too fat to bicycle? 300 lbs?!

[zeWoo]

Boy, am I glad you asked this question... I waited to chime in because I feared I might hi-jack the thread as my question(s) are a bit different, but I'm in a similar situation with weighing in at a little over 20 stone(sounds so much better than 300lbs, but that all depends on if you don't know how much a stone is... regardless, it all adds up to being a bit husky). Didn't see any reason for starting another 300 lb thread, so Calico... I hope you don't mind if I hop on your handlebars for a bit...

Hello friends... my friends call me Woo.

I've been lurking for a bit now, but decided not to post until I had a little more skin on the pole(wait... wrong analogy), errr... skin on the street, before I put in my questions, opting to just read and glean as much as I could, but since the topic came up I decided to pounce.

The long and short of my story is...<short first> "I'm fat"... now that I can say that aloud...what am I going do about it? Well, I want to cycle back to my ... I don't remember my old shape actually... well, I want to go back to whatever it is..

The long is, I got a temp job in Colorado last year... and on the first day I was on the job, there was this really fit looking guy standing next to me eating trail mix and he holds out the bag... and says, 'hey, I'm Jason... want some?' -- I declined seeing how I had my tiny weight problem(but man, did I want some trail mix)... he went on and although I thought it rather strange this fit guy really wanted to have a conversation with me, not so fit girl... we became real buddies with absolutely nothing in common, he was into cycling and road bikes, I was into comfy chair activities -- it was also a plus that the fit guy knew the ropes and he told me that my new job provided transportation -- wow, no one had mentioned it, so I got all excited until I found out the transportation was a bike loaner for the summer, at this point I could hardly make it to the top of a staircase without needing an iron lung(Colorado altitude) -- so what was I gonna do with a bike, I was sure it was designed to finish me off.

So Jason went with me to pick out a bike and gave me some tips on what would work best for me in terms of fit and comfort -- and even rode my really girly light blue comfort bike down the mountain into town, because I was afraid I would kill myself -- and slowly, after struggling around town on that thing, I found moments of loving it(don't worry there were plenty moments of hate too)-- on the hills I felt like I was eight years old again -- and by the time the job ended in August, I had started to shed pounds without changing my diet a bit and exercising had started to not be so much of a chore, it was kinda fun... especially if it wasn't just exercising, I was going somewhere, to work, to lunch, to run errands it was great... Through it all Jason continued to give gentle encouragement for me to get on the bike, proclaiming it was the best transportation on earth and to go on hikes(up things they called 14'ers...)... I declined those(I'm not crazy and didn't look forward to having to be plucked off a mountain by a helicopter) so I did my own thing... which was slow, but worked...

Then...I returned home to my old lifestyle and all that work went away, even though I bought a cheap bike when I returned... if you think department store bikes are bad... try riding a used department store bike(I was constantly fixing the thing and I hadn't even ridden it... thanks Youtube). I still got a couple of decent rides out of it ...before I just stopped and gained the few pounds I had lost back... A few weeks ago, I was reading an article about the Tour of California... and I saw the women's criterium and I was like, that is what I was meant to do in life, I had never seen a criterium, it looked like a ball, but there sure weren'tany fat chics in there-- So I got the bike out again, determined to take the pounds off for good, so I could do what I was meant to do... and on my second ride, my poor dime store bike literally fell apart, with me on it... er, going down a hill... er, really fast. I COULD HAVE DIED... but I didn't. So, I would say shear cheapness and my weight contributed to its demise --

So now I need a new bike, any suggestions? I would like something with commuting in mind that will slowly work me into a road bike in a year to 16 months...oh, I'm also on a budgie(isn't everyone?) I would like to keep it under 400 bucks out the door, but anything less than that... that works, is fine at the moment -- I've gotten conflicting answers on how much my weight is a factor in picking a bike... some say that any bike made by a trusted manufacturer(Trek, Specialized...etc) should be able to support me... some say I have to invest money in bikes like the Kona Hoss, which really isn't the type of bike I want -- the bike shops are intimidating to me, which is why I kind of want to be informed when I go in and then let them guide me the rest of the way...

I'm looking at the Trek FX series(and Trek's in general) -- I know it has more of a sporty geometry and suppose to be a road bike with straight bars and beefier tires(which I apparently need) I was wondering if anyone knew how it would fair with my size... I'm 5'11 -- dare I say, in OK shape for your not so average 287 pounder, not much of a stomach, it all goes to the hips, ya know-- since the bike died, I've been walking a loop I mapped out on google maps and/or taking the 250 steps to the 11th floor of my building(lord, I hate that, someone save me). I've already been through the really really sore stage and really don't care to do it again, so I'm keeping active until I get my bike... I haven't noticed any pain in my wrist, back or joints from being in a more forward position from riding my now deceased mountain bike like Calico has... I have noticed a pain in my rear, which doesn't seem to be unusual, so no worries there...

Tell me... am I making some silly school girl mistake... is my situation hopeless??

I just found out that I will get that temp job in Colorado again this year and really fit guy will be returning too -- maybe this year I can do some easy trails with him if I get going on the bike soon ....

Any suggestions appreciated... and thanks Calico for letting me piggy back on your thread...


