Originally Posted by
metalheart44
I have done some searching about the issue of loosing weight and bike fit. In general, folks seem to think that some minor changes usually occur, but nothing that would require buying a new bike. I am curious about your experience with moderate weight loss (20-30 pounds) and any changes that were made in bike fit as a result of weight loss ...
I am asking the question because I am having a new bike built and have received some advice that perhaps I should wait until I am at my desired weight and fitness level ...
I built my current road bike in 1996 and spent at lot of time in the saddle under 150 pounds. Then I gradually grew old, lazy and big and quickly grew much bigger after breaking a leg and not walking for months.
At 215 pounds, the drops were uncomfortable so I didn't use them and I often rode on the outside curve instead of the hoods.
At 205 pounds I rode on the hoods more but the drops were still out of the question.
At 195 pounds with about 1,000 base miles over the preceding 5 months the hoods were perfect but the drops too much for more than occasional use.
At 180 pounds with another 2,206 hard miles over six months the hoods are perfect and I find the drops comfortable and a good way to pickup a few more RPM if I'm riding an interval on my 19 cog and the 21 would be a bit much.
I'd guess that if I bought the bike when I was big I'd have swapped a compact drop bar for something deeper, shorter/higher stem for something longer (or perhaps just lost spacers), and a bigger cassette for a tighter one none of which are terribly expensive.
If a new bike is going to encourage you to ride more because it fits better and is otherwise more comfortable or let you ride harder because the gears are closer or have more range it'll get you to your desired fitness and weight levels sooner.