kenseth03

I went into a bicycle shop yesterday and noticed that everyone in there was skinny. I was the only heavy guy in the store. Maybe I am just over sensitive to my weight. I have even had bad days where I wouldn't even go in the bike store due to my weight. Maybe I am just being stupid about this.

Mr. Beanz

Yup, but I was the only guy in there with a snapped frame!...It's always that way for me. I've learned to enjoy it though. I really have a good time when someone I know is in there getting the royal skinny guy cyclist treatment while I watch knowing that I just thrashed him on the climbs!

Mr. Beanz

You know I did go into a shop beofre. I asked plenty of questins about a tandem. Guy looked at me and said to come back when I was serious. I had the cash in pocket, but he didn't get my business.

A few years later he's out of business and I have 3- $2,000, 1- $3,000, 3- $1,000, and 1- $500 bikes in my room. Nopt to mention a tandem, a roadie and a hybrid I have sold or given away! I guess I wasn't serious enough!

Bionicycle

Yes I've felt that way, but isn’t it fun to shatter their secure little world of stereotypes… most, not all, but in my opinion, most skinny little roadies view fat people as lazy and perfectly willing to stay fat. It really messes with their views of fat people if they find out that most overweight people really want to exercise, but don’t know how to get started, and get discouraged when criticized for not being in shape to begin with.

But, the cyclist that don’t feel that way, can be a world of encouragement when you get to know them.

At any rate just have fun…

v1k1ng1001

Yes, you are being over-sensitive and stupid. Sorry!

Aristotle says you have to do courageous things in order to become courageous. It's a just a store. Go in there and ask for the help you need. If someone's a jerk, tell them off. My guess is that once you establish a few relationships everything will be cool.

Don't let your anxieties and hang ups keep you from enjoying the sport.

thaetviking

Nope. I never worry about it. I am more then glad to walk up to the counter and say "do you want to make some money off me today or should I go somewhere else."

I am never shy about asking for the manager when they piss me off also.

chipcom 

HTFU! Wherever you go, hold your head high and be proud of who you are, even if down inside you feel that you are not what you could be or used to be.

StephenH

I've been in the same store three different times, got mostly ignored the first and last time, had about 7 different people ask if they could help me the 2nd time. I could easily have made assumptions about why they ignored me the other two times. But I think it just had to do with how busy they were, and nothing to do with me one way or the other.

The store closest to my house, I haven't bought any major items there, but they're always friendly and helpful. One of the other stores I went to, it was all skinny people (actually not "skinny", they were "fit", and there's a difference).

Anyway, don't give up, go in, ask for help if you need it. If the store is small enough that they start recognizing you, that'll help.

May seem like a stupid idea, but you'd probably get more customer attention if you RODE in. (Though I do recall a thread about somebody having their nice bike stolen out of a bike shop right under their nose).

Mr York

I go into the store and don't try to pretend I am *not* overweight. I let them know that I am excited because I can feel the weight coming off and my stamina going up. They get animated and wish me the best and are as helpful to me as anyone else.

Neil_B

I feel awkward about my weight at times. I feel sensitive about my knocked knees and scoliotic spine once in a while. I feel ashamed about my lack of experience cycling now and then. And then I take my heavy, crooked, inexperienced self out and ride. And I do whatever I need to do to keep riding, even if it means I'm dealing with folks who don't see me as I know I am - a cyclist.

unixpro

I don't usually get ignored by the staff that I notice, but I do get looks from the other customers. I patronize three different cycle shops, depending on what I need and where I happen to be. All three of them know me as a regular long-distance commuter, since I've shown up in each one in full commuting kit at one time or another.

The customers are another matter. They often seem puzzled why the staff is even talking to someone like me. Personally, I find it amusing when these people go out to try out a bike and can hardly keep the thing upright. These are the same people that look at me sideways when we're in the gym, until I lift my own body weight, which is nearly twice what they've lifting .

Just because you're big doesn't mean you're weak, or even out of shape. I'd be willing to bet your resting heart rate is lower, your blood pressure is lower, your stress levels are lower, and your cholesterol levels are lower.

