steve85

Hey everyone, I'm new here and didn't really want to post till I officially had a bike.

I bought a '04 Trek 7200 Multitrack off craigslist. I rode it today and it didn't break when I rode it! I was only able to ride for about 5 minutes and I was already winded but I had a huge grin on my face the whole time. Even before I had the bike I never got that winded when I went speed walking.

My weight loss journey started with me at around 450lbs on January 21, 2011. Being only 26 years old it was definitely shocking I let myself get that big. Today I was 425!

I was so nervous. I thought I would never realistically be able to ride a bicycle unless it was specially built. I was afraid the tires would literally burst under the pressure of my weight. But those 700x35c tires held up ok, they did flex a bit but the ride was fine. I'm only going to be riding on a bike paths with wooden bridges.

I am happy with the bike I got, it came with a speedometer/odometer, lights, helmet(that actually fit), and a seat bag. I'm definitely gonna get my $160 worth out of it.

jethro56 

You've found a new home here with us. Welcome!

dcrowell

Don't be discouraged when you start breaking spokes, just have a bike shop build better wheels and keep riding.

I came this close --><-- to quitting at first due to cheap wheels with too much weight.

Aahzz

Welcome!!

jethro56 

Pluck each spoke. they should all have the same sound. Detail clean the bike. WD40 sprayed on a rag. You have a good sturdy bike but it will need you to keep an eye out for problems. We want you to suceed. So ask questions.

steve85

Thanks for the advice on cleaning, it does need some.

magohn

Nice job - Keep 'em rolling

exile

As another poster would say, "Welcome to the herd".

If you are in Florida keep your chain clean, but don't use WD-40. It will help at first to eliminate squeaks, but it won't last long and will do more harm than good. Use a good bike lube like Finish line or something else.

Good luck and keep riding.

thehook

Nice score on the bike. Craigslist can be awesome sometimes. Enjoy the ride!

Sayre Kulp 

Cool! Welcome - I look forward to reading about your progress.

thcri

Congratulations on the weight loss. I remember a year ago when I started riding and being only able to a few minutes too. Each day add a few minutes to your ride.

Mr. Beanz

A little note for you: 5 minutes into my ride, I'm winded too. I'vea obtu 35 centuries (100 miel rides) and every freaking one of them is the same, winded at 5 minutes.

I myself think a ride down to the corner convenienve store is way harder that the 30th mile of a 100 mile ride.

Simpl fact that 5 mintues in, your body hasn't warmed up and lungs haven't expanded to their full potential. It's not till after 10 miles or so that I even feel human on the bike.

My bet is that if you allow yourself a warm up period, don't push too hard to soon, you could easily do 10 miles. You might not want to stop there. I'm tli gyu, after th body warms up, it's a totally different story. I htknk most riders start to brath hard then sto thinking "that's it". It's not, allow yourself some time to warm up, you'll feel more comfy then you;lll enter THAT ZONE.

Don't be afraid to "let 'er roll" a little more. Good idea is to do a short loop around home just incase you do push alittl too much too soon. Heck, you can push your bike home if needed. But I'm thinking if you allow yourself a chance to warm up and get passed that winded stage withut doubt or panic, you'll do a gang of mileage and time on the bike.

Neil_B

Welcome, Steve85.

At some point we need photos of the bike. Rules, you know. :-)

Also, look at the before and after photos in the, err, Before and After thread. Two of the well-wishers above, Jethro56 and Sayre Kulp, also started out at 400 +. When you get up the nerve, add yourself to the gallery of inspiration there.

c_m_shooter

+1 to this

bradtx

steve85, I have to throw my $.02 in. The first ten miles are my worst, I didn't really know that others also took that long to get warmed up, if that's the right term. I generally just pick a lower than normal gear that allows me to pedal easily to start things off.

Things will break on the bike, don't become discouraged. If the rear wheel breaks spokes more than twice following a repair, it's time for a stronger wheel..front wheels generally do fine. Bike shops are generally knowledgeable (and sensitive) to a Clyde's or an Athena's needs.

Be sure to wear a helmet, keep the tires up to pressure and ride.

Brad

aricall

Hey congrats on the hard work. Keep it up. I've only been riding for a short while and I could only. Go about 2.5 miles at first and it keep increasing.....keep it up and have fun

steve85

Here is a pic of the bike I bought.


It is holding up very nicely and I am riding longer and longer each day. I did 8.5 miles yesterday which was double what I did the day before.

himespau 

Wow, keep up the good work. Don't overdo it right away and don't get too discouraged if one day you find yourself too sore because yesterday you did. If you need to take a day or two off it's not the end of the world as long as you do get back on.

gbpackers

Thats awesome man keep up the good work!!I am also new here and all the people commenting on here just make it so much easier to want to get out and ride great group of people here thanks everyone