Moral support needed: scared, paranoid, excited, stressed...etcetc

[txred9876]

I went into several shops and just acted like I had just as much right as anyone else to be there. Afterall.... my money is just as GREEN!

I had a few shops blow me off and I finally found one that has treated me wonderfully. I also asked questions about supporting weight ect....

I have ridden 3 different bikes in the last 6 weeks and all have supported my weight. I started out at 283.

I am currently using a cannondale dual assault hybrid. I like it, it is lightweight yet very strudy.

Tina

[Badgirl]

I agree, be up front with your size and own it. I was probably pushing 290 (& 5'10") at the time I bought mine. I, like my husband, have OCD when it comes to researching a product that I want. I OVERLY did my homework. Kind of have an idea of what you want, go in and talk to them, be open to suggestions, but don't be afraid to question why they are making that suggestion.

Ride the bikes, and don't be afraid to tell them if it doesn't feel right. They should try to make it either fit right or fine another option. At two of the shops I felt like I was squished into an open air sardine can and pretty much left in tears because I felt like a stupid cow. The 3rd shop I went to, was the one my brother used to work at, they had the bike I'd gone to look at (and really wanted) but it was the wrong size, so I tested the same one, a couple of models up, and loved it. It felt right, fit right, felt stable and well made and I felt like even if I never lost a drop of weight, that I wouldn't have to worry about my bike falling apart under me.

Even though I spent twice as much as I had set out to do, I'm happy I did, and I know I have a bike that if I do decide to get more adventurous once I've finished with my back treatments I won't have a bike I've outgrown. I've yet to break any spokes...yet. My husband is 6'5" and not a little guy and has broken many, they are fairly easy to fix and a good shop should have a bike maintenance 101 class.

It is a big step, and I'm excited for you. I still remember the nerves and butterflies I had going into that first shop.

I ride a Specialized Myka Expert, and I LOVE it!

[Mr. Bloom]

Well said badgirl

Stick to a reputable shop and I guarantee that you won't be the first person that they've met with your attributes. Find out who the best fitter is and make an appointment. Explain when you're making the appointment what your concerns are discuss it so he/she can be thinking about options.

If you post your general location/region, I'm sure you'll get referrals of the best shops to seek out for assistance...and it may be worth a drive to get a good fit.

[Softie]

Thanks for the ideas. Not having a car is part of the problem, that's kept me from at least looking at the shops so far and getting a feeling for them. I'm limited to 2 places I can walk/bike back from. Hopefully I'll get a good vibe from one of them.

[Mr. Bloom]

Not having a car is part of the problem,

well, this should open up a whole new world to you!

[Softie]

well, this should open up a whole new world to you!

That's definitely a major reason I'm looking forward to it. There are a lot of practical getting around implications, besides fun and fitness.

[Fontinalis]

I too was absolutely paralyzed at the thought of going into a bike shop and looking at bikes. And having the salesperson look at me and think that I didn't belong there because of my weight at the time. I literally felt like an elephant in a bowling alley. I agree with so much has been said so far in this thread : go in as an educated shopper. And that they, the salespersons, are probably even more uncomfortable then you are. Be the first to openly address the issues : will this bike, will these tires do, etc. What are the manufacturer's indications regarding maximum weight, etc. And find a salesperson that will really take you seriously, and that is knowledgeable, really knowledgeable. They are out there. They are passionate about bikes, and if they are really into biking, they are into biking for everyone.

It is all, in the end, about your attitude. I had done lots of research, I had asked around some friends who know more about bikes then I did, and I had done a bunch of phone calls. Some stores I didn't go to just because of how they answered my questions over the phone. Other stores I went too, and left within 5 minutes, because the salespersons obviously didn't know their stuff. But when I finally went into a store, a small neighborhood shop that had a great reputation, it was not nearly as traumatic an experience has I had envisioned. lol The guy had an infinite patience with me, and tweak that seat post a zillion time, and tweaked the handlebar a godzillion time. Actually, the guy trying to help me find the right bike was as tickled as I was to finding me a bike. He took it as a personal challenge I think.
And although I had done some serious shopping, narrowing it down to half a dozen make and models, I was open minded, and ended up buying a very different bike, one I didn't even know about. I test drove it on that small neighborhood street (thank god deserted!), and nothing broke, and the ride felt wonderful and natural. I was a kid again! And I was on my way to a whole new life, literally! I have been to the bike shop a few times since, and I don't feel odd anymore. I own a bike TOO you know, is what my attitude is telling people now. lol
Actually, once you ride your bike, that in itself is a huge confidence booster.
Just go and do it. Don't let anything stop you. Once you will have that bike, you will be so thrilled you did.

[tulip]

Not having a car is part of the problem...

Actually, it's part of the solution. Thanks.