Like my bike better

[lauraelmore1033]

Frankly, if the 3 lovely ladies in that photo were all slim, we wouldn't be having this discussion about whether people look good or not on their bikes at all!
We women can feel selfconcious about our bodies for multiple reasons- (society and our upbringings often don't help at all) - whether we are overweight, underweight, short, tall, or a million other variations, we need to fight the stupid tendency to think we are not as beautiful as others. Unfortunately many of us are our own worst critics.

The fact is that EVERYONE looks a million times better riding a bike than they do slumped on a couch watching tv.
Every single one of us TE gals is a truly beautiful woman, both inside AND out, if you ask me. We ROOL.

I always have a mental picture of a big rolly polly bear on a bike when I think of myself on the bike and this is reinforced by the reality that almost every time I ride out on the street, some loud-mouthed jerk finds it necessary to aprise me of the fact that I'm not his cup of tea, sexually speaking. So it's always good to hear otherwise. Next time I'll just yell back: "Hey! I ROOL!!!"

[oxysback]

I was just about to ask you what kind of bike you had there in the picture. I'm of a similar build and have been wanting to get something suitable for my size, but closer to a road bike than what I'm currently riding.

The Schwinn I have is a great bike! Although I'm glad I got the 2006 model, because the 2007 model isn't as pretty. Just my opinion, though.

The things you want to stay away from if you are a heavier rider...

1. Lots of carbon. I have a carbon fork, but that's about it. It's strong and light, but I don't trust it with my weight! I had a carbon seat post when that pic was taken, but have since swaped it out.

2. Racing wheels. Get traditional 36 (??) spoke wheels. They're not as likely to 'taco'.

3. Super skinny tires. I stayed with the stock tires on my Schwinn and they're fine. I haven't had a flat since I've had it (knock on wood!).

The best thing to do is ask a reputable bike shop. They'll give you more tips, I'm sure!

{{{HUGS}}} to all you ladies that gave a great boost to my ego!!

[oxysback]

I always have a mental picture of a big rolly polly bear on a bike when I think of myself on the bike and this is reinforced by the reality that almost every time I ride out on the street, some loud-mouthed jerk finds it necessary to aprise me of the fact that I'm not his cup of tea, sexually speaking. So it's always good to hear otherwise. Next time I'll just yell back: "Hey! I ROOL!!!"

Now see...that's always what I'm afraid of, but it's never happened to me. I'm always trying to think up witty comebacks, but have never had a chance to use them. Don't know if I would even if I had the chance.

One day last summer I kept up with this roadie guy for a few miles on some small rolling hills. He kept looking back...probably thinking, "Geez, I can't lose the fat chick!" LOL! After awhile he dropped me, though.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well there are A-holes all over this world, we just can't get away from them completely. Some people feel small and ugly inside (maybe didn't feel truly loved as a child?) and the only way they know to try to feel more important is by making others feel bad. If they don't say mean things to you, they'll just pick on the next person who comes along, anyone who looks at all different than them will do.
How sad it must be to be like that, all those bad ugly feelings churning around inside like a nauseous stomach. Just feel sorry for them if you are able- and be glad and grateful you don't have to BE them!!

[lauraelmore1033]

Now see...that's always what I'm afraid of, but it's never happened to me. I'm always trying to think up witty comebacks, but have never had a chance to use them. Don't know if I would even if I had the chance.

One day last summer I kept up with this roadie guy for a few miles on some small rolling hills. He kept looking back...probably thinking, "Geez, I can't lose the fat chick!" LOL! After awhile he dropped me, though.

well, it only happens when I ride on the interurban trail that crosses Everett Mall Way. It seems like there is ALWAYS a pack of teenage boys behind me hooting as I wait for the light to change. It's why I don't ride that way often...
Thanks for the advice about picking out a bike. I guess I'm wary of going to the lbs since it seems to be populated by teenage boys, and I'm reluctant to flag one down and ask him to help me pick out a bike I won't break (he might have been one of the guys at the mall...).

[LadyinWhite]

Frankly, if the 3 lovely ladies in that photo were all slim, we wouldn't be having this discussion about whether people look good or not on their bikes at all!
We women can feel selfconcious about our bodies for multiple reasons- (society and our upbringings often don't help at all) - whether we are overweight, underweight, short, tall, or a million other variations, we need to fight the stupid tendency to think we are not as beautiful as others. Unfortunately many of us are our own worst critics.

The fact is that EVERYONE looks a million times better riding a bike than they do slumped on a couch watching tv.
Every single one of us TE gals is a truly beautiful woman, both inside AND out, if you ask me. We ROOL.

Well said.

[LadyinWhite]

I think that every cyclist every where, male or female, heavy or light feels a little self conscious initially in biking apparel. It's really not flattering to even the most trim and fit forms. All it takes is one round of saddle sores to convince a newbie to invest in some decent bottoms!!

What's so great is that once the addiction kicks in, you stop caring real fast. All that matters is, like Ellen said, is that you're out there!!

I'm new to road cycling. Switched out my mtb last spring for my first road bike to see if I'd like it. (Hence the entry level bike. I now join the hordes of cyclists who wishes she'd spent a little more getting started.) When I was strictly mtb - I wore plus size clothing. It was SO frustrating trying to find fitness wear for a woman my size. (over 200lbs) Sure there were a few places but the cost

Since switching to road cycling (and loving it so much more than MTB) I have dropped 42 lbs. You'd think my problem would be solved but nope. I'm a straight up size 10 or a ladies medium but when I buy cycling clothes I still have to buy large or XL. I will never understand why our culture preaches get up off the couch, get out there, get fit.. but makes it so difficult for folks who are trying to do just that.

