New (overweight) rider - need bike for my weight

[nancyBug]

Oh I love that - biking can be addicting - what a wonderful addiction !!!!

I really value the opinions that I am getting here on this site as this is the best advice and information I have been able to get since I began thinking about getting a bike.

I am including a link from a bicycle shop near my home, if any of you have time to look over these bicycles and could tell me which one(s) you think would best suit me – I would be so grateful !!! They seem to have some of the brands that have been mentioned here.

Here is a summary of my body type and needs:


• 5ft 2 inches (short)
• 230 pounds
• Will be biking in hilly country (Tennessee)
• Would like to try different types of biking so a multi-purpose would be nice Mostly, however – would be paved or trails (I think)
• Also may use to shop for groceries about 2 miles from home so would need ability to carry things.
• May need it for Bike tour in New England area this fall (may rent bike – not sure)
* I have very, very long hair (if that is an issue with helmets...
* Heat is a serious consideration for me (due to medical condition) but I am thinking I can manage with precautions - the camel back sounds like it might suit my needs.

Also – of note – I sometimes have very stiff legs (also due to a medical condition) so the height of the bar is a factor – does anybody ride without that bar ???

I know that in the end, I must try it out and find what fits best but you all “know” bikes and I don’t.

Here is the link: http://cedarbluffcycles.net/

Thanks so much – in advance !
Nancy

[tulip]

Nancy, there's nothing wrong with a "girls" bike--the kind without the top tube. These days they are generally referred to as Mixte (mix-tee) bikes. Zen is a Mixte expert (zencentury)

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to get a bike that fits properly. The bikes in the shop in Knoxville that I would recommend looking at are:

Trek Navigator--no top tube. This will likely be too heavy for a New England Tour, and you may well be wanting something faster and lighter in a few months, but it might be a good place to start.

Trek Pilot--this would be fine for a New England Tour and would also be great for going to the grocery store. It might keep your interest longer than the Navigator.

You might also want to check around at some other shops. It's important to try out alot of different bikes to determine what you like and don't like in a bike.

Keep us posted and ask us questions!

[Spec&TrekGirl]

Welcome to the forum, I'm new here myself and found that its a great source of information and encouragement!

Do not, in any way, be embarrassed about being larger and cycling. I think when most people see someone larger (or older) than themselves cycling, running, etc, they are impressed and encouraged to do more themselves.

BTW, my sister has a similar body style, and from this thread, I'm going to ask her about the thyroid and glucose intolerance issues mentioned - I know there is some family history of thyroid problems, and diabetes in older years in our family is the norm...

And I second the warning - cycling is addictive. I think about riding all the time, I can't pass up going into a bike shop just to look around, and I'm constantly checking the weather to plan the next nice day for riding. Oh, and I do ride several times a week too.

[latelatebloomer]

Hi, Nancybug, just a ps about what I do riding in the heat. I do ride in 100+ temps, and it gets quite muggy here in PA - and being a big rider, I can start to overheat on inclines. So, I wear a wet bandanna around my neck - the evaporation/cooling process makes me feel like it's many degrees cooler. I also make sure that one of my water bottles is just H20 so that I can squirt it on my back. Between those 2 strategies, I'm probably more comfortable than the people sitting on their porches watching me ride by!

[Starfish]

So, I wear a wet bandanna around my neck - the evaporation/cooling process makes me feel like it's many degrees cooler.

You can also sew these into a little pocket and fill it with ice at the start, so it melts down your front or back and stays wet longer. Also, the motorcycle gear catalogs have some great stuff for cooling riders down.

[nancyBug]

Wow - I am so encouraged !!!

Keeping cool - (which is "one"on my biggest concerns) sounds quite doable and now I know there are bikes that really will support my weight - I was so afraid that would be a bigger issue than it is, I just need to choose wisely.

Earlier in the week I emailed someone from a biking club here in Knoxville - also all women - and she replied earlier today. I have heard this group of women are really strong and very good so I'm not sure if I will be able to ride with them for a while - just depends on what type rides they have upcoming. I hope they will be open to an overweight person like me - it kind of sounded like these ladies are quite athletic - way beyond my current situation.

And - DonnaInHouston - CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss and riding !!!! I want to be back here a year from now reporting similar progress - you are amazing.

