Moral support needed: scared, paranoid, excited, stressed...etcetc

[Softie]

scared, paranoid, sad, excited, stressed...etcetc + +

These are all the feelings I'm getting about having to go in and buy a bike (it's been a few years and a few dozen pounds since last time). Despite the fact I'm totally thrilled at the prospect of riding again, I'm a bit worried about the bike shopping experience. I think this comes down to the fact I'm not a small or average sized rider. When I hear things like replacing tires and broken spokes I'm worried I'll test ride a bike and it'll break under me or I'll end up with something that will last two rides before I need to change something on it to support me. I'm around 275 and will be looking at hybrid bike along the lines of the Trek 7.2/7.3, and possible a couple Specialized (also taking model suggestions). I know there are many other female riders here of similar stature and I could really use some advice on which thoughts are realistic and which aren't, or successful bike shopping/testing stories. Knowing other riders around my size have successfully ridden these will be a big help (I know it's probably silly, but this is a big step for me).

I can't wait to ride *once* I get a bike and I know it's appropriately durable for me, and will be trying my hardest to set aside thoughts about how I look riding on said bike, but it's a struggle to feel good about (or even willing to) bike shopping right now.

[Tuckervill]

Yeah, it's tough for me, too. However, you seem infinitely more knowledgeable about the type of bike you want than I was. You'll be great.

If I were you, I'd go to the Trek dealer nearest you and ask to see the model you're looking for. Take an opportunity to say why you are looking at that bike over a different one. It is likely that if they don't have one in stock (you could call first to find out), they will try to get you on one they have lying around. If you can, narrow down what the Trek has that you really want, and ask if that bike has that feature. If they can't tell you why that bike is better for your needs don't bother riding it.

OTOH, there may be a bike you haven't considered, so don't close the door completely to new bikes. It might just be "the one".

The other thing...be up front about your stature. I guarantee you the young shop guy (it's more likely a guy) is already feeling uncomfortable because he doesn't want to say anything to offend you. Disarm him if you can by mentioning it first. My husband is extremely tall, and let me tell, you some shop people are uncomfortable even mentioning THAT in context of a bike (erm, they don't even MAKE bikes to fit him).

Bottom line, if you go in as an educated consumer, aware of the obvious facts, and let them know, you are likely to get farther and get better help. Be your charming self and you will be fine!

Karen

[txred9876]

I went into several shops and just acted like I had just as much right as anyone else to be there. Afterall.... my money is just as GREEN!

I had a few shops blow me off and I finally found one that has treated me wonderfully. I also asked questions about supporting weight ect....

I have ridden 3 different bikes in the last 6 weeks and all have supported my weight. I started out at 283.

I am currently using a cannondale dual assault hybrid. I like it, it is lightweight yet very strudy.

Tina

[Badgirl]

I agree, be up front with your size and own it. I was probably pushing 290 (& 5'10") at the time I bought mine. I, like my husband, have OCD when it comes to researching a product that I want. I OVERLY did my homework. Kind of have an idea of what you want, go in and talk to them, be open to suggestions, but don't be afraid to question why they are making that suggestion.

Ride the bikes, and don't be afraid to tell them if it doesn't feel right. They should try to make it either fit right or fine another option. At two of the shops I felt like I was squished into an open air sardine can and pretty much left in tears because I felt like a stupid cow. The 3rd shop I went to, was the one my brother used to work at, they had the bike I'd gone to look at (and really wanted) but it was the wrong size, so I tested the same one, a couple of models up, and loved it. It felt right, fit right, felt stable and well made and I felt like even if I never lost a drop of weight, that I wouldn't have to worry about my bike falling apart under me.

Even though I spent twice as much as I had set out to do, I'm happy I did, and I know I have a bike that if I do decide to get more adventurous once I've finished with my back treatments I won't have a bike I've outgrown. I've yet to break any spokes...yet. My husband is 6'5" and not a little guy and has broken many, they are fairly easy to fix and a good shop should have a bike maintenance 101 class.

It is a big step, and I'm excited for you. I still remember the nerves and butterflies I had going into that first shop.

I ride a Specialized Myka Expert, and I LOVE it!

