Bike riding for the heavy rider

Moz2ie

I don't have great knees & have never been a keen runner so thought bike riding might be a better option. I rode my bike everywhere when younger but am now very heavy. I am 154kgs. Are there are heavy riders out there? How do you go comfort wise on the tiny seat?

dougpconnell219

I am a 275 lb new cyclist myself.

Two words... Bike shorts. They feel like wearing a diaper, but it helps.

Since I figure me in public in spandex is a crime against humanity at this juncture in my weight loss process, I opted to go with bike briefs with a chamois under my usual gym shorts.

Also, you can upgrade your saddle. They come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and padding. Hit up your local bike shop.

wizzybeth

I got a bike with a wider saddle. At the gym I prefer the Recumbent bike as it has a chair like seat lol

Roza42

265 and I commute a 10 mile round trip. I use a Brooks B66 saddle. It is a heavy duty leather saddle meant for an upright posture. It may seem counter intuitive, but don't get a "gel" seat. The smushy seat will pinch after awhile. Seat size is not based on the padding on your butt, but on the width of your sit bones. I do have a standard road bike saddle on my tandem.

Something else to think about is posture. I have lost a little over 60 lbs and when I first started riding I bought a fitness hybrid. It was very uncomfortable to be leaning forward on. I would suggest something like the bikes Electra makes which allow you sit upright and put your feet down if you don't have to go up hills.

I ride a Yuba Boda Boda on my commute which is great. It is a heavy duty bike designed to carry 3-400 lbs of rider and cargo. It is geared low and I have never had to stop while going up a hill. If only it didn't have such a girly cruiser look.

Roza42

Oh, My morning commute takes about 30 minutes in each direction. I wear my work clothes. Usually jeans or leggings. In the summer I often wear skirts or dresses. I prefer my steel toe or hiking shoes over sneakers. The stiff soles are better for pushing on the pedals. Though I have been know to bike in heels or sandals. I ride on the road and people really notice it when I wear a bright dress.

If I am going out longer than 30 minutes I might wear a bicycle liner which has the padding, but is made of mesh and is meant to be worn under shorts. They are cheaper than a complete short. In other words, whatever you are wearing should be fine to start in.