Am I to fat to ride a bicycle
seanmscahill
Posts: 9
Hi All,
I am 5' 10" and I weight 275lbs, I would love to get a bike this summer to get some additional exercises but I am afraid that I might be to big.
Anyone here in the same weight range get a bike and if so what kind? I was looking at the Surly Cross Check.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sean
I am 5' 10" and I weight 275lbs, I would love to get a bike this summer to get some additional exercises but I am afraid that I might be to big.
Anyone here in the same weight range get a bike and if so what kind? I was looking at the Surly Cross Check.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sean
0
Replies
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As long as you can ride it, why not? I don't think weight has anything to do with it, it's all about balance. I know 275+ men who ride motorcycles and it's the same thing, all about the balance.0
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I started at 282 lb and I could ride a bike with no problems.0
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As long as you can ride it, why not? I don't think weight has anything to do with it, it's all about balance. I know 275+ men who ride motorcycles and it's the same thing, all about the balance.
I agree. Don't let your doubts get in the way of exercising especially if you like to ride a bike.0 -
I used to ride a bicycle for work when the weather allowed instead of a car and I loved it. It hardly felt like exercise or work because I enjoyed it so much.
edit : I weigh 210, plus I had like 10 lbs of gear on the back. The bike we used was a smith and wesson.0 -
Well you do have to get a bike for your weight. I would go to a bike store. They can custom fit you and make sure its right for your weight. Bikes at walmart, kmart, ect are not made for your weight range. Theres no reason you cant ride even at a higher weight. Good luck.0
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Absolutely not!
My husband is 6'4" and was just about 300 lbs when we started riding. However, I most definitely recommend that you go to a specialty bike shop to get fitted. He started out with a Schwinn from Target and was miserable to the point of riding maybe 10 minutes. We finally got him fitted and he had to have an XL bike -he can now ride 20+ miles with me. Even with weight lost, he is at 280. We went with Specialized cross terrain (cross terrain is better for our area and LOVE them. And we both truly enjoy riding so it doesn't seem like work. Great exercise.
Hope this helps!0 -
I have a friend who is severely obese. He has diabetes and was starting to have related complications, including being one breath short of heart failure. He borrowed a mountain bike and started by going around the block and built up from there. He has lost quite a bit of weight and improved his health somewhat.0
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Absolutely you're not. But like the others I recommend you go to a real bike shop and get fitted for a bike appropriate to your frame / weight. I'm your height I was riding our tandem when I was 300+ (just not so well )
You might want to check out the bike forum here http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/248-Clydesdales-Athenas-(200-lb-91-kg) for a lot of bike information specific to larger riders.0 -
Hi All,
I am 5' 10" and I weight 275lbs, I would love to get a bike this summer to get some additional exercises but I am afraid that I might be to big.
Anyone here in the same weight range get a bike and if so what kind? I was looking at the Surly Cross Check.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sean0 -
i got on a bike for the first time in a LONG time last year and at that time i weighed in at about 430 lbs. it was not a specialty bike, but i was able to ride it a while, sure the seat kinda hurt some, but i got to where i could ride it for a few miles no problem after just a few times riding it. i am down about 50 pounds more since that time and this summer i plan on getting back on that bike and riding more. it is a whole lot of fun.0
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If you can physically ride the bike, then no you're not too big to. If you're worried about crashing or something, try a stationary.0
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For sure not too fat. And I bet you'll love it. Riding a bike is so fun, makes you feel like a kid again! Have fun!0
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Check out www.bikforums.com and click on the Clydesdale and Athenas category. You will find people who started riding at over 500 lbs, and have worked their way to onderland through bike riding. There is always threads on what kind of tires for heavier guys, what kiind of spokes, etc. One thing that stands out though is that any bike, will typicallly handle a heavier person. How long it lasts depends on how good your spokes are tightened, how good your tire air pressure is, and what kind of terrain you ride on. General street riding and multi use path riding is the easiest on the bike.
sorry the correct url is www.bikeforums.com0 -
Yes, support your local bike store. Kmart/Meijer/Walmart bikes are not good enough! And you'll be thankful in the long run to have a good bike that fits and is easy to ride! And think of how much more fat you'll drop when you do start riding like a kid again :-)0
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My husband was riding at 330 last year. But his bike was an older Wal-Mart bike that was too small for him and while he worked up to longer rides, it was always uncomfortable for him.
I completely agree with going to a specialty shop and getting fitted for a bike. It's not about weight so much as it is about height, as a proper bike should still fit you even when you've lost the weight. But if your legs aren't extending properly throughout your pedal cycle you will have a very uncomfortable ride. Oh, and you'll probably want to throw out the seat it comes with and buy a nice wide one with good padding for comfort.
My bike was $500 at a specialty shop a few years ago. I went with a commuter bike, which is a road bike/mountain bike hybrid and comes with a naturally cushy seat. The salesman picked a taller bike for me than I would have picked for myself, and I have never been sorry. A good bike it worth its weight in gold, even if it is a bit of an upfront investment.
