Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Doc4
02-07-10, 01:30 PM
Hello there,
I've been cycling for a while now, averaging 600 miles a year. I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs and eager to share the joy of cycling.
My friend and I have been talking about tandem cycling for the future, and we need some help. He is 5'7" and currently weighs 320 lbs. His goal is to get down to 300 in the next two months with a another goal down the way of 250 lbs.He's been working hard at it, and I have every confidence he'll make it. We want to exercise together and share some cycling fun.
If we were to look into tandem cycling what weight should he work towards before we start into this? I know almost any weight can work, but realistically, what would be enjoyable for him? Are there bikes that can hold up to our combined weight, do we just need upgraded tires and a larger seat for him, or do we need to have something custom built (which is an option for us)? Is there a special kind of seat to look for? My seat is designed for butt-bone support, but does his wider size mean he needs something more of a bigger saddle?
What can we expect for his performance when he is so far overweight? If he can walk 5 miles then he can ride 5 miles? Ride 2 miles? Ride more? Should he be able to jog a bit before ever thinking about getting on a bicycle? Are there are resources for overweight cycling?
What about dietary concerns for someone overweight and cycling? I like to eat half a granola bar every 30 minutes and finish a ride with a sports drink or chocolate milk. These things seem to be in opposition of the good food my friend has been eating to get into shape.
What about cycling clothes for someone his size? Do they sell bibs for large people? If so, do you just order them online and hope they fit and look right? What are some other pitfalls we might run into?
Thank you,
Tom / Doc4
// This is a partial repost from the Tandem forum
I've been cycling for a while now, averaging 600 miles a year. I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs and eager to share the joy of cycling.
My friend and I have been talking about tandem cycling for the future, and we need some help. He is 5'7" and currently weighs 320 lbs. His goal is to get down to 300 in the next two months with a another goal down the way of 250 lbs.He's been working hard at it, and I have every confidence he'll make it. We want to exercise together and share some cycling fun.
If we were to look into tandem cycling what weight should he work towards before we start into this? I know almost any weight can work, but realistically, what would be enjoyable for him? Are there bikes that can hold up to our combined weight, do we just need upgraded tires and a larger seat for him, or do we need to have something custom built (which is an option for us)? Is there a special kind of seat to look for? My seat is designed for butt-bone support, but does his wider size mean he needs something more of a bigger saddle?
What can we expect for his performance when he is so far overweight? If he can walk 5 miles then he can ride 5 miles? Ride 2 miles? Ride more? Should he be able to jog a bit before ever thinking about getting on a bicycle? Are there are resources for overweight cycling?
What about dietary concerns for someone overweight and cycling? I like to eat half a granola bar every 30 minutes and finish a ride with a sports drink or chocolate milk. These things seem to be in opposition of the good food my friend has been eating to get into shape.
What about cycling clothes for someone his size? Do they sell bibs for large people? If so, do you just order them online and hope they fit and look right? What are some other pitfalls we might run into?
Thank you,
Tom / Doc4
// This is a partial repost from the Tandem forum