SHOwned

i felt pretty much ridiculous going into bike shops and asking all the questions i was when i was looking to buy a bike. one shop ignored me, another suggested i look for a hybrid instead of a road bike...and the other helped me with every question i had, let me test ride everything i felt like riding and asked me if i needed help as soon as i came in the store. I had every intention of purchasing from them, but it was a financial and timing decision that forced me to go elsewhere. they will be where i go when i need things for the bike near where i go to school. btw, i'm 5'10" ~240, i'm in alright shape, just big.

starkmojo

I would agree it depends on the store- Some places are racing-trendy and some more casual. I remember seeing one bigger guy (and at 6'6" 250 lbs, I mean bigger than me.) he left the store because the salesperson said "we have nothing for you" I mentioned that I liked the selection at REI because I always felt treated well there. A couple weeks later I ran into him there and he was way happier- the staff were taking him seriously, offering him suggestions for a good starter bike.

I have seen him once or twice around town. He is still a big guy, but now he looks like a blond version of The Rock... I wish I could say t same for myself. I look like a hippie on a road bike.


Maybe we could put together a list of stores that are friendly to new users somewhere? Just a thought?

PATH

I used to be self concious about being heavy. I was embarassed to wear spandex and jerseys that were less than flattering. Then I realized that I was riding for me and who cares what anyone else thinks. I went into the local bike store and I was treated very well. I have been to some shops where I was ignored but hey I can leave and go to a bunch of other stores.

I research on the net in order to get information on the bikes I want. I get what I want or I leave. No biggie.

I am a proud clydesdale! If people don't like me because I am a Clyde then they can go to Hell!

Historian is right! We are cyclists! Period!

flip18436572

It really depends upon the person, not the store, but sometimes the entire store is that way. But, I think that is because of the management of that particular store.

I have always felt bad about my body when I am overweight. I was extremely obese and I am still overweight by the BMI charts and I still have fat to lose from my body. But a life style change has made the difference. Losing fat by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, watching calories, exercising every day and having a family that supports me has changed my attitude.

I don't live in a major city, but was really turned away by multiple bike shops in Omaha. I decided to try another one in Council Bluffs, and their attitude was much better and now it is the only place I shop. I ride a Jamis, because of them. I wanted a TREK, because that was the "name" I knew. After trying to deal with two TREK stores in Omaha, I doubt I will ever purchase a TREK, unless I move or I buy a used one.

Go into the store with an idea of what you want and ask questions. I tried that with multiple stores. It took a skinny (really just fit) bike store owner to understand that I was going to spend some money, but I was really a newbie to the bikes since being off of them for 25 years. He and the staff have been good to me and the three bike purchases I have done with them, and for some friends that I have sent his way also. They were also snubbed by the TREK store of Omaha, so they asked me where I bought my bikes, and now they will only go to him.

curbtender

What gets me is thier idea of "extra large". Usually meant for large giraffe and not a rhino.

neilfein

The people who work at my LNS know full well just how much I cycle. Never had a problem with this anywhere, but I'm a self-centered kinda guy.

cyberpep

I have also been snubbed at a TREK store in Toronto. Must be nice to have so much bussiness that you feel that you don't have to deal with customers over 200lbs. I only went there to look at a new TREK 520 touring bike but ended up not only not buying a bike there but I didn't even buy a TREK which was one of my top choices. There loss is my gain, I then went to another bike shop that treated me very well and has since gotten most of my bussiness.

Swimjim

I see skinny roadies in the bike shop all the time. I feel sorry for them really. Sure they can ride long and fast, but so can I. I know that if I can keep up with them on the flats, I can walk away from most of them on big hills. I feel sorry for them because that's the only thing they can do. Did you ever see two roadies fight? It's absolutely hilarious. I also scuba dive. These guys usually have zero upper body strength. I'd love to see them try and use a set of double tanks.
Just because your big doesn't mean your any less of a rider. The road lies before you and what you do with it is up to you. Personally, I train hard and bicycling is my ticket to stay in shape. It also has other rewards. I can also ride with my friends who do 10 mph. That's fine too. That's what they want to do. If you walk in a bike shop and the salespeople ignore you or make you feel uncomfortable go elsewhere. It's their loss, not yours. Bicycling is a sport that attracts a lot off posers too. A lot of so called roadies are just that, posers. Don't let them bother you. Life is too short.

