Can an obese woman ride a normal bike?

[blueyedgrl]

I weigh 300lbs and am in the process of looking for a bike to ride at the park with my young daughter. Are there weight limits or restrictions on a normal womans bicycle like you would buy at a local retail store?

[Fredwina]

There shouldn't be. (been there, done that)

[TsPoet]

There are weight restrictions on some bikes, just look those numbers up for whatever bike you want. Get some good tires, a good saddle, and get out there and ride!

[oxysback]

Nope. I ride a normal road bike and I'm (unfortunately) just under that weight. I did, however, make sure to ask about that issue when I bought my current road bike. I think there would only be an issue with a super-light carbon bike with the wheels with minimal spokes. Also, it might seem like a better deal to get your bike at a department store, but you will be much happier with a quality bike from a local bike shop.

Happy riding!

[PscyclePath]

What Ellen said...

Make sure you've got a good, strong, trued set of wheels (ideally 36 spokes or more per wheel) and make sure you've got a frame and saddle that's comfortable for you.

... and then go ride ;-)

Tom

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, the WHEELS might have a weight limit for some bikes, but you will be able to ride a bike. There are wheels that will be able to handle the weight--just be sure you get them for whatever type of bike you want.

[badgercat]

I'd think that for leisurely rides with a young'un, you'd probably be fine with just about anything? But if there'd be anything to pay attention to, I agree that it would be the wheels--my boyfriend weighs around 300lbs, and is always having problems with the spokes on his bikes that came with lower-quality wheels. But then again, he isn't gentle on any item he owns, and is probably much, much harder on a bike than a normal person would ever be around a local park. For the record, though, he bought a cyclocross bike (which, therefore, came with wheels that are made to take some pretty rough riding) which he uses as a road bike, and has never had a single problem with the wheels.

Ride some bikes and see what feels good to you, and have some fun with your daughter! Welcome to the forum!

[schnitzle]

I'm a big girl too and I ride a normal hybrid comfort bike. The bike shop never warned about any weight limits. If you end up popping a bunch of spokes you could get heavier duty wheels but so far for me this hasn't been a problem.

I second the recommendation to seek out a bike store instead of a department store. The employees can really help you find the right bike and get a good fit.

I think you will LOVE having a bike I know I do!

[channlluv]

There's lots of good advice here already. I am in the mid-200s and I started on a Palomar GT mountain bike, which has a steel frame and an upright riding position. I had to try a few different seats before I found one that suited my body. I suggest trying to get a good measurement of your sit bones before you go into the bike store so you can tell them that measurement.

Here's a thread about it: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=38934

You absolutely must get a good fit for your bike. Seriously. You'll only set yourself up for failure if you get something that isn't comfortable for you. Trust me. When I started, five miles seemed far. I barely made it around the lake path. Within a few months, five miles was hardly worth getting the bike out of the car. A year later, my standard training rides were 30 miles, and I celebrated my 45th birthday with a 50-mile ride, all on that Palomar GT, which I bought at Black Mountain Bikes, my LBS - Local Bike Shop.

You'll also want to get gloves and a good quality helmet.

What part of the country are you in? Our board members here are from all over the place. I'll bet someone here could recommend their LBS to you.

One of the concerns I had and still do with my second bike - a carbon-framed road bike I bought used on Craigslist - is that when I ride in the standard road bike position, my knees often bump up against my belly when I'm pedaling. It's not that big a deal, but it does affect my speed.

Good luck to you!

Roxy

[MommyBird]

I got out my Cannondale owners manual a few months back for a similar post.
There were weight limits listed for each frame covered in my OM.

I did a century last month and around mile 60 I saw a 300+lb guy get picked up by the broom wagon. Not because he physically couldn't keep going but because he had broken several spokes. He said it happens a lot. I agree with the people who are advising about paying attention to the wheels.

Biking is a great sport. You will love sharing the experience with your daughter.

[zoom-zoom]

My hubby had issues with broken spokes on his bike. He frequently gets over 250#s during the Winter months. As a result he had custom wheels built to accommodate his weight. No more spoke issues.

[Trek420]

I second the recommendation to seek out a bike store instead of a department store.

I 3rd it. Or we may be up to a dozen or so now. Find a local bike store you like, and get out and ride. Oh, and welcome to TE

[bismarckgimpy]

I am a newbie to touring. Here's what I have learned lately. Get your sitbones measured to find what width of seat would work for you. Get fitted at a bike shop. You especially want to make sure your seat is high enough so you don't put extra stress on your knees.

Explore new routes and territory to keep cycling fun.

I wish you the best.

[Road Viexn]

I am a heavier woman. I have not had any issues with my bike at all except the weight loss it has caused, 8 lbs and 9 3/4 inches in 3 months. Get out there and feel good about yourself!

[schnitzle]

Thread drift...
Uh so, I have to ask...when you're 250lbs, can they even find your sit bones?
Figure mine are in there somewhere hehe I think if I did the flour or playdoh thing it would just look like a huge butt print!

/Thread drift