I have a friend who has battled with depression and weight gain for a long time. He loses weight then gets depressed and gains it back. For the longest time I've promoted the virtues of exercise; it would help with the weight loss AND I think it would make him feel better. He has some self-esteem problems. When we've gone for a walk, he gets winded really easily because he has never really exercised.

DH and I have offered to go riding with him or go hiking or whatever it takes. My friend thought all our activity was so great but not for him.

So today he e-mails me and at the end, asked me if they made bikes for larger people. Wow! After how many years this is such a good thing!

So, do they? He's taller than me and I am 5'11". I don't know his weight but his waist (jeans tag) say 46. I think. I try not to pry that way but saw it once. He is larger, he has trouble sitting in small chairs and stuff.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I've seen larger riders on bikes...I know he feels nervous and thinks the tires should be huge to support his weight. So maybe mtn bike? Any recommendations? I think budget would be a consideration too.

Thank you all I'm just really excited for him! He lives RIGHT on a bike trail and this would get him out of the house and do all sorts of great things. I bet he'd make new friends too! He needs positive people around him, people who could get him enthused about this stuff. Besides me, that is.