Uh oh - long post!

Quote Originally Posted by nancyBug View Post
I suspect that very few people as short as me who weigh as much as me - bike.
Not so! Not so!

Along with everyone else's suggestions, since you live in a hilly area, if you get a road bike, I recommend looking into getting a expanded range of gears. On my road bike, I have a mountain bike rear cassette, which makes a huge difference in my ability to ride in a hilly area, and consequently, has greatly increased my enjoyment of cycling.

At the bike store, ask them what the options and costs are for swapping the standard road bike rear cassette (usually something like 12-27 teeth) for a mountain cassette (usually something like 11-34 teeth). You'll need a mountain bike rear dérailleur also. It will end up costing a little more, but not much, and believe me, you will love, love, love your granny gears!

Stiff, strong wheels made a huge difference for me, but the frame shouldn't really be an issue at all.

Oh, and try to avoid a suspension seat post - my first bike had a "comfort" seat post, which sounded like a good idea at the time, but I swear half my energy was lost bouncing around on that thing, compared to a more efficient energy transfer with a regular seat post.

My size bothers me GREATLY - now - I don't mind going to aerobics classes at this weight (amazingly) - but there is something about being big and getting on a little bicycle that is bothersome - I guess just the thoughts of my big rear end on that little seat (will get a saddle seat). Has this been an issue for anybody else.
Absolutely. Add in lycra clothing, and you have pretty much summed up my worst nightmare. But the lycra cycling clothes really do make a difference in comfort (and TE has a great selection of plus-size cycling clothes ).

All I can say about this issue is that for me, this stuff is pretty much all in my head, and although I still contend with it, after 3 years of cycling (and loving it), it doesn't bother me very often anymore. The main thing is, I'm out there exercising and having fun, and the heck with anyone else's opinions! I felt like my initial improvement in cycling was very fast - and it wasn't long before I saw and felt an improvement, which made it easier to put those voices to rest, or at least ignore them!

Cycling is a great social activity, and a great solitary activity. There are probably some cycling clubs in your area - ask at the bike stores you visit. having some riding buddies really helps. And/or maybe there are some TE gals in your area?

Welcome to TE, and have fun buying your bike!