[Mr. Bloom]

Well said badgirl

Stick to a reputable shop and I guarantee that you won't be the first person that they've met with your attributes. Find out who the best fitter is and make an appointment. Explain when you're making the appointment what your concerns are discuss it so he/she can be thinking about options.

If you post your general location/region, I'm sure you'll get referrals of the best shops to seek out for assistance...and it may be worth a drive to get a good fit.

[Softie]

Thanks for the ideas. Not having a car is part of the problem, that's kept me from at least looking at the shops so far and getting a feeling for them. I'm limited to 2 places I can walk/bike back from. Hopefully I'll get a good vibe from one of them.

[Becky]

The other thing...be up front about your stature. I guarantee you the young shop guy (it's more likely a guy) is already feeling uncomfortable because he doesn't want to say anything to offend you. Disarm him if you can by mentioning it first.

This is great advice! It's sometimes difficult to address a customer's needs without feeling like you're making assumptions about the person. If you're up front with me about your concerns, I don't have to tip-toe around potential areas of concern, and that makes the whole process more fun for both of us

To the OP: Good luck with your bike search, be honest about what you want in a bike and the type of riding you're planning to do, don't be afraid to tell the salesperson that s/he's going in the wrong direction, and provide lots of feedback about what you liked or didn't like. And have fun!

[GLC1968]

There is a lot of excellent advice in this thread!

Something else that you might want to keep in mind is that biking is a very unique sport. There are no limits to ones ability to bike just based on size. Because of this, there are lots and lots of stories about people (men and women both) who started out heavy and through their developing love of biking, are now much thinner. Some of them are now racing, starting to run, doing triathlons, etc.

With the exception of the typical jerk (and there will always be those types out there), I would imagine that most cyclists (particularly those who work in bike shops and presumably know tons of other cyclists) know of at least one person personally who started out biking when they were very large. In fact, one of my riding buddies from my old job was that way...he started biking at well over 300 lbs. By the time I met him (and started riding myself) he was down over 65 lbs and still losing.

I guess my point is that while you'd imagine that most of their customers are skinny little racer types, that's not likely the case. Even if it is, that doesn't mean that they don't know of a bike fitness success story first-hand. You may not be as out of place as you feel!

And good luck - to all of you soon-to-be cyclists...you're gonna love it!

[sundial]

Softie, keep an open mind about bikes and just try different kinds--commuter, hybrid, mountain bike, cyclocross, and road. The first 3 types of bikes I mentioned will have a more relaxed geometry and will give you a more upright position. For larger people, this allows more room for the tummy and opens up the chest more.

A hardtail mountain bike can serve as a road bike with slick tires and can be very versatile. Put a rack and lights on it and it's good for commuting.

A cyclocross bike has the road bike geometry and is built for off road use, making it durable. I would recommend this if you are looking for a road bike. Specialized makes the Tricross as the cyclocross bike with 36 spoke wheels which is recommended for touring/commuters and larger riders.

Road bikes can be fitted with adjustable stems that allow many riding positions, giving you a more upright position in the handlebars which will put less strain on your hands and wrists.

Regardless of what bike you decide on, make sure the bike shop truly listens to you and is willing to work with you. If you don't feel they have your best interests at heart, go to another bike shop. And when you do decide on that special bike, please keep us posted and show us pictures.

[Softie]

Thanks for the advice. I am checking out a few bikes tomorrow with my boyfriend. Hopefully things will go well!

[shootingstar]

Appreciate that you don't have a car..and neither do we now and then, when I lived in Toronto for several decades and went bike shopping when I first returned to cycling awhile ago.

Hope you will consider using the subway system there during off-peak hrs., since there are several bike shops near the subway line about no more than 20 min. walk for some. Of course, not all the subway stations have elevators to get the bike out of the station without lifting the bike up a staircase..but you will know from signage the wheelchair accessible stations in T.O.

And you can bring your bike onto the G.O. train on weekends, if you are out in the suburbs.

After that, once you will discover good interconnected bike routes in Toronto that really can allow you build routes that are small in distance to huge..ie. riding 100+ kms. in 1 day all within Metro Toronto.