Retired2013

WorksmanCycles.com. They start at $369.00 and will handle you weight. I am 260 and jump off curbs, riding them into ditches...

corwin1968

My opinion is that you (generically speaking) want a fine balance between comfort and performance. Forget drop bar road bikes. Forget mountain bikes. Forget cruisers. Forget cyclocross bikes. Every major bike brand has a couple of lines of hybrids, one more geared toward performance and one more geared toward comfort. Test ride at least one bike from each line and then repeat for another brand, etc... You'll find one that agrees with you and $500 is a reasonable starting point for a decent, beginner's bike.

My preference is for the sportier end of things (5'11" and 400 lbs). I don't like any suspension but I have them swap out the saddle for a more comfortable one, the stem and maybe the handlebars to get a higher position so less weight is on the hands, maybe new grips that are cushier and maybe new pedals. Butt, hands and feet are your contact points and you want comfortable components at all three of those points. Most shops have no problem with swapping them out on a new bike.

DMC707

I can'r speak for the bike --- i'm not that far behind you in weight and am shorter to boot ---

but regarding being self conscious -- i had to put this behind me when i started doing some swimming at the Y pool last year

I had to tell myself --- "Y'know, if someone has a problem with my physique --- then that is their problem . That's not my problem - I'm working on my problem by doing laps "

It works --- i mean, i didnt flaunt the issue by wearing a speedo or anything , but its hard to swim laps in a baggy t-shirt . I wear bib shorts to ride my bike too -- they're the best tool for the job, so i use 'em --- as i said , i'm working on my issues

Null66

Notice his SMILE!!!
Well that and he's ahead..

photogeekgirl

Hey I'm right there with you! I'm 33, 5'9" and 300lbs. I just bought my bike on Sunday and I'm hoping to use it to help get in shape too! The thing I like to remind myself (cause sometimes I feel embarrassed being so fat and sitting on a bike) is, "Hey at least I'm out here doing something about it! At least I care!" It's ridiculous to me that someone would ridicule another for trying to better themselves! So be strong, take heart, you can only get better from here.

tjax

Find the right Bike Shop for you, and stick with them for life. My favorite bike shop in Colorado is Olde Town Bike Shop in Colorado Springs. The reps there make me feel very comfortable at bike shopping. They treat me with dignity and respect, and have always fixed issues on my bike for free, and understand that I am trying to lose weight.

On the other hand, I had a horrible experience at another shop, where the reps were socializing with the super skinny racer guys, and paid me absolutely no attention even when I requested assistance.

I went to every bike shop in the Springs before I found "the one." I suggest you do too, I couldn't be happier with the place I got my bikes from, and the level of service and professionalism I have received. I have openly told them many times "Fatty is here for a new bike" and it's ok to make fun of yourself, it helps others to be more comfortable around you when they know you are secure in your own person.

As far as bikes go, only buy whats comfortable. I have a road bike, and a hybrid, as well as a 29er. I love my hybrid the MOST. It can take a beating. 7/10 on this forum would hate on the hybrid, but if it's not comfortable, and fun, you won't be riding it.

It's your money, try all the bikes out, and find one you like. Stock wheels and components are usually ok for a time, but it will break sooner rather than later. So I keep a little savings kitty in my account just for bikes, maintenance and upgrades. That way I will never have a sad day or month because I can't afford to fix an issue.

Also this forum is full of wonderful people, and lets be honest here, it's really hard not to smile when your on a bike.

tjax

"No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." -unknown

Bounderby

It's the same question that I had to answer for myself, and at 57 years old I didn't have the mobility you do. I started by buying a cheap used bike and then deciding what needed changing. It's an early form of cyclotherapy, which I'm sure will be familiar to others...buy it! The first issue was that any kind of leaning forward/drop bar stuff put too much weight on my wrists for comfort; it also made me fold over my belly which was uncomfortable. Having my thighs get the extra resistance training of pushing my belly out of the way did not compensate for the discomfort. The second issue was that my 250lb made most seats seem mighty small and personal, almost surgically personal. Thirdly, 'comfort bikes' ALL have horrible front suspensions that bottom out on a matchstick if one is a little..ehem...fuller figured. I've tried—OK, bought and tried, cyclotherapy remember—half a dozen different old bikes, and now I'm happy. I bought a Giant Elwood that was a few years old. This is a commuter/hybrid thing of no great charm, but with large wheels. Remember that the 29er MTB wheel is just a fat 700 road wheel, so a wider 700 hybrid wheel allows you (and me) to run 38mm semi slicks. The tyres make up for the Elwood's lack of front suspension (but it has robust front forks), and the upright sitting position takes the weight off my wrists (don't need springs). The seat is pretty good too, but I replaced it with a sprung Brooks B67—cost more than the bike—and now it does what I want it to do—allow me to enjoy my exercise rather than suffer it. Note the post by tjax...hybrids are REALLY GOOD for people who just want to 'get out there' and enjoy the ride. Now that I think about it...the bike I rode to school on 40 years ago is spec'd a lot like the the hybrid I now ride; it had no gears, but the upright sitting position, big wheels, and sprung seat took it everywhere. Remember that the cycling is a fashion industry and that bike shops need to sell stuff.

Telly

Hey FMOTM, good on you for taking the first step!

Like yourself, I started out at around 340lbs three years ago, and although I haven't (yet) achieved my goal to shed all my extra luggage, I have dropped down to 270 lbs and have VASTELY improved my health (physical, mental and financial too!).

I'll let the other members comment on hardware since I live in Europe and it's a different market here. As for general advice... take it one day at a time, set easy goals and conquer them whenever you can and don't stop rollin'!

Safe journeys and welcome to the Clydesdale club!