But no, you're not too heavy to ride. Not by a long shot0 -
What kind of Bicycle are you talking about? Big Black from the MTV show Rob and Big road a bike and that dude is huge.0
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I started at 350 pounds and was very active on my bike. It is a Specialized Rockhopper 29er. Never gave me any problems with the weight load I put on it. The cheaper department store bikes always broke on me. I am down to 276 and can't wait for cycling season to start as I have never been this thin for a good ride.0
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Hi All,
I am 5' 10" and I weight 275lbs, I would love to get a bike this summer to get some additional exercises but I am afraid that I might be to big.
Anyone here in the same weight range get a bike and if so what kind? I was looking at the Surly Cross Check.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sean
Hey Sean, You should know Fat Bottom Folks make the rocking world go - round. I say get on your bike and ride!
Enjoy0 -
Bike riding hurts me the seat cuts off all the circulation to me nether regions, LOL!0
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absolutely NOT!!! I've seen people of all sizes and shapes ride.
it is the best excercise without straining....just be sure you have a bike that fits you....don't spend a lot of money as you will be changing it out as you progress.0 -
Cycling is a great way to blast calories. Second buying a higher end bike and getting properly fitted. Wear a helmet too. If you have a smart phone you can use Endomondo, Strava, MapMyRide, etc to keep up with your metrics and post them to your exercise here.
I been cycling for several years now, but a crash last year got me sidetracked. If I can help, please feel free to friend or PM me.0 -
ahh bike riding is the best! and such a great way to get stronger and more fit! like above posters have mentioned, you might not find any ol' bike does the trick...but you can definitely get a bike to fit you! something to look for specifically is double rimmed wheels. They are built stronger ...not only for heavier weights but for hitting curbs/potholes and such.. even though going to a bike shop might be a bit pricier than picking one up at wal-mart or somewhere like that, it really is worth it. they can make sure you get the right bike and that will make all the difference in the world when it comes to you sticking with it or giving it up. good luck and have fun!!!0
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You should be fine
Go to a good bike shop and look into a mountain bike or a hybrid to get started. They are stronger frames and can handle heavier riders
Good luck!!0 -
I was mountain biking at around 250.
Definitely go to a bike shop though. Tell them what riding you want to do. The Surly bikes are great, but you might find something you like even better, or even a better price. But most of all, fitting and setup are really important.0 -
I dont think u are. I want a bike too. I saw one in walmart I wanted. It was up front by the checkouts and marked down, may have been a christmas return. It was sporty and neon green and my mom and I were looking at it like a couple 5 year olds would. So cool! An old guy was looking at us and smirking and kinda laughing but trying not to. I could tell he was trying not to be an asshat but I'm thinking these were things that came to mind:
1. That my mom at 68 looked like a broken hip waiting to happen
2. That my chubby butt was gonna topple right over on that thing
3. Really ladies? Neon? How much attention are you looking to get?
*shrugs* I still want it!0 -
NO. YOU ARE NOT TOO FAT TO RIDE A BICYCLE.
I suggest you got to a bike shop and get a proper bike, though. Those weak Wal Mart specials wont cut it.0 -
The bike you chose looks like a very good choice.
I started riding again when I was around 270 last year and I am about 5'10". I have a trek 1500 with an aluminum frame. About 4000 miles and 50 pounds later my riding is still going strong!
I wouldn't worry too much about the bicycle, some people have claimed being over 240 and riding comfortably on a carbon fiber frame. If you are still worried, rest assured steel will be stronger and more forgiving (in terms of absorbing shock) than carbon or aluminum at a cost of weight. Still a really solid choice if you plan on riding on different types of terrain or want to expand to longer distances later on.
If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a message.0 -
Yes, you can certainly ride a bike, but like others have said, go to a bike shop to get fitted for one. You would most likely like a 'comfort' bike for now. They have larger seats that are more comfortable and are made for larger riders. Cycling is a great way to get in shape! I ride a 3 wheeled recumbent bike and love it! I don't have to worry about falling over either. lol0
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I'd recommend a mountain bike or hybrid bike for starting out. Fatter tyres mean you can get a greater volume of air in them and they will be less likely to pinch flat. Also the lower gearing may be beneficial to start with.
You could go cheap and replace when you've lost some weight (ie sell it and get a proper road bike) or get something with a decent now and chnage it as you progress (ie add higher gears and such as you find it easier for example).
Also recommend a flat-bar for your bike as it'll make breathing and such easier to start with. Having a belly hanging down over the crossbar is pretty suffocating!
Getting abike that fits right is important so try and find a good independant bike shop. They'll advise on upgrading for the future as well.0 -
My spousal unit is taller and heavier than you and he goes mountain biking. He's been riding the same Giant for over 10 years. You just need to get a good suspension.. depends on if you want to ride on the road or off road.0
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