Fat and Unfit - How to Start Biking?

[PamNY]

Internal hub sounds good. I don't think I want too many gears as it seems confusing - the last bike I rode only had three!

It's pretty flat here. I can definitely avoid hills until I get fitter. This trail is a couple of miles from my house: http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-horse-trail-dublin

Gears are not at all confusing, and you may want to cycle on hills sooner than you think.

Especially when you first start cycling and are working on your strength, it's lovely to be able to slip into a very low gear to do a slight incline or deal with a strong headwind.

No reason to be afraid of gears at all -- it's all very simple and logical, and within a short time you will know what gear you need to be in to get where you are going.

[Bethany1]

Welcome!

I have a Townie with internal gears. They are well designed and the gearing lets me go up hills. It's really hubby's bike and I don't ride it much. It's actually a nice ride, but it really wasn't meant for any kind of long distances or for going terribly fast. I do like the flat foot technology though. If you just want to cruise around, it's great, but that's about it. It's fairly heavy as well.

You'd want a bike that sits upright or you'll find yourself squashed into your bike in agony. Once I got my Fargo and wasn't in a pretzel formation, my entire riding outlook changed. Pay for a professional fitting. It's really worth it.

The hardest part at first was the clothing. I felt like a stuffed sausage about to explode and that everyone was laughing at me. I found that mountain bike clothing fits me much better and I like the look. You need the lightweight clothing for ease of riding and they are designed loud so that cars can see you. Jeans/pants get chewed up by your chain rings and once you start sweating, they turn uncomfortable.

When you get your bike, we want pics. Or if you have questions about bikes you are looking at, post away.

Being overweight is hard but getting out there and doing something gives you power and that is an amazing feeling.

[malkin]

If you Google "Bay Area bike shops" you'll get a map with location markers and listings, and if you click on the listings you'll be able to read reviews.

It's been (quite) a while since I lived in Berkeley, but the world really has changed for the worse if you can't find a bike shop that will serve you!

[Trek420]

If you Google "Bay Area bike shops" you'll get a map with location markers and listings, and if you click on the listings you'll be able to read reviews.

It's been (quite) a while since I lived in Berkeley, but the world really has changed for the worse if you can't find a bike shop that will serve you!

Why just use Google when there's TE Much more better.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=46985

[sirenizzed]

Wow, methinks I have stumbled upon a wonderful support group. I too am significantly overweight and decided that biking would be the best way to get me active. Low impact on joints and i still break a sweat. I just purchased my bike a few weeks ago. I got a Bianchi Torino Dama, well look at the avatar. I quickly discovered my bike seat and I do not get along. We arent friends and im not even speaking to it anymore. I ordered a Brooks B67 today and once that comes in, stella ( not my real name) can get her groove back.

[goldfinch]

Wow, methinks I have stumbled upon a wonderful support group. I too am significantly overweight and decided that biking would be the best way to get me active. Low impact on joints and i still break a sweat. I just purchased my bike a few weeks ago. I got a Bianchi Torino Dama, well look at the avatar. I quickly discovered my bike seat and I do not get along. We arent friends and im not even speaking to it anymore. I ordered a Brooks B67 today and once that comes in, stella ( not my real name) can get her groove back.

Congratulations! A few weeks ago I bought that same bike for my sister. I'll have to ask her how the seat is doing, it does look like it is overkill in the width department.