Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Big Guy member here

First of all, I already posted an introduction but I wanted to place one here as well to say Thanks for having an area where larger people don't feel out of place.

A few months ago I decided to make a change in my life. I am 31 years old and weighed 305 pounds as of January 1. Through diet and walking I am currently down to 284 pounds. Since the weather is getting nicer I decided to look into bicycling as a new hobby and for fitness. Knowing absolutely nothing (haven't been on a bicycle since 1995) I looked to Google for advice on bicycles for heavier adults. What I found was this site and specifically this section. It has been very nice reading through the posts so I decided to join after hiding in the shadows for almost a month.

So long story short: Thanks again and I'm sure I will be bugging you guys soon with tons of newbie questions.

Welcome Scott,

Don't be afraid to post specific questions. There are a lot of folks here with a LOT of experience with cycling, and no shortage of opinions (up to you to decide which is which...) I find cycling to be a great way to get some exercise and lose some weight. Tho' I'm a long time cyclist I'm hard on a weight-loss program right now. 6'-4" was 267 Jan 2 of this year, am now 246 at the last weigh in and still going down. Cycling does not impact the hip and knee joints the way walking and running do, and so is easier on us big guys who crave exercise.

Again, welcome to the fold....

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

Well, welcome aboard!

First of all, don't diet. I don't mean that you should eat two jumbo bags of Doritos for lunch, just alter your mindset about what you eat and how much of it you eat. Diet sounds so temporary. I know, it's splitting hairs, it's just how I feel.

There are no shortage of people on this board who used to be > 300 but you should be able to get some good advice on what works for you and your riding style. Speaking of which, what are you looking for? What kind of riding will you be doing? (off road / mountain, casual neighborhood, bike path only, hard core roadie... etc). It will help people tailor their advice to you. Height is usually a consideration too if you care to reveal that. People taller than about 6'4" have their own cycling challenges. Last, what kind of budget are you looking at? I'll tell you now that your best bet might be to monitor Craig's list for a used bike that suits your needs NOW rather than buying a crummy bike from Wally World or the like.

Last, find some people near you to ride with. Personally, I'm more likely to ride if I have a commitment to go with somebody, I'm more likely to ride farther and/or faster and/or up harder terrain, and I'm also more likely to enjoy the time.

Thanks for the replies so far. I am 6'0. My riding will be the rural roads around where I live that consist of mostly poorly maintained paved roads with some gravel roads too. I started another thread about the bikes that I am currently looking at, but to sum it up I'm looking for any advice and currently checking out mountain bikes. My budget is somewhat flexible but would greatly prefer to stay under $600 OTD.

Welcome aboard. I already threw my 2¢ into the other thread you started.

Welcome aboard! Now, go ride yer bike. :)

Scott,

In July of last year I too was shopping for a new bike thought I really wanted a new mountain bike as I had been riding an EMS mountain bike for 3 years, don't get me wrong, I do love my new Trek 4300 disc, but as I have ridden more and more miles and gone out on longer rides I find my self longing for a more efficient bike. While they do cost a little more it may suit you a little better, specifically if you do not plan on doing alot of jumping and technical stuff try and see if a cyclocross bike will fit in your budget, I was looking at the Specialized Tricross will fit your budget. It sounds like you are doing the same type of riding as me.

Good Luck with making your choice! and of course let us know what you decide! and pictures too!

Alright, well one more thing to keep in mind is that you will need a bike, obviously, but probably some stuff to wear while ON the bike. Helmet, gloves, lycra bike shorts etc. Don't forget to budget for stuff like spare tubes, tire levers, a small tool kit, underseat bag, pump, water bottles etc.

Check the Clyde swap thread at the top of the page, maybe somebody has something for you there.

And I'd definitely look for something used that you can get on for a few years, and then treat yourself to a really nice new bike when you have some momentum on your side.

Alright, well one more thing to keep in mind is that you will need a bike, obviously, but probably some stuff to wear while ON the bike. Helmet, gloves, lycra bike shorts etc. Don't forget to budget for stuff like spare tubes, tire levers, a small tool kit, underseat bag, pump, water bottles etc.

Check the Clyde swap thread at the top of the page, maybe somebody has something for you there.

And I'd definitely look for something used that you can get on for a few years, and then treat yourself to a really nice new bike when you have some momentum on your side.

very good points, that I neglected to point out...

Welcome my friend. I started riding when I was 365 and now down to 305ish. It has been an awesome journey. Welcome and please feel free to ask anything you want on this side of the forum.

Thanks for the replies so far. I am 6'0. My riding will be the rural roads around where I live that consist of mostly poorly maintained paved roads with some gravel roads too. I started another thread about the bikes that I am currently looking at, but to sum it up I'm looking for any advice and currently checking out mountain bikes. My budget is somewhat flexible but would greatly prefer to stay under $600 OTD.

Welcome. My kind of riding except I stay away from gravel as much as possible.

Welcome to the best forum on the net, i ride a trek 4300 disc same as rec i belive, I love it and i thrash the crap out of mine on and off between commutes and ride that end in "oh look 2 feet of water and mud lets try this" .

As above you need lots of other stuff apart from the bike, honestly if you have any mechanical skills or a wish to learn hit up Craigslist you might fight a hybrid/MTB for cheap but you won't have the support of the LBS .

Let us know how you go, and remember DON'T try an ride 30 miles on the first day , build up your muscles and your endurance small rides each day are fun burning out because you attempted a silly amount is not so much.

anyway,

have fun enjoy your ride and welcome again

Tergal