too fat to bicycle? 300 lbs?!

[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