Can an obese woman ride a normal bike?

[blueyedgrl]

I weigh 300lbs and am in the process of looking for a bike to ride at the park with my young daughter. Are there weight limits or restrictions on a normal womans bicycle like you would buy at a local retail store?

[Fredwina]

There shouldn't be. (been there, done that)

[TsPoet]

There are weight restrictions on some bikes, just look those numbers up for whatever bike you want. Get some good tires, a good saddle, and get out there and ride!

[oxysback]

Nope. I ride a normal road bike and I'm (unfortunately) just under that weight. I did, however, make sure to ask about that issue when I bought my current road bike. I think there would only be an issue with a super-light carbon bike with the wheels with minimal spokes. Also, it might seem like a better deal to get your bike at a department store, but you will be much happier with a quality bike from a local bike shop.

Happy riding!

[PscyclePath]

What Ellen said...

Make sure you've got a good, strong, trued set of wheels (ideally 36 spokes or more per wheel) and make sure you've got a frame and saddle that's comfortable for you.

... and then go ride ;-)

Tom

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, the WHEELS might have a weight limit for some bikes, but you will be able to ride a bike. There are wheels that will be able to handle the weight--just be sure you get them for whatever type of bike you want.

[badgercat]

I'd think that for leisurely rides with a young'un, you'd probably be fine with just about anything? But if there'd be anything to pay attention to, I agree that it would be the wheels--my boyfriend weighs around 300lbs, and is always having problems with the spokes on his bikes that came with lower-quality wheels. But then again, he isn't gentle on any item he owns, and is probably much, much harder on a bike than a normal person would ever be around a local park. For the record, though, he bought a cyclocross bike (which, therefore, came with wheels that are made to take some pretty rough riding) which he uses as a road bike, and has never had a single problem with the wheels.

Ride some bikes and see what feels good to you, and have some fun with your daughter! Welcome to the forum!