Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Embarrassed At Bike shop

OK I'm a Toad, 6'2" 350Lbs. I went to a fancy bike store yesterday in San Antonio, TX and was pretty humiliated "no sir we can't really sell you a bike, we don't have anything for people like you". I'm sure others have had the same experience so I will cut to the chase. I weight 350, I don't want to weigh that much anymore, I don't want to have surgery. My brother is 56 years old 5' 11" 140 Lbs soaking wet, and a 3:40 marathoner (I'm really proud of him) (we have the same parents, really) I could spend around $1000 on a bike (more if really needed) where should I go, what should I buy?

Toad Boy in Del Rio,

Dwight

Fine a Mom and Pop Bike Shop.
I had some of that with my first visit to a large bike store.
The second shop was where I bought a bike and have service work done.
The guy that sold me a bike weighted 220 lbs.
or
Go live with your brother for two weeks and learn his life stile.
Find something to start riding on. Used is best till you get stronger on riding.
It is fun once you get in shape.
My neighbor saw me after I rode for two months. She said "WOW", that bike is good for you.

Pick yourself up and stop beating yourself up! Those guys were *******s, plain and simple. Go and find another LBS, one that sells to everyone, not just pricks!

Jerry

Hey free pistol! Welcome...a bunhc of us here have been a embarrased before and told some really yucky things and heavy and on a bike! Read some more posts- especially before and afters! And know shoot you are ready for a bike!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=446847&page=3 (See Big Scott's post)

Come on over to our Biggest Loser thread - we are rockin and rolling and dropping the LBS!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=476042

OK I'm a Toad, 6'2" 350Lbs. I went to a fancy bike store yesterday in San Antonio, TX and was pretty humiliated "no sir we can't really sell you a bike, we don't have anything for people like you". I'm sure others have had the same experience so I will cut to the chase. I weight 350, I don't want to weigh that much anymore, I don't want to have surgery. My brother is 56 years old 5' 11" 140 Lbs soaking wet, and a 3:40 marathoner (I'm really proud of him) (we have the same parents, really) I could spend around $1000 on a bike (more if really needed) where should I go, what should I buy?

Toad Boy in Del Rio,

Dwight

Go to another shop. And send a letter to the owner of the shop that discriminated against you complaining about the service. Back when I was 400 pounds, I was denied service at a Foot Locker store in King of Prussia, PA. Other stores thought my patronage was as good as any other persons', and I took, and continue to take, my money there. I'm sure you'll find a bike shop to help you.

As for a bike, I think the Specialized Hardrock is still considered here as the uber-clyde bike of choice.

I've heard the story of two shoe salesmen that went to Africa. One came back in a week all dejected and said "Nobody wears shoes over here." The other one sent a message back to the home office that said "Send me some help. Nobody has shoes over here!" Fictional story, I'm sure, but I think that's what you're running into, and it's been seen before. And you don't have to weigh 350, either. Just some of these places have a preconceived idea of what a cyclist is, and if you don't walk in wearing lycra, you're obviously not a potential customer.

Read around on the Clydesdale forum here and try to get an idea of what kind of bike you're interested it and what other people ride. Generally, it's the wheels that give heavier people problems, not the frame itself, so check into the wheel cost while you're at it.

Then go visit another bicycle store or two and see what you find.

Don't assume it's all about your weight, either. One of the biggest stores in town here, I've been in there two or three times and was just pretty well ignored. Then one time I was in there and had about 7 different sales people ask if they could help me. The difference wasn't me, it was how busy the store was. I'm not saying that's the case with your first visit there, but if you walk in other stores and don't have salesmen jumping all over you, don't write 'em off too quickly.

