Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Fat loss, Max weight for a road bike

So I had back surgery back in March which made me gain an additional 25 pounds, but thats just the cherry on top of my ice cream. I was already about 75 pounds over weight which brings my grand total to about 100-110lbs of excess fat or 300 big macs which ever comes first.

I used to ride 200-300 miles a week until 2005 when i moved away from college and got a job, (insert excuse here) So now that Ive average about 25lbs a year in weight gain I think its time to get back in shape before I get diabetes since it runs in my family.

So I drive to the storage and get my two bikes out drive to my local shop and purchase everything I need to tune them up. Which got me thinking about a few questions.

The bikes in question are a 2003 KHS Flite 300 Road bike and a 2003 Dimond Back hardtail (I think its a Reponse but i cant recall) MTB.

Back in college I weigh-in at approx 160 and now im at 275.

1. Should I still ride my road bike? I dont want to put too much strain on it.
2. If so, should I choose to ride the road bike instead of the MTB to maintain a higher cadence which will allow me to lose more calories?
3. If you guys don't recommend I ride my road bike. Should my next goal be to ride as long as I can maintaining a high cadence instead of going for distance or time.
4. Saddle soreness is HORRIBLE; I dont recall any of that it almost feels like I ran backwards through a corn field. I tried switching to a wider seat but it worst on my inner thighs so Ill stick to a smaller seat at hang in there with the pain.

I did take the MTB out for a spin three times last week but I was super slow and when I mean slow I mean less than 8 miles an hour. So it took me 2 hours to do 14-16 miles and Im going to be honest I took a Slurpee break at around 10 miles, hey im fat :roflmao2: but lets not focus on the wrong part of the story.

I remember part of what I loved cycling so much was the speed and remember riding and averaging 20-23mph and not even trying. So trust me when I say Im a little frustrated with myself trying to relearn the process. Any how im sure ill re-kindle my love with cycling again when it doesnt hurt my body and soul when I ride. Thanks everyone.

Worst case, you'll have to replace the wheels on your road bike. The frame will be fine.

1. Should I still ride my road bike? I dont want to put too much strain on it. As Tom stated, the rear wheel may need stronger spokes or an ungrade to something stronger. Try to fit a good quality 700 x 28 rear tire and inflate to 100 psi. This will be an improvement over the smaller width tire that the bike might feature.
2. If so, should I choose to ride the road bike instead of the MTB to maintain a higher cadence which will allow me to lose more calories? Yes, IMO.
3. If you guys don't recommend I ride my road bike. Should my next goal be to ride as long as I can maintaining a high cadence instead of going for distance or time.
4. Saddle soreness is HORRIBLE; I dont recall any of that it almost feels like I ran backwards through a corn field. I tried switching to a wider seat but it worst on my inner thighs so Ill stick to a smaller seat at hang in there with the pain. Raise the handlebars to help your back, you will then be able to use a wider seat since you are sitting more upright.

Cheers,

Michael

Good for you on dusting them off!

I am sorta the same story. I biked alot in college and can remember riding my 1994 Cannondale M400 MTB at 18-20mph without even trying. I stopped riding after graduating in 1997. I started riding again in 2003-2005 and now again in 2009. I am your size and the first couple of times holding a 8-10 mph average was very difficult. Now in just over a month I am cruising at 15-16 on the road bike and 13-14 on the MTB.

It is discouraging to have to re-learn old things especially when you were good at them in the past. I started riding again this past May and will just keep plugging along. I think your fine with your current roadbike. Stand up on bumps to help the bike out and go from there. You will be fine. Good luck.

My first ride was 7 miles and it probably took about 45-60 minutes. about a month and a half later, my butt doesn't hurt when I do two consecutive days of 20 mile rides at 15 mph average speed. Just takes time.

Like Tom said, frame should hold up on the road bike. I replaced the wheelset on my road bike and put some mavic cxp22s on. They have held my weight and have been care free so far (knocking on wood now). If you have a pain in the butt, try a new seat, made all the difference to me. It sounds like we are about the same size. Your bike will hold up if you treat her with a little respect.

Use 'butt' lube. :)
This stuff works great, I use it for long walks or hikes aswell. On the inner thighs, no more friction, yay!!!

http://www.pacelineproducts.com/Category56/Chamois_Butt_r.aspx

I was riding a road bike at about 260 lbs with no problems. As stated above just be carefull of the back wheel. Also, I hope everything is well with your back now. I have been out of commision for over 5 weeks with a back problem myself.

I was riding a road bike at about 260 lbs with no problems. As stated above just be carefull of the back wheel. Also, I hope everything is well with your back now. I have been out of commision for over 5 weeks with a back problem myself.

You don't think riding a road bike with an overloaded spine in a problematic position and subjected to constant shaking and occasional THUNKS! with an inadequate suspension system (aka the 24-28mm tyre) is related to your back problem?

I weigh 220 (I'd like to lose about 10) and I found riding a good hybrid with 32mm tyres "under sprung". I don't want to sound all Rivendell here, but now that you can buy low rolling resistance tyres lie Rubinos in 1.5 x 26 then there is another way. Or there are excellent 700c x 38mm tres for biks like the Surlys and the Tricross.

You don't think riding a road bike with an overloaded spine in a problematic position and subjected to constant shaking and occasional THUNKS! with an inadequate suspension system (aka the 24-28mm tyre) is related to your back problem?

I weigh 220 (I'd like to lose about 10) and I found riding a good hybrid with 32mm tyres "under sprung". I don't want to sound all Rivendell here, but now that you can buy low rolling resistance tyres lie Rubinos in 1.5 x 26 then there is another way. Or there are excellent 700c x 38mm tres for biks like the Surlys and the Tricross.

My back was hurt in a sudden injury. The bike had nothing to do with it. Actually I have had several people tell me that riding a bike has helped there back problems.