I am hoping to go by the bicycle stores tomorrow - at least one of them. I have found that there are several in the area. Now that I have a much better idea of the type of bike and some suggested brands -- I am better equipped to shop.

I consider this purchase a little like buying a car, while not nearly as pricey - I have to arm myself with knowledge before I walk in the door.

After the visits to the shops - chances are I will be back with more questions. I sometimes impulse buy - but only smaller things. This purchase needs to last me for a while.... so I won't jump into it but don't won't to procrastinate either by over-analyzing -- which I often do

Thanks again !!!!

[BeeLady]

Nancy - great on your decision to start cycling!

I have a Bianchi Volpe which is a steel touring bike and I love it. I do my grocery shopping on it and some longer weekend rides. I have panniers and a tail rack and use it as my workhorse. Plus it is light enough for me to lift it onto a bike rack on my local bus service if I need to.

Any of the bike shops which handle Bianchi brand can order the correct size for you. And you can take a look at it if you Google Bianchi Volpe.

As to the heat. riding early in the morning or late evening is one "work around." Plenty of fluids are a must but if you ride less than 30 or 45 minutes, carry water rather than the 120-calorie (or more) water bottle full of sports drink.

The fear about and aversion to the heat, the hills, the wind, the traffic are all more troubling than the reality of actually being out there and riding!

There is something about smelling the flowers, having the time to look at your surroundings and knowing that what I'm doing is so healthy and beneficial for me and the world that allows all the fear and worry to fall away and enjoy how much fun cycling is!

The most important thing is to get started. The best piece of cycling advice I ever got was from Triskiliongirl when I went on a group ride with her: Just keep pedaling!

[Trek420]

- DonnaInHouston - CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss and riding !!!! .... - you are amazing.

And good luck on the MS 150, welcome to TE

[Bad JuJu]

Earlier in the week I emailed someone from a biking club here in Knoxville - also all women - and she replied earlier today. I have heard this group of women are really strong and very good so I'm not sure if I will be able to ride with them for a while - just depends on what type rides they have upcoming. I hope they will be open to an overweight person like me - it kind of sounded like these ladies are quite athletic - way beyond my current situation.

Maybe not, but you'll never know until you go out and see what they're like. I shied away from riding with the local club for a long time because I'm not fast by any measure. Also, their distances (which seem normal to me now) scared me. Just by chance I found myself riding alongside one of the club's women by herself on a local trail one day, and she encouraged me to come out the next Saturday. Sure, most of them were--and still are--a lot faster than me, but I found a couple of riders who are just right for me. They challenge me some, but not so much that it's not do-able.

It took some courage to make that first club ride, but I've never regretted it. Yesterday, on a quick 20-miler, I was able to keep in front of a couple of the guys!!!

[yael]

Hey Nancy
I was so encouraged to see your post. I live in Knoxville too! I found TE by googling the exact question that you had. I am so happy to know that I am not the only one out there with the same concerns and questions as you. Like you I also require a "girls" bike at 5'2" with a 28" inseam it seems like there aren't a lot of bikes out there. But have hope. Right now I have a Haro mountain bike, and it's really a beast to try and ride. I am looking at getting a bike I can sit up right on. Also I know that it is a bit farther but try West End Bikes in Farragut. Very nice people and didn't give me the "look" you know what I mean..the "why are YOU in here" look. I know I hold myself back in a lot of ways because of low self esteem. I have been very over weight my whole life and made fun of, so it's sort of scary to get out there. I hope to see you around.

[tulip]

Welcome to TE, yael! Feel free to ask all sorts of questions here. These women are a great resource, and a whole lot of fun. I've even met a few in person! Maybe you and Nancy can get together for a ride sometime.

My unasked for advice is to just ride your bike! (oh, and eat an apple every day--really.)

-Julie

[chickiepooh88]

I am so glad I found this forum you ladies are full of so much information. I am afraid to say I am way to over weight i am 5'5 and about 280. I used to ride all the time, I am hopefully getting my new bike next month. I cant wait. The bike I have now wont hold my weight at least I dont think it will I am afraid to try it. What is a good distance to start out at. I would love to be able to do a charity ride by next sprin/summer.
I want to thankyou all for any advise you could give me
Tina