i am getting back in the bike ride thing after a 25 year break. My wife got me a diamond back outback from dicks sporting goods and i am 275 lbs. and the bike works for me. I had to replace that small hot dog roll shaped seat with a 4x8 sheet of ply wood..lol and now my ass fits... lol all joking aside..
I did replace the seat that came with the unit with a larger seat and it made a difference. I know what you are talking about the humiliation in the bike shop. After riding for a few weeks i felt the need for a set of good bike shorts. Well instead first going to the bike shop and ask them (i did not want them to thing i was looking for a Halloween outfit).. I posted a post on this forum of what i was looking for and a bunch of guys on here told me what to get. So i did a search on the net to see how large those shorts go. (my jeans are a 44-46) well i found out some short company's run to 3xl. The first bike shop i called said that they have some but did not know what size they had on hand. The second shop said that the largest they carry was 2xl. BUT the guy asked me what was my pant size i was and i told him and he said they should fit. Out the door i go to the bike shop. I went to the first shop that did not know what size they had on hand because it was closer to me. Well i walked in and asked the kid to see the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. MICROSENSOR SHORT in 3xl and he thought i was pulling a prank on him... I seen the look on his face like "what the heck is a guy like u doing looking for a set of bike shorts" well the largest size he had was large and i asked him to show me where the dressing room was... YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HIS FACE AFTER I ASKED HIM ABOUT THE DRESSING ROOM!.. I was just joking with him and i left.
I went to the second shop that had the 2xl's in stock. Walked in and the guy said to me "are you the guy who called about the shorts" i said to myself here we go again they must be all alike! I said yes.. he showed me them and began to tell he that not long ago he himself was looking for a pair of shorts when he was getting back into cycling and they didn't have 3x and tried on the 2xl and they fit. At that point i sensed that the guy was NOT A PRICK and was out for my best interest. I tried them on and they fit. Point is i felt humiliated at the first shop! I will pass that shop to go to the one that made me feel at home. To answer your question i am 275 lbs. and ride a diamondback outlander and the bike holds me.
ant

Keep looking at different bike shops. You will find one that wants to help you. I found a small bike shop that wanted to listen to me. The others were big name shops and they didn't care!!!!

HI,
I weighed a lot as a life long CD, bigger people need stronger bikes, many of the Mountian bikes are weight forgiving when you hit pot holes or bump a curb . I believe the soft-tail bikes help preventspoke damage when hitting a hard bump.
I weighed around 265, not as much as you but still rather large for a bicycle nut.
My local LBS look out for me they invite me to ride with the weekend (C) group(slowest riding group), Get a good soft-tail mountian bike, keep the tires well inflated and ride it every day, pay attention to your fricton points on your back side they sell butter for your butt that help prevents blisters. I found some extra large riding pants that are like walking shorts with pockets and have a nice soft wedge to prevent soreness.
RIde a mile or two for week or so, and then gradually try to increase, do it every day you can.
After a couple months you will see a difference , I ve only lost 10 pounds but I feel great and look healthy. You have to start somewhere, activity changes your mass, you may never wiergh like your brother but you'll be as healthy. PS You Can do it many of the CD's here started riding too..And for goodness sake never buy anything at that first store ever...
Doug
this bike is rated to 550 pounds so there are some good bikes out their.


PSPS I find keeping the front tire at a lower pressure than the rear dosen't slow you down and really dampens the vibration my hands bothered me the most when I started riding.
DOn't buy a bike at wally-world or K-mart they can be dangerous due to part failures.

Here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=255193) is a good place to begin your bike shopping homework. There are quite a few Clydesdales that posted pics and info about their bikes. you can learn alot from their experiences.

Either the moron doesn't know bikes or he's too figgin' lazy to look for one! Find naother shop. there are plenty of idiots working in the shops. But there are some good ones too that will be more than willing to help, even if you're spending $15.

HI,
I believe the soft-tail bikes help preventspoke damage when hitting a hard bump.


I'd suggest the hardtail like the one you have in the pic. I just can't see pivoting parts holding up to the constant movement and jarring of the swivels. I'd bet a good rigid mtb and good rims.

I've seen softbeam tandems snap form the constant pouncing of a medium sized woman.:eek:

THAT IS BS!

I rode 10,000 miles while I was 350#'s and I only popped one spoke (OK, I broke a seatpost as well, but I digress). About 7,000 of those miles were on a STOCK Trek 7200 hybrid bike. You can ride, just make sure you get a good wheelset with at least 36 spokes.

I would write your local paper or media and tell them what these jerks said. Put 'em out of business I say.

There is a Performance Bike shop somewhere out by the airport in San Antonio I visited last summer on vacation. Everyone was nice there. Just keep looking around and don't let it discourage you. We will be your support.

Is this the right thing? The skinny guys at the first shop said that I would have to have special springs put in the forks so they would not break. Is this true?

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22087

There is a dealer here in Del Rio that carries them, it looks pretty dilapidated (the dealership) and I did go there first. But maybe they will help.

If I have a pants inseam of 31" what size frame should I get?

Dwight

First things first, take everything you learned at that shop and promptly forget it.

Being 350 pounds you should have just snatched the little jerk up by the shirt collar and shoved one of those bikes up his @$$

Is this the right thing? The skinny guys at the first shop said that I would have to have special springs put in the forks so they would not break. Is this true?

