Originally Posted by
Leinster
I wouldn't say "never'. I've ridden with a few fatties who could roll. There aren't a lot of them, but I've met enough to never take it for granted that a beer belly means a slow biker.
Yes, there are always exceptions. Like sumo wrestlers who are fat, but also highly trained and extremely flexible.
Originally Posted by
torque cyclist
in my area, most people my age (19) and even 40lbs lighter cannot match my performance. despite a bmi of 32.4, I think I do pretty alright.
LOL, from a different thread you wrote that your cruising speed is between 12.5-15 mph.
Originally Posted by
big john
I have a friend who is around 265-270 and he races as a cat 3. On flat ground he is an absolute ox. I used to ride with another guy who was at least 250 but he could get aero, his back as flat as a table. That guy would pull for miles on the flats.
Being heavy is not the same as being fat. For example, I bet your 265lbs friend is 6'4" or taller.
The point is that although weight plays a small role on the flats. If that weight is bodyfat and if it is not only 20 or 30 lbs but 50+ lbs, then it will be very hard for these people to maintain 20+ mph speeds. Another thing that happens with excess body fat is that body overheats much faster and will shut down to protect itself.