Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Clydes

Greetings from Frederick Md!

New to the boards, returning to cycling after 20 yrs. I was 309 lbs when i bought my Specialized crossroads elite. I've lot 5 lbs in my first week of intake control and exercise. Currently i ride after/before work approx 5-6 miles up and down some slight grades. All in all i'm still very motivated and enjoying my new found routine.

I found i'm slowly trying to change my 'comfort' bike to more of a road bike. I've dropped the bars, raised the seat and will be looking this w/e to maybe change the bars altogether to some road bike type (any opinions about this welcomed). I just feel like i want to "GO!" and i feel more comfortable laid out and pedaling rather than sitting up.

Anyway, waves to all. Updates will probably be done on Saturdays (when i weight myself). Short term goal is 250, long term 180.

wheeeeee

K.

Hi Odyssyus and welcome to the forums, it's always nice when a new person introduces themselves :) Congratulations on your cycling and weight loss so far, you keep it up and soon those 5 mile runs will be your warm up. Regarding your question, the crossroads elite will never be much of a road bike no matter how much alterations you make to it. The relaxed geometry will not allow it. However there are many ways you can squeeze some speed out of it. Start by getting rid of the suspension seat post and the front fork. When you pedal your bicycle some of the energy you transmit into the pedal stroke will be absorbed by the suspension system. Ever notice your fork bobbing when you pedal uphill? That's energy that could be used to propel you forward. Next look into narrower tires. It defies conventional logic but clydes don't need wider tires, they make the ride a bit more plush but many of us (myself included) run 700 x 23 with no issues, your rims might not be able to accommodate a tire of this narrow so you may want to check with your mechanic before doing this. If you are thinking of putting road bike bars on it you might as well start checking your local CL or the classifieds for a used road bike. By time you buy the bars, wrap, and new shifters you will be well over a couple hundred dollars. Just not worth it in my opinion to sink a bunch of money into a frankenbike that will never be a particularly functional road bike. You could look into picking up a set of bar ends if you are interested in more hand positions on longer rides.


Now if it was me: I would wait until I hit my short term goal of 250lbs then reward myself with a real road bike. Keep the crossroads for riding MUPs, rail trails, or short trips with friends and family.


Now that you have gone and introduced yourself I'm going to have to ask for some pictures of this bike of yours. Forum rules.