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22087

There is a dealer here in Del Rio that carries them, it looks pretty dilapidated (the dealership) and I did go there first. But maybe they will help.

If I have a pants inseam of 31" what size frame should I get?

Dwight


That' the reason I say go rigid(no shocks, front or rear). Shcoks have weight limits. I am at the top of the limit on my bike and they DO bottom out!:eek:

Depends on height too. I am 6'1 and ride a 19.5 mtb. I have a 31-32 inseam and ffel fine. But others with the same inseam but 6 inches shorter may not like the long reach to the handlebars.

Is this the right thing? The skinny guys at the first shop said that I would have to have special springs put in the forks so they would not break. Is this true?

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22087

There is a dealer here in Del Rio that carries them, it looks pretty dilapidated (the dealership) and I did go there first. But maybe they will help.

If I have a pants inseam of 31" what size frame should I get?

Dwight

That is BS about the fork. Your weight isn't riding on the fork! Trek doesn't have any weight limits on their suspension forks, and I can't imagine Specialized does either. The shop is just trying to discourage you because only the very thin, very young, and very affluent ride bikes - or at least so they think.

Ditch that shop NOW.

first things first, take everything you learned at that shop and promptly forget it.

+1.

Being 350 pounds you should have just snatched the little jerk up by the shirt collar and shoved one of those bikes up his @$$

I love this guy!

Trouble is, every time I loose my temper I feel worse than whatever got me there :-)

Dwight

I love this guy!

Trouble is, every time I loose my temper I feel worse than whatever got me there :-)

Dwight

[Enter PISTOL]

* Pistol. Qui va la?

* Henry V. A friend.

* Pistol. Discuss unto me; art thou officer?
Or art thou base, common and popular?

* Henry V. I am a gentleman of a company.

* Pistol. Trail'st thou the puissant pike?

* Henry V. Even so. What are you?

* Pistol. As good a gentleman as the emperor.

* Henry V. Then you are a better than the king.

* Pistol. The king's a bawcock, and a heart of gold,
A lad of life, an imp of fame;
Of parents good, of fist most valiant.
I kiss his dirty shoe, and from heart-string
I love the lovely bully. What is thy name?

* Henry V. Harry le Roy.

* Pistol. Le Roy! a Cornish name: art thou of Cornish crew?

* Henry V. No, I am a Welshman.

* Pistol. Know'st thou Fluellen?

* Henry V. Yes.

* Pistol. Tell him, I'll knock his leek about his pate
Upon Saint Davy's day.

* Henry V. Do not you wear your dagger in your cap that day,
lest he knock that about yours.

* Pistol. Art thou his friend?

* Henry V. And his kinsman too.

* Pistol. The figo for thee, then!

* Henry V. I thank you: God be with you!

* Pistol. My name is Pistol call'd.

[Exit]

* Henry V. It sorts well with your fierceness.

OK I'm a Toad, 6'2" 350Lbs. I went to a fancy bike store yesterday in San Antonio, TX and was pretty humiliated "no sir we can't really sell you a bike, we don't have anything for people like you". I'm sure others have had the same experience so I will cut to the chase. I weight 350, I don't want to weigh that much anymore, I don't want to have surgery. My brother is 56 years old 5' 11" 140 Lbs soaking wet, and a 3:40 marathoner (I'm really proud of him) (we have the same parents, really) I could spend around $1000 on a bike (more if really needed) where should I go, what should I buy?

Toad Boy in Del Rio,

Dwight

**** that bike shop. They're being *******s needlessly. LOTS of bikes from lots of shops will support your weight without any trouble. But, you'll find, as everyone (clyde or not) does, that you need help with some things as you are getting started out. And, for that you need a shop that wants to help you. It's probably worth wandering around and seeing how you like the reception at shops. When you find one that seems good, see how their bikes are.

There is a Performance Bike shop somewhere out by the airport in San Antonio I visited last summer on vacation. Everyone was nice there. Just keep looking around and don't let it discourage you. We will be your support.

I think Pistol needs to find a bike shop that's going to 'be with him for the ride', so to speak. I was lucky, the bike shop that I found was very supportive of a 275 pound guy taking up cycling. (They didn't know I didn't know how to ride until after I bought my first bike - I lied because I was so ashamed.) Had I wandered into one of the other local shops, I very well might never have gone as far as I have. If there's a shop that has lots of hybrids/commuter bikes/touring bikes/mountain bikes, he might find he gets a better welcome than at a shop that caters primarily to roadies.

