortable frames for me. Then I thought maybe I wanted a steel touring bike, and they were definitely super comfortable to ride, but something was still not quite right--they weren't saying, "Hey, lady, I'm your bike." So, I kept trying bikes. I ended up with an aluminum frame road bike, because of everything I tried, it was the most comfortable (as far as frame size/geometry) and the most FUN to ride--responsive, light...and pretty.

But, if the bike you love doesn't come with the kind of wheels you need, try to work with the shop to get something more appropriate.

Good luck!

[Triskeliongirl]

I hear you on the Hashis. I also have Hashis. In my case even when that was corrected I struggled with my weight until I uncovered the impaired glucose tolerance, but its great that you only have the Hashis to contend with. They will probably start you out on just T4 therapy, but many people (myself included) do better on a combo T4/T3 therapy, so keep this in the back of your mind. But you will have to work hard to take off the weight you gained while you were not being treated. But, with treatment losing the weight should be straighforward as long as you practice moderate caloric restriction and exercise. Some of us do better on low carb diets, but that is for you to explore. I posted recently about this on the weight loss thread if you want to have a peek. Good luck to you in your quest for good health! You will get there, and welcome to TE. (I am also 50, many of us are in that age bracket in fact).

BTW, the older terry steel frames I am recommending, especially Classic do come with strong wheels! The important thing for you now is to find a bike that feels comfortable and stable for your body at its current weight, and get out and ride! Exercise will make a huge difference as you lean out.