Woo

[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

[Eden]

Tell me... am I making some silly school girl mistake... is my situation hopeless??
Woo

Absolutely not - if you want change nothing is ever hopeless. A month or two ago Bicycling magazine did an article about people who had lost a lot of weight cycling. One of them happened to be a fellow racer out here in Seattle. She used to be 272 lbs, at only 5'3". She took off 140 lbs and got fast enough to join an amateur racing team - all at the age of 51! It's not silly at all to look at the women at the ToC crit and think you might some day be out there - it is possible if you really want it - so think big and go for it.

[zeWoo]

Absolutely not - if you want change nothing is ever hopeless. A month or two ago Bicycling magazine did an article about people who had lost a lot of weight cycling. One of them happened to be a fellow racer out here in Seattle. She used to be 272 lbs, at only 5'3". She took off 140 lbs and got fast enough to join an amateur racing team - all at the age of 51! It's not silly at all to look at the women at the ToC crit and think you might some day be out there - it is possible if you really want it - so think big and go for it.

I think I spotted this article too, it's what really got my juices flowing -- One of the women was from Arkansas, lost over 100lbs, and is now winning crits and it was only 4-5 years ago she was in my position -- I realize to certain extent, stars do have to align for me to get to that level... but I so can do that, I know I can -- I know I can because of how I came around so quickly in Colorado last year, my fitness level shifted so quickly --

I can't wait -- in a year... year a half, instead of being built for comfort -- I'm gonna be built for speed!!!

[lph]

I just want to add - this is such an inspiring thread! and I hope you both have better luck finding good bike shops that can set you up with affordable bikes that work for you. They certainly exist, but not every 16 yr old backwards-capped bike store help would know.

I think maybe the biggest obstacle to losing a lot of weight is the same as getting much fitter or getting much faster on the bike - putting in the time. The effort is one thing, but you really have to be willing to put in lots and lots of hours over a long period of time, because biking isn't that intensive a workout. The upside is that that's a whole lot more fun than putting in hours at the gym Commuting by bike is a great way of sneaking in miles. But that's why you really need a bike you're comfortable on, and some nice places to ride. You'll be plain miserable if it feels like a chore.

[ClockworkOrange]

Wow Woo, great post................welcome to TE, it has just got to be one of the best, no, THE BEST site!

I so look forward to hearing how both you and Calico progress and with all the techno's on the site, you will get so much advice and help.

Take it easy.

Clock

[tctrek]

Calico and Woo - Welcome to TE! Hang in there and don't give up. And whatever you do, make sure it is fun! If you make it too much like work, it makes it easier to give up. So most of all enjoy yourself and your freedom on your bike!

[Biciclista]

Calico and Woo, welcome to TE

Woo, you have discovered the secret. JUST KEEP GOING.
and if you look for used bikes, you can get more bang for the bucks so to speak. Where are you? (stone??!)

[kitten]

I only started riding last year again, and I feel like I've regained my wings. Please stick with it. As you tone the pain will fade, and you'll find what works best for you. Funny story, (well maybe not), on one of my first rides out I was passed by a car with a bunch of teenagers and one of the girls yelled out,"wheres the seat"? I immediately put the mothers curse on her of course, and almost gave up on riding. I didn't though, because that feeling of freedom was more important than the opinion of some kid who will now go on to have a kid just like herself (ha!) Pain comes in all forms, it's just a matter of getting over, around, or through it. Obviously, your on the right path. BTW, I'm 230 from a high of 260. There's lots of us out there.

[derailed]

I respect your fortitude, and welcome back to the road!

My partner is a Clydesdale ( larger fellow ) for whom I needed to get a bicycle. I chose a Giant Rincon ( brand ) and swapped out the flat bar for BMX bars. We are still working on getting a seat which suits him, but the BMX bars being rather tall helped him quite a bit.
I chose this particular Giant because
low top bar - easy to straddle
sturdy frame
durable wheels
common sizes for components
"gripshift", which I consider to be a great way to learn gearing and shifting for the concerned novice
very forgiving gearing
No shocks or difficult-to-maintain parts
It happened to be inexpensive ( used ), but once I saw it I knew that that was the model/type I preferred for him.

There is always hope, and there will always be 100 people who admire and respect you for getting out and riding for every idiot with a mouth.
I wish you every joy on the road, and look forward to hearing about your new bike, your rides, and your experiences.

[nancielle]

Welcome to both calico & woo.

Doing a quick google search provided this info
http://www.supersizedcycles.com/bicycle_home

They're located in Vermont. Perhaps some possibilities there?

[zeWoo]

Thanks everybody... I'm still here, reading and when I settle on my first big bike purchase, (ya know something without a banana seat and painted in a sunshine theme.. that was my favorite)... hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll make a decision, I'll check back in. I check Craigslist everyday, but I honestly don't know what I'm doing and I am one to be easily fleeced and Craigslist bikeland looks like a fleecers playground.

I actually have checked out the supersized bikes site... I think it's a great idea and resource, but you also pay for the reinforced everything, as you should-- I'm hoping that I'm not that deep into the woods, and there is something in regular inventories that will work for me-- I've actually been on the plus side of 300 and have lost 60+ lbs, from my top weight and supersizedbikes would have been my only solution a few years back... really, just cut out all soda and juices and it just fell off, that was five years ago... so now I'm ready to complete the task -- I'm going to see what there is around here, what the LBS has to say -- and if I can't be helped there, then I'll have to go with another strategy...


Thanks... I'm watching and reading everyday...

Ciao for now...

[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