Quote Originally Posted by lauraelmore1033 View Post
Hi stpbound,
another plus sized rider chiming in here! I would definitely encourage you to go for a road bike, just based on my own experience. I started out with a hybrid, just because I thought that was my only option; I was over 250 pounds and a beefier bike just sounded like a good idea. Even at that size, I didn't experience too much seat discomfort, though. The discomfort I experienced seemed to lessen with time, so I just assumed you had to "break in" your butt.

When I started losing weight, getting faster, putting in alot more miles, I switched to a road bike--a Raleigh sport. I could not believe the difference! My top (as in giving it everything I had) average speed on the hybrid was something like 13.3 mph, and on the road bike I can do 13.3 mph without really even breaking a sweat. It almost seemed like magic! The more upright position of the hybrid looks like it is more comfortable, but it really isn't if you consider all the factors. The road bike (at least mine) tends to tip your pelvis forward and align your legs in a position to achieve the most efficient, powerful pedal stroke. Lowering the torso to the handlebars reduces wind resistance a great deal, and if your torso is the size of a barn door--like mine-- that is a great deal of resistance! add in the reduction of resistance from skinnier tires and the weight reduction, and you are going much faster with much less effort, which is much more comfortable in the long run. As the others have mentioned, this all begins with a good fit.

I would also caution you not to get shorts that are too roomy. I've lost a lot of weight, so my shorts are getting baggy. I can testify that this is extremely uncomfortable, as the loose fabric bunches and forcibly deposits itself in your most tender crevices. Ouch!
I've decided to go test ride road bikes on Monday! I want to see what the difference is and if it's worth the money to buy one. This magic you speak of...that definitely appeals to me! Right now, I'm averaging between 11-12 miles per hour (my longest ride has been 37 miles so far). If I could go just a couple more miles per hour, I could reduce my riding time on the STP by a couple of hours! So, I'm gonna give it a try.

Thanks for your input,
stpbound