Freepistol - welcome to the site. I look forward to hearing about your success, it will come. And BTW, you aren't that BIG on this site:)

1. Ride the bike and see how it feels. I bought a bike from CL for $20.00 when I was commuting between to homes so I didn't have to transport a bike back and forth. It felt comfortable and rode great.
2. Spend as little as possible. Get a used bike.
3. Get a MTB.
4. Don't get caught up in components. As long as they feel smooth and function properly.
5. Once you ride a 1,000 miles total you will have a feel for the type of riding you want to do and what feels good to you on a bike.

By waiting to spend your money on a bike after riding the first 1,000 miles you will make a better decision. If you don't keep with cycling, your out your 20 - 50 dollars. You will have other expenses when you start such as gloves, shorts/bibs, etc. Items you can continue on your new bike. By waiting you will also have lost weight, gained fitness, and flexibility. All of these come into play on getting a bike that feels comfortable. What feels comfortable today may not after the first 1,000 miles.

So get a cheap bike as soon as possible and ride, ride, and ride ("ride lots"). During the first 1,000 miles don't worry about interval training, hill training. or anything else. Slow steady miles until you have built this base. Some say you need to ride the first 1,000 miles each year this way.

I agree with 10 Wheels ... find yourself a "family owned" mom and pop shop.
My experience with these types of shops is that they are friendly and "care" more about the rider and finding the correct bike for them.

I have been in many "big box" type shops and I always feel like I am an "outsider" and they don't understand why I am there in the first place.

A few times I explained that I was shopping for my son and their attitude changed ... "Oh in that case" ......

I think you have come to the right forum... I have been here a very short while and have had very supportive experiences.

I second that. It took 5 months and 700 miles of riding a beat up Huffy Mountain Bike to figure out what I wanted and could afford in a bike. The key is to get something and get out there and ride.

That kind of **** just pisses me off. Like the others said, find another LBS. There are several of us above 300 that ride road bikes as well as MTB bikes. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the wheelsets 36 spoke (I personally like my deep v's) should support you just fine.

Here's a pix of what I ride at 320 (I built this with the exception of the wheels)

Post the name of the shop, its address and phone number. I'm sure we can help change their attitude......

Here's an interesting bike for you....off of San Antonio's Craig's List.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/881821423.html

Henry V!

My favorite!

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Huzza!

Dwight

By the way, print these 3 pictures and take them in to that shop.....

Me a while back (3 years ago, note, I had to use Oxygen to even ride and weighed 450 lbs)



And now, 211 pounds





I detest idiots like that.

OK I'm a Toad, 6'2" 350Lbs. I went to a fancy bike store yesterday in San Antonio, TX and was pretty humiliated "no sir we can't really sell you a bike, we don't have anything for people like you". I'm sure others have had the same experience so I will cut to the chase. I weight 350, I don't want to weigh that much anymore, I don't want to have surgery. My brother is 56 years old 5' 11" 140 Lbs soaking wet, and a 3:40 marathoner (I'm really proud of him) (we have the same parents, really) I could spend around $1000 on a bike (more if really needed) where should I go, what should I buy?

Toad Boy in Del Rio,

Dwight

I'm 380lbs and know exactly what you mean.

Firstly, there is NO truth to what the salesman told you. I'm sure that you can measure many success in other parts of you life, so don't let a cocky SOB shake your self esteem.

I'd be tempted to tell you to just forget it. But, if you really want to make a point, then take a photocopy of your $1000 sales receipt from another bike store, write a letter explaining your experience. then place it in the hands or the owner.

If it helps, i'd like to share a similar situation that I've experienced: I've been a member at a local gym for about 8months. When I started there, I felt very out of place, but decided that i wasn't there for any other reason than to workout. I've stayed focused on my workouts. And, even though I've had the odd encounter with a younger person that hasn't developed the personal skills to be polite to strangers, I find that most people are actually very cheerful and friendly towards me. Anytime that some young kid figures that he can pressure me to get off of a piece of equipment, I invite him to fit his sets in between my sets, and ask if he would mind spotting me. They usually end up having to take some plates off the bar for their sets. It's a very humbling experience for them :-) lol

If your focus is in starting the fitness process, do a search on what bikes others are recommending. Go to you local Craigs List and pick one up used for $100 +/-.

