Gracin

So I've decided to make some big changes in my life, one of them being my health. I'm a big guy 6'2" not sure of my exact weight because I avoid scales like they'll bite me, but I know I'm over 400. At my weight walking/jogging is hell on my joints, so I thought about cycling. Unfortunately I also have some inner ear problems that cause my balance to be a little wonky at times. With all this taken into consideration I was left with the thought that some sort of recumbent would be best. I don't have a big budget at the moment, because I'm laid off so can't exactly afford a brand new bike. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

sstorkel

Unless you're buying a recumbent tricycle, I would think that a 2-wheeled recumbent would have all the same balance problems as a normal upright bicycle: you still need to balance and if you lose your balance, you're still going to fall over. Sure, you might not fall as far but if it happens while you're riding rather than stopped you're still going to get scraped and banged up.

Because recumbent bikes aren't nearly as popular as "standard" bikes, so finding a used recumbent that will handle someone as tall as you are may be a real challenge if you're not located in or near a bicycling mecca. I am located in a cycling mecca and the number of recumbent bikes available on Craig's List is pretty small (~20 ads out of 2500). Discard three hand trikes, a couple of tandem recumbents, and the junk bin specials and there are only 8 bikes offered for less than $500... and some of those look a little iffy.

Perhaps an adult tricycle might be a better option? There are several people in my neighborhood who use these for hauling groceries from the store to home. Dunno much about trikes, but it looks like Walmart still sells the Schwinn Meridian. Worksman sells trikes and there must be at least one more option because the ones in my neighborhood don't appear to be made by either Schwinn or Worksman.

BaseGuy

I think you are on the right track. Scour CraigsList and see if you can find the right used recumbent. Do what you need to do and get out there and start riding. I think you will love it.

TrojanHorse

Hop in the pool until you find something suitable. Swimming is fantastic exercise. If you have access to one, an elliptical is also very easy on the joints.

I agree with skipping jogging but you may still want to do some walking.

DarthMonkey

While you are looking for a bike (it might take some time to find an appropriate one in your budget range), start getting ready by getting those other changes in your life going. Get your nutrition in order, maybe buy, beg, steal, or borrow a stationary bike and start building up how long you can go for, or mix in some other activity.

Good luck

CircleofOne

I was in a similar financial situation before I got my bike. For about 6 months I made an effort to get out and walk every day for an hour or two. Usually between 4-6 miles, with headphones or without. That made a big difference in my initial weight loss, got from a size 48 pants to 40.

If you can keep your mind entertained while walking (admittedly I love riding versus walking because my mind has something more to focus on), it's a great way to start getting in shape while you save a buck here and there towards getting a bike.

10 Wheels

Get a used exercise bike from Craigslist.They are very boring but you need one.

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/sgd/5648294064.html

Get in some easy walking.

Losing weight is all about What you put in your mouth.
Write down everything you put in your mouth everyday.
Not the amounts but just list the food and drinks.

I rode this in The Heat of the summer and Gained 0ne pound.