Suzie - take the bike inside and sit on it while in a doorway. Hold yourself up by the door jam and just hang out, click in, click out, click in, click out, click in, click out.

You'll develop muscle memory in no time. Besides, any excuse to sit on the bike!

Kudos to all of you for getting out there!!

Theresa

[oxysback]

II'm new to road cycling. Switched out my mtb last spring for my first road bike to see if I'd like it. (Hence the entry level bike. I now join the hordes of cyclists who wishes she'd spent a little more getting started.) When I was strictly mtb - I wore plus size clothing. It was SO frustrating trying to find fitness wear for a woman my size. (over 200lbs) Sure there were a few places but the cost
Theresa

AMEN to THAT!!! I can't walk in Performance Bike and pick up a pair of shorts or a jersey. Even in Fred Meyer, where they do have plus sized clothing (that only old ladies would be interested in, if you know what I mean), they don't carry fitness type stuff for larger women.

So we're supposed to wear....uh, what??

I did find a great site for ordering shorts, though...and they're reasonable AND decent...www.aerotechdesigns.com. And thank goodness for the TE store!! Hubby got me 2 jerseys for Christmas that I absolutely love!

[suzieqtwa]

I havent been on the bike since Saturday due to work ,weather, etc....but this early evening Im for sure going to ride it. Im trying to switch the lights from the hybrid over to the Road bike.
All this talk about being heavy ,and self consious. Well, Im 5/9 ,and weigh 125 ,and am extremely self consious about being too thin. I wear my shorts under someting,so I guess it doesnt matter what size you are, we all have our insecurities,at least Im out there.
Once Ellen loosened my pedal, I seemed to ride easier. I know Ill be Ok ,but Im out of my comfort zone.

[lauraelmore1033]

I havent been on the bike since Saturday due to work ,weather, etc....but this early evening Im for sure going to ride it. Im trying to switch the lights from the hybrid over to the Road bike.
All this talk about being heavy ,and self consious. Well, Im 5/9 ,and weigh 125 ,and am extremely self consious about being too thin. I wear my shorts under someting,so I guess it doesnt matter what size you are, we all have our insecurities,at least Im out there.
Once Ellen loosened my pedal, I seemed to ride easier. I know Ill be Ok ,but Im out of my comfort zone.

hard to believe that one could be self conscious about being thin! I'm glad to hear you are feeling more confident on your bike. I've been following the thread with great interest since I'd been thinking about making the switch myself. At one point I'd decided, "well, if she doesn't like it, most likely I won't either--and I'll look even more foolish during the learning process". But I think we're all coming 'round now.

[Bluetree]

Don't worry about it Suzie! Just last summer someone mistook me for a small boy... My friends are still having a good laugh over that one.

[lauraelmore1033]

AMEN to THAT!!! I can't walk in Performance Bike and pick up a pair of shorts or a jersey. Even in Fred Meyer, where they do have plus sized clothing (that only old ladies would be interested in, if you know what I mean), they don't carry fitness type stuff for larger women.

So we're supposed to wear....uh, what??

I did find a great site for ordering shorts, though...and they're reasonable AND decent...www.aerotechdesigns.com. And thank goodness for the TE store!! Hubby got me 2 jerseys for Christmas that I absolutely love!

besides TE there is also Junonia.com. They are a little spammy, though...

[ace]

So you like those aerotech shorts, Ellen? Have you tried the Terry plus shorts? I only have a pair of Junonia shorts (which are fine, but I need a couple more pairs of decent shorts).

Fyi, I recently ordered a Sportshill long sleeve top from TE, and it's actually sized like it says on the site- pretty roomy, I recommend it for the big girls looking for something warm: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22298

I'm liking the turn this thread has taken....I am really struggling with my body/weight....trying to love myself the way I am, but knowing it would be easier to get up the hills if I dropped about 75 lbs. It seems like a never ending and consuming struggle.

Yay for all the big girls on bikes! And for everyone else, too, of course :-)

[oxysback]

So you like those aerotech shorts, Ellen? Have you tried the Terry plus shorts? I only have a pair of Junonia shorts (which are fine, but I need a couple more pairs of decent shorts).

Fyi, I recently ordered a Sportshill long sleeve top from TE, and it's actually sized like it says on the site- pretty roomy, I recommend it for the big girls looking for something warm: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22298

I'm liking the turn this thread has taken....I am really struggling with my body/weight....trying to love myself the way I am, but knowing it would be easier to get up the hills if I dropped about 75 lbs. It seems like a never ending and consuming struggle.

Yay for all the big girls on bikes! And for everyone else, too, of course :-)

I do like the Aerotech shorts. I have a pair of the classic shorts and 2 pair of the plus pro ones. I haven't tried the Terry ones...I tend to balk at that price a bit.

I just took a peek at the Junonia site....that's one I'll be putting on my favorites!

It's nice to participate in a forum that is this supportive about size and body image. I do feel I need to apologize to Suzie for the thread drift, though...

Sorry, Suzie!!

[logdiva32]

I have been to Bicycles West in Tukwila and they were quite helpful. I am not overweight, but can understand, cause I have been after having my kids in succession. I am very, weary of where I shop and ride in Washington because I am black. Despite what many Wa people think, they are not as culturally accepting as they believe themselves to be. I get many strange looks out with my HB and 3 little mix kids...... I ride the interurban also, never had many problems but am weary still.
I used to say to myself, " I am not the smallest chic out here, but damnit, I'm out here... Keep riding, one push at a time, one breath at a time, it gets easier..