too fat to bicycle? 300 lbs?!

[BarbaraAlys]

And check out the latest issue of Bicycle mag. It has several stories of people in just your position who added cycling into their lives and lost 100+ pounds.

I found it pretty inspiring.

BarbaraAlys

[sundial]

I know of one that did that very thing and dropped 10 sizes!

[latelatebloomer]

Calico, you definitely CAN. I started at 300-ish lbs and a very wobbly 3 miles, and thanks to my bike and spin classes, am 200-ish and training to do the Womantours cross-USA ride in 2010. One of my co-workers has fibromyalga and she does multi-day bike trips. First order of business is for you to find a sympathetic bike store owner or employee to help you. They're out there. And don't take some "sales-child's" idunno as the final answer. Let them know you are SERIOUS about riding and need to speak with someone with expertise. (the first shop I dealt with was friendly but not truly expert in their advice. The next shop owner I dealt with - not a skinny guy, BTW, I thought that was a good sign - was a good listener, loves putting all kinds of people on bikes, and did a great bike fit session even though my bike was second-hand.)
Also, I started with a Giant (brand) hybrid with a very upright position, and she served me nobly for 2 years. I still like to hop on her now and then.
Feel free to PM me with any ? I might be able to help you with as a fellow large rider. I don't have time a lot of time to check the forum, but I want to know how you're making out.

[sundial]

Aunt LateLate, I've missed you. Glad to see you here again.

[Fredwina]

I've also been plus 300 too.
keep on trying something (adjust the handlebars, buy a 'bent)
And remeber, you're on a journey of a thousand miles, and you've taken you first step

[calico]

Wow, I am really impressed with the wonderful, supportive, and knowledgeable answers! Thank you all.

My Nishiki has more of a mountain-bike type frame and straight-across handlebars. The only change is that I did replace the big nubbly tires with smoother road tires. I wouldn't mind putting some money into upgrading it, if we can find a workable solution. Maybe I will print out a picture of ClockworkOrange's bike and show it to them. I am such a n00b when it comes to this! haha

I am intrigued by recumbents, but I cannot find a single bike shop in my area which stocks them. At one point I was calling bike shops in other counties with no luck. Shops are happy to special order one if I pay a non-refundable deposit, but nobody had one I could try. I wouldn't know how to tell if it fits me, and it's hard for me to risk $1000+ on something that will just make me hurt in a different body part. Any ideas? I'm willing to even drive a few hours (Delaware? Philly? Baltimore?), if I found a good shop with several recumbents in stock.

[ny biker]

Can you tell us where you live? We might be able to direct you to a good shop or two.

[Fredwina]

There's mt airy outside of baltimore: http://www.bike123.com/
and jerset bents http://www.jerseybents.com/
You may can to ask around to see if anyone has one you can test ride before making the leap.
a couple of more sites
I have a Bacchetta (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/dealers/locations.asp) ,and MomOnBike has a Sun (if I remember correctly)
http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/index.html
another popular brand of 'bents is Rans http://www.ransbikes.com/default.htm
Change the stem would be much cheaper

[Becky]

I am intrigued by recumbents, but I cannot find a single bike shop in my area which stocks them. At one point I was calling bike shops in other counties with no luck. Shops are happy to special order one if I pay a non-refundable deposit, but nobody had one I could try. I wouldn't know how to tell if it fits me, and it's hard for me to risk $1000+ on something that will just make me hurt in a different body part. Any ideas? I'm willing to even drive a few hours (Delaware? Philly? Baltimore?), if I found a good shop with several recumbents in stock.

What about Seaford Cycling and Fitness in Seaford, Delaware? http://www.bikesnbents.com/products.html

I know absolutely nothing about this shop except that they're one of the few in this area that has recumbents listed on their website. Might be worth a phone call to see what they have in stock..... Also, no sales tax here in Delaware

[LeakyDuck]

calico I second MonOnBike's recommendation for a recumbent. Two years ago I was 250+, suffering from high blood pressure and have a lot of ballance problems. I bought my self a nice mixte and started riding again. After falling off the bike 3 times in 3 weeks I decided that any benefit that I was getting from riding the bike would soon be offset by a trip to the doctor. I tried a recumbent and it was love. My husband and I have gone thru several since. For starters I would recommend a Short Wheel Base with a 20" front wheel. You want the SWB because it is easier to ride in traffic and a small front wheel will allow you to put your feet down easier when you stop. I am down to 199 and meds have decreased. I can now ride a standard bike again if I am careful when stopping (as that was where I kept falling over). I love my "Bents" but the mixte will fit on the front of the bus when I need to travel that way.

BUY A BIKE AND RIDE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cataboo]

These are the wheels that I just got for my surly:

http://cgi.ebay.com/09-Shimano-XT-36...742.m153.l1262

They're 36 holes on an XT hub, so they should be bombproof. I'm hoping.