Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - A few noob Q's

Hey all, new to bicycling and the forums. I'm 6'4" and 230lbs. Not too big but I do got a gut I'd like to get rid of. I have 2 questions. I just recently got my first real bike. It is a mid-eighties Nishiki Olympic 12, aluminum wheels. With my build should I be careful/gentle with the bike? or no consideration at all at 230? Seems stable so far going over the wide speed bumps which are all over Chicago's side streets.

Also, is bike riding 20-60 minutes a day by itself a good workout regiment, or would 5-10 minutes of sit-ups/push-ups a day make a Huge difference? Atm planning on just bike riding.

Edit: I am looking to take it slow, have never really exercised before lol. So, better put, is just bike riding a good enough start?

Welcome to the forums!

I don't know much about the bike so I can't say anything about it.

As for the other questions, anything that's not sedentary is a good start. Though it is also advised by many to mix things up a bit (go walking, weight lifting, and so forth), instead of sticking to just the same thing.

But yes, as a start on the road away from being sedentary, the bike will do nicely.

My suggestion, just look to making it a habit right now. This means making sure you get on the bike 4-5 times a week, no matter how tired you are, even if it's only for 5-10 minutes. it'll take about 12-20 regular outings to make it a habit, that 3-4 weeks at 4-5 rides a week.

once it's habitual, build on it. bike longer, or faster.

to answer one of your questions though, yes, crosstraining will help. But, focus more on your riding, and before you really begin crosstraining, make sure you make your riding a habit.

and as to being careful? Always. This goes for every rider of any weight. Riding puts a lot of stress on your bike, and the more you weigh, the more stress is put on the wheels, especially the rear tire. Pay attention to your tire pressure and check it and the wheel regularly, and try not to take a hard drop off something like a sidewalk or into a pot hole.

Look at this it may help. Lots of choices for approximate calories used for various activities. Activity Calculator has the most options.

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/index_burn.php

Hey all, new to bicycling and the forums. I'm 6'4" and 230lbs. Not too big but I do got a gut I'd like to get rid of. I have 2 questions. I just recently got my first real bike. It is a mid-eighties Nishiki Olympic 12, aluminum wheels. With my build should I be careful/gentle with the bike? or no consideration at all at 230? Seems stable so far going over the wide speed bumps which are all over Chicago's side streets.

Also, is bike riding 20-60 minutes a day by itself a good workout regiment, or would 5-10 minutes of sit-ups/push-ups a day make a Huge difference? Atm planning on just bike riding.

Edit: I am looking to take it slow, have never really exercised before lol. So, better put, is just bike riding a good enough start?

I can try fielding the question about the Olympic 12. I built one up for a co-worker to commute on that I believe was a 1986 model .. frame size 62cm. The rider was 6'4" tall and weighs as much as you do. Used the 27" Araya wheels that originally came on the bike and all the stock components. It is used as a daily commuter and has seen action for about two years now and hasn't had any issues.

I actually raced a Nishiki OLympic 12 back in the day as a Cat 4 and pack fodder/tail gunning Cat 3. It's a great bike and will serve you well. I kind of doubt it's aluminum though if it's mid 80"s.

Hey all, new to bicycling and the forums. I'm 6'4" and 230lbs. Not too big but I do got a gut I'd like to get rid of. I have 2 questions. I just recently got my first real bike. It is a mid-eighties Nishiki Olympic 12, aluminum wheels. With my build should I be careful/gentle with the bike? or no consideration at all at 230? Seems stable so far going over the wide speed bumps which are all over Chicago's side streets.

Also, is bike riding 20-60 minutes a day by itself a good workout regiment, or would 5-10 minutes of sit-ups/push-ups a day make a Huge difference? Atm planning on just bike riding.

Edit: I am looking to take it slow, have never really exercised before lol. So, better put, is just bike riding a good enough start?

I started on a 83 Nishiki. I replaced the steel wheels with aluminum rims and could not tell the difference.
It is a good bike.
Ride safe.

Welcome aboard.

You just can't go wrong with a bicycle. You do need to ride daily (or nearly so). If it's at all possible, use it to commute to work. If that's difficult, then try to work it out anyway.

Commuting kills three or four birds with one stone.

^^^^
+1000 on commuting

^^^^
+1000 on commuting

x2

I would have a good bike shop true and tension the wheels. Loose spokes will lead to trouble, let a pro go over the wheels just as insurance.

Michael

According to most of the research I've seen, you cannot do focused exercises like situps and expect it to make your tummy smaller. If you want to do other exercises, you can. I've found that if you just do the things you find fun, as long as you are getting exercise, it's all good. If situps are fun, do 'em. If they aren't, don't bother just yet.

IMHO, big reason why cycling is a good way to lose weight and get healthier is that it's something you can get started on easily. You can probably bike a marathon distance if provoked, but you'd have to train a long time if you wanted to be able to walk/run the same distance and not hurt yourself real good. Go ahead. Bike every day. Get panniers and a rack so you can get groceries. Bike to work. I tend to think that the 30 lbs I've lost solely by biking all over the place should speak for themselves. :D