Newbie here - Plus-Size gal with severe fear of lycra

[anaphase]

Just fly right by 'em. You're going to be too fast for anyone to notice.

I've seen some ladies in those skorts and they are cute. Also the baggier biking shorts with lyrca underneath.

Check out VJ's site and maybe shoot her an email. She is an avid biker and a bigger gal. She's got a great blog and is really inspiring.
http://www.braveathena.com/

Congratulations on your new sport, too, BTW. And welcome to the board.

[Pedal Wench]

I used to have a HUGE fear of lycra. And bike jerseys. Hated them both. My boyfriend loves to tease me about that considering my short and jersey collections have become quite large. Once you start realizing that they are really the proper tool for the job, you'll feel more comfortable. Someone else mentioned that they act like a girdle - so true. I mean, really, fitting tightly, they're going to give you a slimmer profile than baggy clothes. Again, who cares what anyone else thinks? They really make biking more comfortable, which means you'll stick to it. I started out with a pair of baggy mountainbike shorts, but the extra material wasn't very comfortable.

All that being said, wear whatever you can to make sure you stay riding. If you're comfy riding in your bathrobe, then go for it. Just ride...

[effulgent]

Thanks for all of your wonderful words and support (and advice!). And I do agree with you, Asphalt, bikers look at the bike before the cyclist. We've gotten in a few near-wrecks because my husband is weaving through traffic to get a look at the bikes on someone's trunk rack.

My husband seems to be excited that I'm riding with him, even though I'm WAAAAAY slower than him. For now.

I do think I'll just skip the baggy shorts and go for just some basic bike shorts, or maybe the capri length. Those might make me feel a touch more modest.

And I think I'll get the lava jersey to start. That's about as obnoxious as one can get with the plus sized, I think.

[bikerchick68]

effulgent... when my brother started riding 3 yrs ago he was considering gastric bypass surgery and weighed 458 lbs... there was no bike clothing that fit him... and his bike had to be custom built with tandem parts. Strong enough to hold the weight of 2 people...

last week he weighed in at 271 lbs!!!!!!! Everything fits, he loves riding and his reward for all his efforts was a new bike...

you've had some great feedback about the lycra issue (who DOES look good in this stuff anyway???) but just wanted to share his story too, as it so darned inspirational... here is a link to his pics... I've posted this before but not sure you saw it... he is "bigkahunadad" so scroll down...

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=97174

[bikerHen]

Finally a question I can respond to! Being a plus size gal myself, I totally relate to the lycra problem. Last year, I rode in stretch demin shorts and baggy cotton tops. That worked well for me. The problem was, and still is, there is nothing delicate about me when I ride and I sweat like crazy! This spring my sweat soaked clothing gets really cold when I stop. I was dreaming of wicking clothing. So, I ordered a pair of plus size lycra shorts to wear with my baggy tops. The shorts worked well but only a plus size gal knows the true fear of cycling jerseys. To my surprise I found a LBS that carried a few plus size tops. They "wick" yea! and they were NOT fitted. They only had short sleeve tops and I'm a sleeveless kinda gal so I went home and sunk my business profits into ordering a couple of sleeveless tops online. I can't wait until they arrive. I'm still a little leary about wrapping my fat bod in such bright colors but what the heck! At least I'm out there doing something about it. Besides, with my new road bike, I'm just a flash anyway! bikerHen

[Irulan]

effulgent... when my brother started riding 3 yrs ago he was considering gastric bypass surgery and weighed 458 lbs... there was no bike clothing that fit him... and his bike had to be custom built with tandem parts. Strong enough to hold the weight of 2 people...

last week he weighed in at 271 lbs!!!!!!! Everything fits, he loves riding and his reward for all his efforts was a new bike...

you've had some great feedback about the lycra issue (who DOES look good in this stuff anyway???) but just wanted to share his story too, as it so darned inspirational... here is a link to his pics... I've posted this before but not sure you saw it... he is "bigkahunadad" so scroll down...

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=97174

I've been following that thread, hat's off to this guy!

[KSH]

I am not a large women (not bragging, just saying that you don't have to be large to look bad in or hate Lycra)... but I HATE LYCRA! Seriously.

These biker shorts have a great way of pushing all the fat down... and making ones cellulite look worse than it is!

It has taken me awhile to get use to being seen in public is something that makes my butt look so long and droppy.... with all my cellulite squished together.

But, I finally just figured that I had to wear them... and if someone doesn't like how I look... then they just don't have to look. I have a reason for wearing what I am wearing.

And... don't worry that you are a large woman wearing lycra. Honestly, I have noticed that cyclists come in all shapes and sizes... and you are doing something that will help you slim down!


Uuuugggghhhh... my next problem is buying a tri suit. I really dread the thought of having to wear a skin tight suit with my saddlebags on display. But, it must be done.

[Pedal Wench]

You know, now that you mention it, I think that there are two distinctly different types of shorts. I used to have pairs that were real thin material. They did show every lump and bump. Now, I wear the really heavy-duty lycra, like the Performance Ultras, and they tend to smooth things out and hold everything in. You might want to look for shorts with the heavier, thicker material.

[CorsairMac]

I do think I'll just skip the baggy shorts and go for just some basic bike shorts, or maybe the capri length. Those might make me feel a touch more modest.

And I think I'll get the lava jersey to start. That's about as obnoxious as one can get with the plus sized, I think.

You could also try the basic bike shorts and knee warmers. That way when it gets hot or as you feel more comfortable in the shorts, you can take the knee warmers off.


(PS asphaltgirl, I Loved your signature line!! had me ROFL)