Later, when you determine your level of interest/commitment to the sport, you will be ready to buy a long term bike. What you want now, versus what you will want later rarely are the same bike. Better to get into this sport with a low cost (but good) used bike. You will be able to ride the $100 bike for a year or two, sell it for $100 (or more). If you buy a $1000 bike, in two years it will be worth $500 or less.

I know how you feel, I have been to about 10 stores and only 2 really wanted to give me the time of day. I really like the salesman at one store but the bikes are just a bit out of my league right now. Nevertheless he takes down bikes off the walls and lets me sit on them and get a feel for them, even though he knows they are out of my budget. He also took the time to show me how things work on a road bike.

The second store is also very helpful and the service is great as well, i have had work done on my current tank there and they are always terrific. I will end up buying my bike there and still going to the first store for assistance because i know they will treat me right.

I rode 10,000 miles while I was 350#'s and I only popped one spoke (OK, I broke a seatpost as well, but I digress). About 7,000 of those miles were on a STOCK Trek 7200 hybrid bike.

How did you fit on a stock anything? :eek: You're quite a bit taller than me, and I already have to pick from the largest of the regular production bikes.

I'm a bigger guy myself. Currently at 6'4 and 365 give or take. I ride a Specialized Expedition Elite Comfort bike. Got mine at Eriks Bike Shop.

After going in and spending nearly 4 hrs with the salesguy there and asking all sorts of questions, that was the one he recommended. Ive managed to log a few hundred miles on it in the couple months that i've had it. I think its good stuff. Sturdy frame, nice welds, sturdy rims and puncture resistant tires. Oh and a 'big boy' gel seat tyvm.

Dont pay any attention to what some anorexic looking sales geek says and find a shop that'll give you the answers youre after with a minimum of bull****.

Happy riding. =)

Reading this thread really exemplifies the phrase "Walk a mile in my shoes and you will understand" I used to be a very active cyclist until about 10 years ago and weighed about 185lbs , I would average three or four thirty plus mile rides a week in the summer. Then work and a back injury knocked me off the bike, I now weigh 260lbs down from a high of 290lbs and people do treat you differently it is a shame. I picked up a recumbent a while back and rebuilt my 96 stumpjumper this summer and I am back on the bikes for health reasons not for beauty but it sucks when someone thinks because you are large you cannot or never have done anything physical when it is the furthest thing from the truth.

I have a guy on another forum that totally does not see eye to eye with me w.r.t. politics.

Anyways, he knows that I'm overweight and has gotten personal sometimes by calling me 'fatso'

I shut him up for a few days by writing " How about you strap 200lbs of dead weight to your body, and we'll go for a walk? When you collapse from exhaustion, I'll help you or carry you back to the car"

When I first came to BF I was weighing 200-210 pounds. I was directed to Clydesdales/ Athenas by East Hill 'cause I wrote in my introduction that I wanted to lose weight. I started to bicycle and lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks. I haven't weighed 185 since 1984 when I graduated highschool! The clydes and athenas here are a great inspiration and support. I'm not legally a clyde but this is a good place to hang out. Now if I can just get rid of the rest of this potbelly! :eek:
Ernest

This kind of thing really chaps my butt. Not only were they were totally wrong about not having a bike for you, but they were rude to boot. I started riding my all stiff Cannondale mountain bike at about 365 lbs over 15 years ago. Everything but the saddle, grips, brake shoes, and tires are original on that bike.

Maybe we need to have a big clyde ride to that BS...I could accidentally trip and break something...

I bet I can name the store you went to.

Go see Howard Smith at Action Bikes in Universal City.

He treats everyone with respect. He will answer all your questions and
spend the time with you. I have sent several friends and co workers
of all sizes and skill levels to him and to a person they all love him.

I started riding at 313 pounds. The guy at my LBS that does a lot of the mechanical work is easily tipping the scales over 400 pounds. After getting three flats in one week I asked him, point blank, to tell me if I was just too damned fat to be riding this bike. He just laughed and said, "Dude, have you looked at me? I ride a bike just like that!"

They didn't want your business. Find a business that does. You can definitely ride though, regardless of what they are saying.

OK I'm a Toad, 6'2" 350Lbs. I went to a fancy bike store yesterday in San Antonio, TX and was pretty humiliated "no sir we can't really sell you a bike, we don't have anything for people like you". I'm sure others have had the same experience so I will cut to the chase. I weight 350, I don't want to weigh that much anymore, I don't want to have surgery. My brother is 56 years old 5' 11" 140 Lbs soaking wet, and a 3:40 marathoner (I'm really proud of him) (we have the same parents, really) I could spend around $1000 on a bike (more if really needed) where should I go, what should I buy?

