too fat to bicycle? 300 lbs?!

[Trek420]

I am 5'10" and very long-waisted, and every bike I try seems to have me leaning painfully far forward/down. I end up with severe wrist pain very quickly. I asked at several bike shops but they don't seem to know what to suggest. I asked if they can put taller handlebars on a bike to accommodate my tall torso, and they didn't seem to know.

First off, a hale and hearty welcome to TE!

Next it sounds like we need to find you another LBS, one that can find you a proper bike fit. The answer to "can I put taller handlebars on my bike?" should never be "I don't know"

Dude, it's a yes or no question

No, but we could give you a taller stem
No, but we could give you a shorter reach stem
No, but lowering the seatpost may achieve the same goal
Yes, but let's see if a 'bent would fit you best.
Yes, we can but ... and so on.

Bet you'll find the answer here. Long live TE

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Women who are "too fat" or "too old" or "too out of shape" or "too handicapped" or "too scared" or "too busy" or "too whatever" to bicycle and do it anyway are totally my heros. Where there's a will there's a way.
Rock ON.

[ny biker]

Try looking for local bike clubs in your area. Someone in a club should be able to recommend an LBS that is good at bike fitting.

Good luck!

[lo123]

Next it sounds like we need to find you another LBS, one that can find you a proper bike fit. The answer to "can I put taller handlebars on my bike?" should never be "I don't know"

Agreed!

My LBS has been awesome in getting my bike set up and adjusted for me to accommodate my mobility problems due to pretty severe psoriatic arthritis. A good LBS will be able to find a solution!

I'd also look at recumbents... For my next bike, I'll definitely be looking at one just to see if it would better accommodate my 'issues'.

On the 'cross bike recommendation.. I love mine (specialized tricross). I threw on skinny tires to keep up with the faster folks on club rides, but I adore having the ability to go off road.