New (overweight) rider - need bike for my weight

[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

[latelatebloomer]

Welcome, '88. I was your weight (and height) when I started, so you CAN, CAN, CAN ride! Your fitness level could well be higher than mine as I had never much in the way of aerobic exercise. We live in a hilly rural area, so I identified the flattest "around the block" loop I could - it was 3 miles. I had to stop a LOT at first. I was also lurking on TE (I also was doing spin classes at the gym.) Then magic moments came - "here's my stopping place, oh hey, I don't feel like I need to stop" "well, my loop is done, I can go home, wow, I'm gonna try it a second time!" The charity ride is a great goal. Listen to your body and don't overdo, and give yourself LOTS of sweet talk for getting started.

Feel free to PM me anytime. bikes = miracles!