Toad Boy in Del Rio,

Dwight

Oh man. I usually only come on this site to leach advice from the mechanics forum. But for some reason I clicked on your post and I felt compelled to reply. I'm really sorry you had this experience. Don't let this discourage you from cycling. Please don't take this the wrong way but you are a little stout to be getting on a bike right away. Maybe this is a great opportunity for you to shed some pounds. Find your self a COMPETENT personal trainer. Don't go to some bozo at the local gym who'll lure you into a year long contract. Find somebody who knows what they're talking about. I'm a certified personal trainer myself but I studied exercise science and physiology in school so I'm not you're typical idiot who plagiarizes Men's Fitness magazine. Anyway, drop a few pounds, get lean and mean, and then get yourself a nice hard tail and try mountain biking. Good luck man!

PS - You can still ride a bike BTW. The bike can take it.

OK I'm a Toad, 6'2" 350Lbs. I went to a fancy bike store yesterday in San Antonio, TX and was pretty humiliated "no sir we can't really sell you a bike, we don't have anything for people like you". I'm sure others have had the same experience so I will cut to the chase. I weight 350, I don't want to weigh that much anymore, I don't want to have surgery. My brother is 56 years old 5' 11" 140 Lbs soaking wet, and a 3:40 marathoner (I'm really proud of him) (we have the same parents, really) I could spend around $1000 on a bike (more if really needed) where should I go, what should I buy?

Toad Boy in Del Rio,

Dwight

Check out a different store and (personally) I'd only spend about $600 or so. Here's why: If you're heart is in it, you'll be putting some serious mileage on it. (starting slowly and working your way up) You'll probably want to start with a good comfort/hybrid type bike that'll be excellent for you to get back in shape (this is what I've done anyway). Now, a year into it, I'm ready to move onto faster/lighter bike to enjoy. I currently have a Trek 7200 and it's done wonders for me and my body. It'll stay with me, but I'd like to alternate my commute with a Trek 7.5 FX or so.
I start in Feb '08 @ 320lbs. I'm currently residing around 230lbs. Still losing inches in the pants (gone from a 46 to 36 now), but the scale is staying the same because the muscles are growing (and they weigh more).

You can do it. Just keep your head down and quietly chant "Feel the burn.... Feel the burn"

went to store today to get a new wheel since my old one from the 80's was all taco'd, went to store said i need something heavy duty sicne i go through some potholes and rough streets.


his advice---lose weight, so not cool.

went to store today to get a new wheel since my old one from the 80's was all taco'd, went to store said i need something heavy duty sicne i go through some potholes and rough streets.


his advice---lose weight, so not cool.

My response: I will, starting with the cash I was going to spend on a new wheel.

I have a guy on another forum that totally does not see eye to eye with me w.r.t. politics.

Anyways, he knows that I'm overweight and has gotten personal sometimes by calling me 'fatso'

I shut him up for a few days by writing " How about you strap 200lbs of dead weight to your body, and we'll go for a walk? When you collapse from exhaustion, I'll help you or carry you back to the car"

WOW! You got a troll to shut up! I've never managed that feat at rec.games.chess.politics. Or even here. :)

Please don't take this the wrong way but you are a little stout to be getting on a bike right away. Maybe this is a great opportunity for you to shed some pounds. Find your self a COMPETENT personal trainer. Don't go to some bozo at the local gym who'll lure you into a year long contract. Find somebody who knows what they're talking about. I'm a certified personal trainer myself but I studied exercise science and physiology in school so I'm not you're typical idiot who plagiarizes Men's Fitness magazine.


This reminds me so much of some bogus advice I got from a poster on the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia email list that I had to check the posting name to see if it was the same guy. (It isn't.) In that case, it was that I needed to put in hundreds of miles on a trainer before riding outside. In both cases, I call BS. Both Bdinger and Tom Stormcrowe weighed more than the OP when they began riding. And I'm sure there are other posters here as well who outweighed the OP.

This is the exact same reason I've yet to 'shop' at a bike shop, I'm 0nly 5'7" and weigh about 340, not exactly the kind of person you see on a bike around here but after seeing the pics of of Stormcrowe and reading the other stories I have a renewed sense of 'I can do this, screw what everyone says!', you guys are an inspiration.