Jim

CliftonGK1

I'm usually the biggest guy in the store (almost any store I go into.) One of the guys who works at my LBS is as tall as me, but not nearly as heavy. The shop crew has never made me uncomfortable, and I've never heard anyone else in the shop make any off remarks about me.

JOHN J

HEY SWIMJIM

Set Of Doubles COOL! Im a clyde and a Techie diver (mixed gas) Steel Doubles often with hang bottles plus a 30 filled with argon for the dry suit.

yep many roadies would have troubles putting on a single steel 88 let alone doubles or a single big johnson .

as for the riding well real serious rodies can usualy blow me away but weekend warriors not a chance

I dont do many group rides but when I do I get the hairy Eyeball from carbon framed TDF want -to -bes when I pass them on a hill on my fendered all weather machine.

and bike shops well I stay away from them as a rule unless I need a small part, in general they all have their speacialty and none of them think outside of what they have on the floor.

I had the same thing happen I was looking for a bike to commute on and do longer trips (my commute is 19 Mile) the shop manager said that the best bike for me was a real clunky hybrid with a padded seat and adjustable stem "NOT"

the other shops well they all cater to roadies or the weekend warriors that want a full suspension hydraulic brake with night vision and self sealing tires for the weekend MUP ride.

do things for yourself and who cares what the "system" thinks.

"John"

Condorita

Snub City Cyclery in Huntington Beach. Can you guess what I think of them?

Pinyon

There is a lot of that here, too with the roadie crowd. It seems like you have to be dressed like a successful business person, or be built like a long distance runner to get paid attention to. There are lots of hefty business guys that lay out the cash, and there is also a very large bike culture here, with people that have been riding bikes for 5-20 consecutive years, and lots and lots of ex-racers. All of the local bike shops are polite, but tend to be staffed pretty heavily with young competitive cyclist or triathalete types that naturally gravitate towards people with race-style competitive builds. If you are there when the owner/manager is out of the office or repair shop, you always get good service.

There is also a large bike counter-culture here too. But they tend to only ride to commute, and their bikes and gear MUST make some sort of anti-establishment statement. They tend to frequent the local bike co-op, and 1-2 bike shops around here where you almost have to show up on a counter-culture bike and wearing hemp clothing to get service.

As far as the local riding scene...well it is pretty large, and people openly consider you overweight and "not strong" if you are over about 175 lbs. Like I said, there are lots of ex-racers, and current masters or older-level racers around here. Clydes are treated politely, for the most part, but are mostly ignored by the "real" road cyclists.

andrelam

Here in the Buffalo are I see all sorts of people in the various bike stores. The store I bought my bike is the largest in town and now has three large stores. The staff is helpful, but due to the size it feels a bit "corporate." More recently I found an other bike store closer to home. It is smaller, and the work area is right in the middle of the store so the "guys" doing the maintenance are also the sales personel. I find that this store comes accross as friendlier. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to assist. Both stores cater largely to the family crowd and want to see bikes to moms, dads, and their kids. The smaller store tops out at around $2500 for the most expensive bike, the other store will stock higher end bikes in the $3000 to $5000 range. There are supposed to be stores in the area that are run by former racers and carry the higher end bikes exclusively. I won't bother going into high-end stores as I am dedicated commuter, not a racer wannabe. I would not have the money to spend on the $$$ bikes so I won't waste their time.

For some of the basic cycling supplies I've had good luck with Dicks Sporting Goods. The price for the Park Tools chain clearer I bought there was just about identical to on-line cost, as was the price of the Synlube. The other bike stores wanted at least $5 more for the same part. If the price is close I'll buy at the friendly LBS. I also like Dicks for my riding shirts. I get what ever nice breathable T shirts are on sale for around $20.

Happy riding,
André

BigUgly

Who gives a flyin' flippity flip what other's think? If I want something from the LBS I go in and get it. If they don't know me, I will bug them until I get an answer. I have went in to stores in my biker shorts, biker jersey unzipped exposing my hairy fat chest and stomach, dripping with sweat. My money is as good as anyone elses and I remind them of that if I need to. The stores that survive are the ones that provide service to their customers that make the customers want to come back. Any store can sell bike stuff.