alfonsol

I have a buddy who is on the weight-loss train. I've been talking up all the benefits of cycling that I've reaped in my time in the saddle and he went ahead and put down the Seattle-To-Portland as a stretch goal.

Now, he's pretty big nowadays. He still won't reveal his actual numbers but my un-educated, visual guess would be 450-550lbs.

So I wonder, whats the heaviest someone has been when they first hopped on the saddle? My main concern would be the bike being supportive enough and, in a close second, his physical well-being (knees and stuff).

Thoughts?

Jtgyk

I was around 400 when I started. Several on this forum were heavier.
Check out BDinger at his site: https://www.chubbysuperbiker.com/

And Tom Stormcrowe's info: https://www.bikeforums.net/member.php...Tom-Stormcrowe
Tom has a website too, but I can't find the address. Tom? You out there?
A ha! found it: https://theamazingshrinkingman.blogsp...years-eve.html
Your buddy's best bet will probably be an old, non-suspension, Mountain bike. (The Specialized HardRock seems to be a favorite here on this forum)
The weakest part will be the wheels (particularly the rear) so the higher the number of spokes the better.
Ride until the wheels too many spokes are breaking, then replace the better wheels...or rebuild the originals.
The frame of the bike should be OK.

If he rides in the correct gear, with His seat at the correct height, he shouldn't have a problem with his knees.

Jtgyk

Tom"s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maDm0Gi5-io

takingcontrol

I started at 526lbs on a KHS Urban express from city bikes in Portland. I would recommend something with a more upright riding position to start with. As he progresses with the weight loss he may find that he wants a more aggressive bike (I/E faster). That was the case with me and I recently have switch to an 80's steel road bike.

Also I plan on riding the STP in 2010 and would love to get a group from the forum who all wish to ride it.

StephenH

Scroll down to the bottom and check the pictures:
https://www.lightfootcycles.com/big_tall.php

Worksman also makes a Personal Activity Vehicle which is suitable for heavier riders. (Their regular bikes are good for a pretty good weight as well.)

Big Lug

I was 452 when i started. https://picasaweb.google.com/thelug/WeightsLoss#

txvintage

What's the heaviest weight to get started at? I would say what ever weight he will be tomorrow, so might as well get started today.

In all seriousness, there are some amazing stories here that will pretty much show that one can get started at some high starting weights. The key considerations are physical health at the beginning so get checked out. The bigest factor is wheel strength. It may take some time to find the right wheel, but it's a search that once complete is worth the hassle.

Having someone who can and will ride with you is a huge advantage.

Kamala

STP is a great goal! I went from 8 miles to STP in 4-5 months last year. Saw one guy out on the ride (before I read this forum frequently) whose size absolutely flabbergasted me (and I started up near 400 myself). Eminently do-able and your buddy will be amazed with his progress and want to keep going.

RedWhiteandRed

What is STP?

psalm

Seattle to Portland, I believe.

takingcontrol

This is STP. https://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm It is a two day double century ride from Seattle Washington to Portland Oregon ride. My furthest ride to date is 64 miles so I have a bit of training to do, but the ride is in July so I have time.

dbikingman

I am thinking about doing the STP this year. As luck would have it if I fall off my bike just past the half way point I will land in my brother's front yard, might be part of a grand plan. Not to high jack this thread, will need to start one.

The STP is the Seattle to Portland bike ride, 204 miles with around 10 to 12,000 of your closest friends.

Back on topic. I agree with the post, that says start today regardless of your weight.

timmythology

Tread has been pirated, sounds better than hijack. Would any other Clyde like to set up training rides for in the spring? I found last year that training was better with others. Portland, Salem and Vancouver have many good rides for training. Just thinking out loud.

miamijim

From a physical well being stand point I think cycling is less strenuous on the joints than walking or running. 2 things are key in regards to anyone enjoying cycling, first is bike fit, if its not comfortable its not going to be fun. Second is proper bike selection, your friend will need one stout bike, look into a mtn bike, with NO suspension ans LX level components or better. Its no fun to ride if your bike is breaking all the time.

He'll need big mother tires, high quality all metal mtb downhill pedals or perhaps BMX freestye pedals.

garethzbarker

at 550.... jeeze it just seems like you wouldn't be able to pedal without your legs hitting the bike. i know if i don't were tight pants they get caught in the drivetrain. that could totally happen to your leg couldn't it?