New and Full of Questions

[badgercat]

kimikaw, if you would really feel more comfortable with wider tires, you could also consider a cyclocross bike. They work perfectly well on the road, often have sturdier tubing than road bikes, and can fit tires up to 32. I've got a Specialized Tri-Cross that's been adjusted to have a touring-type fit and it makes for a very comfortable, sturdy road ride.

And Oakleaf's right. Bicycling Magazine frequently runs articles about folks weighing 300+ pounds getting into cycling. You're a feather compared to that, so definitely don't worry about your weight. I would think that the two most important things to consider are the type of riding you plan to do and whether the bike's geometry can be adjusted for your comfort.

Agreed on all of this. My boyfriend was over 300lbs when he got himself a very solid Cannondale cross bike just over a year ago. That actually came with knobby 700x35s. After a while, he switched them out to slick 700x28s (which I also did on my Trek FX).

Anyway, he looooves his cross bike (which he rides exclusively on the road). And he's lost 40lbs so far.

[Yelsel]

I love 'cross bikes just for the flexibility - you can run all sizes of tire, from skinny 23s to beefy 45s in some cases (Surlys -- and still have fenders!!!). The disadvantage of going with a cyclocross bike is that there no women specific models from major manufacturers -- though since people usually get a size down than they ride in road bikes, the top tube is then also shorter.

I suggest trying a Bianchi Volpe and a Surly Crosscheck, which have a relatively short and long toptube, respectively. My only bike for a long time was a Bianchi Castro Valley, a Volpe built up as a commuter bike (generator hub and fenders). True touring geometries are also great, comfortable road bikes -- usually a bit more upright position, and with a long wheelbase they are very steady on the road. All manufacturers have realized that most people are not 18 year old racers in aero positions -- they all have road bikes with more relaxed, upright, and longer wheelbase geometry: these are usually labeled something such as sport, endurance, comfort, coast-to-coast (for the Bianchi lovers).

And there are great deals on Craigslist and eBay; plus now is a great time to shop for bikes since the 2010 bikes are coming out, and the 2009 bikes are at steep discounts. I got my 2005 Bianchi Castro Valley in the summer of 2006 for $600 (vs $799 retail); 1998 Bianchi Eros off of Craigslist for $580; and 1996ish Bianchi Reparto Course Cyclocross for $610 on eBay; 2009 Novara Carema for $400 at the REI scratch and dent sale (42 cm bike returned because the person didn't like the ride -- smart woman because it has 700c wheels, so the geometry forward of the crank is actually a tad longer than my 52/53 cm unisex bikes -- but it makes a great bike for SO with his short legs and long torso, and works okay as a guest bike for smaller riders -- the headset can be raised upwards = back).

[dinabean]

Thanks to all for the help so far! Went for my first 5 mile ride yesterday, and I am itching for more!

[featuretile]

I have a Specialized Vita - my upgrade from a comfort hybrid. I still felt I was not ready to have dropped bars, and my LBS had a year old Vita Elite on sale. I really like it, but I never did try a Dolce. It's fast and light. I have added half toe clips and changed the tires from 28 to 25's. I am able to keep up on club rides now - a combination of being more fit and having a better bike. And I am older than you - 57.

[kimikaw]

You guys made me feel brave....

So took the big jump this weekend. Hubby suggested we go test some bikes, and who was I to argue? Ended up bringing home a Dolce Compact sport (54cm). Did swap out the tires but not that much bigger - replaced with Armadillos 25cc. Also swapped out the pedals from the toe clip ones to Shimano PD-424 which work as a platform w/ tennies and with a cleat. By the time they did all the swapping out, fitting me, re-fitting me, riding their trainer, being measured and re-measured, it was too late to really ride on Saturday.

But did get to take her out this morning. Rode nearly 27miles. What a dream. Seat is a bit thinner than I was used to, but felt fine. Did have some soreness in wrists will have to work on wrist position. What was most surprising of all was how great my back felt after. The last couple of longer rides on the old bike left my lower bike a bit sore. LBS had suggested that the more upright position may have been making my spine take more jolts. WHatever, it was fine today.

And here I was all worried about being hunched over on the road bike. Not the case, feels quite comfortable. No doubt the women's frame was the way to go.

Then today after the ride went back to the shop to learn how to do the cleats with the clipless. No real problems in the trainer. Came home, circled the driveway and fell right over. OUCH, my driveway hurts. My first skinned up knee in good knows how long. But picked myself up dusted off and rode around the neighborhood w/ my son. Kept taking left foot in and out, stopping, putting down that foot. So, how long until it is second nature?

[fatbottomedgurl]

You GO!!! Wow!
It gets easier every time, just unclip before you really need to. It does become second nature... After some really long mountain bike rides I have found myself unclipping from the brake pedal on my car. Hahah.

[uforgot]

Welcome to the "fell over first time in clipless" club. Sounds like your bike is perfect for you! Now we want pictures.

And I just have to say congrats on the weight loss! First time reading this thread and you have really turned things around. At 185 pounds, you absolutely don't have to worry about your weight on a bike any more. I think it's just a mindset that you have lived with so long.