I've seen a lot of improvement in my cycling over the past two years. I'm wondering how much my weight is limiting me.
When I started, I would trashed after 10 miles on a road bike, or 5 miles on a mountain bike on some mellow trails in my area. Through the help of some awesome mentors, consistent riding and suffering, I'm now achieved these things:
- 180 miles in one week on the road bike (8,000 feet of climbing)
- 60 miles in one week on the mountain bike (8,000 feet of climbing)
- 4,200 vertical feet of climbing in one road climb
- a 30-mile, 3,000 vertical foot climb, 4-3/4 hour mountain bike ride
- Going from a struggling 'C' rider in my club to hanging with the 'B's
- etc.
With all this, I've maybe dropped 15 pounds and 2 pants sizes. I'm still around 270. With my work schedule and lifestyle, I think I can realistically get to 245, and dream of being 220. I rode 100 miles a week on average last year, and this year I'll ride more.
If I can continue to lose weight, what can I expect with my cycling? Faster, more endurance, or not much change? I'm just wondering what other people have experienced. Thanks.
CliftonGK1
02-12-08, 10:43 AM
Not 50 pounds, but I've gone from 265 to 230-235 and noticed a big difference in my endurance. Climbing hills is easier, riding in the drops is possible now without kneeing myself in the belly repeatedly, and I generally feel better (don't get winded as fast, feel better starting from a dead stop, not so hard on components any more.)
Tom Stormcrowe
02-12-08, 10:55 AM
As a matter of fact......yes, I noticed a distinct increase in performance ;)
Loss: 372 pounds
Out of a wheelchair and on a bike
Off Oxygen, and all blood pressure meds as well as insulin
Other areas of performance are also far better....(Happy wife ;) )
flip18436572
02-12-08, 11:13 AM
Weight loss will help in performance, as you will not have to work as hard to do the same things as you are not pulling the same weights.
I have noticed more of an improvement in my endurance, but I also swim, run, elliptical and lift weights. I also use a heart rate monitor to give me some idea of my effort. Perceived effort does not always match up with my heart rate, so I am 100% heart rate monitor now.
sigg.switz
02-12-08, 01:13 PM
I wasn't nearly as large, but I rather short. I was 200 lbs and I am now down to 150. I will tell you that my quality of life has shot through the roof. Being able to haul ass on the road or up a climb is a huge reward. I recently took an additional 5 lbs off, and yes that even makes a huge difference for climbs. Anything to increase that power/weight ratio is going to benefit you. Keep up the great work, it pays dividends to lose the weight.
CastIron
02-12-08, 01:24 PM
Dropping +~70 lbs helped performance immensely. Having said that, don't expect miracles.
-holiday76
02-12-08, 01:27 PM
this is me.
http://www.brian-payne.com/blog/motivation5.jpg
Thats a 90 pound difference. Day 200 was last friday. I've only been on my ride bike once for 15 or so miles a few weeks ago and I of course saw a huge difference. I rode recumbents before and did mostly long tours (1,000+ miles). I can't wait to see what I can do now. I expect to be a bit faster and more comfrtable on a upright bike now.
HandsomeRyan
02-12-08, 01:31 PM
I dropped about 50lbs (although not entirely through cycling) and I have seen a dramatic increase in stamina. I don't feel a lot faster but I can go at a steady pace for a LOT longer than I could before.
JohnnyC
02-12-08, 01:33 PM
Went from 301 to 255 from Jan 2007 to now. Dropping the weight has improved all aspects of my cycling - and it's getting better all the time.
mgmoore7
02-13-08, 07:02 AM
I have gone from 237 to 210 since August of last year. I have definately noticed a big difference.
haenous
02-13-08, 09:23 PM
after dropping around 70 lbs, there are definitely endurance as well as performance benefits...I can go alot longer and alot faster.......both on the road and on the mountain bike. Have seen a huge increase in my running given that I could only run about 1/10th of a mile the first day I ran and felt like my heart was going to explode and now can pace 8:40 on 5k's
cccorlew
02-13-08, 09:27 PM
Hey. I'm not a clyde (I saw this go by on spy), but I did drop 50 pounds and it's a HUGE difference. I notice in my cycling, but even more just going up stairs. My tennis game is also better. I'm getting to drop shots and just don't wear out any more.
TrekJapan
02-14-08, 04:08 AM
In the last 7 months I've lost nearly 60 lbs and I haven't really ridden that whole period of time but I can tell you that I can definitely tell you that there's one HUGE hill at the start of my ride when I go a certain direction. It's almost enough to make you not want to go that way.
Anyway, I suck it up and climb and I can tell you without a doubt it's a lot easier dragging 198 up that hill than it was 257.
Without a doubt you gain a lot from a loss.
John
Caincando1
02-14-08, 06:09 AM
The first 50 I noticed mild differences but didn't really see great benefit until after the second 50. Even then it was mostly in climbing and flexibility to ride more aero. The last 50 I've been on the trainer and I've seen really no difference obviously. Riding the trainer is all about power and endurance so weight isn't a big factor. I’m excited to get back on the road and see how things feel not that I'm this light.
jaxgtr
02-14-08, 06:03 PM
I lost 85 lbs and with that, I have lost weight all over, have toned and put on muscle in my legs and have probably the best aerobic capability I have ever had. I don't get winded as fast, sweat as much and my resting heart rate has almost been cut in half. When I started in June 2006, it was 78, now is 42. 30 mile rides are nothing anymore and I almost feel bad if I don't do at least 20 miles when I take a ride.
conurejade
02-14-08, 06:22 PM
I've lost 55 lbs so far. Besides the obvious improved fitness and endurance, my biggest thrill is more flexibility. It is just plain more comfortable to ride now and I can get in a much more aero position (you know..... less actual 'body' in the way) :D
pelotonracer
02-14-08, 06:24 PM
230 to 160 lbs, -70lbs.
I used to get dropped on climbs. Now, I drop people on climbs.
Replace "climbs" with any other road section in above sentence, still true.
Do it.
Tom Stormcrowe
02-14-08, 06:37 PM
Only if you're crazy enough to match me on a long DH. ;)
Replace "climbs" with any other road section in above sentence, still true.
ronjon10
02-14-08, 07:08 PM
Schnee, make it happen. I cut about 20 minutes off my climbing time on GMR when I went from 280 to 235.
The good socal climbers still drop me on the climbs, but at least they don't have to wait as long at the top :) Actually I moved from the back of the pack to the middle of the pack on the heavily populated rides. Sweet.