how big is too big?

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Replies

  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    I was riding my bike at 210 lbs.
  • Kany
    Kany Posts: 336
    I go mountain biking every weekend. I don't think you're too big to ride a bike. Since people come in many different sizes, you have to make you sure you get a bike frame that supports your weight and height.
  • becoming_a_new_me
    becoming_a_new_me Posts: 1,860 Member
    I started at 450 lbs and rode a bike. It takes a little getting used to and a little larger seat, but it works!
  • meltygarden
    meltygarden Posts: 111 Member
    At 220 I could still ride my bike, although I wanted a bigger seat to cut down on the soreness. But hey, bike seats have always made my butt sore, even when I was normal weight.

    I would think a mountain bike might be sturdier for more weight, but I dunno. I do recommend getting a big wide squishy seat for it though.
  • nz_deevaa
    nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
    I used to feel self conscious on the stationary bike at the gym because I always felt like my knees would knock into my big wobbly belly and that I was jiggling all over the place.

    My trainer would make me get on... only for 2mins at a time.... flat out (part of some HIIT training) and I'd die of embarrassment. It wasn't that I couldn't. It was that it didn't feel good.

    Now though (6mths into my PT sessions) I don't mind at all, in fact I'm thinking about buying a bike to ride to and from the gym!
  • ItsTiffanyFTW
    ItsTiffanyFTW Posts: 72 Member
    Anyone can get on a bike... and I think the bigger you are, the better choice it is for you because there's no impact. Whether its a regular bike or spin cycle, be prepared for your butt to hurt the first day or two. Let it work itself out and get back on it... it gets better. Spin is actually my favorite cardio workout.
  • TDGee
    TDGee Posts: 2,209 Member
    Okay OP, stop reading now and RIDE YOUR BIKE!! GO!! Seriously, Go now. Do not let things hold you back, if it is not where you wish to be. Still reading? GO!!
  • JennBrown83
    JennBrown83 Posts: 131 Member
    They have bikes that can hold up to 550lbs, they're probably pretty expensive, I haven't tried pricing them out but they are available. As long as you wear a helmet, get comfortable seat and take your time easing back into it, I don't see why wouldn't be able to ride a bike. But do what makes you comfortable. Also, if your interested go to www.truthinchange.com this guy was on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edtion and was given a bike that holds up 550lbs, he's raffling it off and the proceeds go to charity, if you need a bike check it out. This guys is amazing!
  • aprilreed67
    aprilreed67 Posts: 6
    You are definitely not too big to ride a bike!! I was very self conscious about riding last summer (192 lbs), but once I got out there and started, I really enjoyed it. Having someone to ride with makes it alot easier, too.
  • melrose09
    melrose09 Posts: 271
    As long as you can physically do the exercise safely....no such thing as too big! Now, go get on the bike and work on getting smaller! :)
  • kandyjo
    kandyjo Posts: 4,493 Member
    DAMN... .I was here for something else......



    I really don't think there IS a too big, unless the bike breaks or something... if you fit and can ride, then ride!!!! :drinker:

    I love riding ... my bike :wink:
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    honey, i've seen bigger then you on the bike paths in my neighborhood. the only thing about them that i have a problem with is that they obviously have no idea what they are doing and wasting more energy on a bike then they are using.

    if you are going to dust off an old bike and start using it, i recommend taking it to a local bike shop to get tuned up and properly fitted. also, get a comfortable seat, and a pair of bike shorts. they have bike shorts in all sizes, and many look like regular cargo shorts. if they don't have the cargo short variety, get regular ones and wear long pants if you are uncomfortable in them.

    comfort is the key to sticking to biking, and while a seat and shorts help, having the seat and handle bars properly adjusted will make the ride more enjoyable. you do not want to be able to put both feet flat on the ground while you are sitting down. you want to barely touch with your tip toes.

    pay attention as they adjust your seat and where it is. when i was heavier and i started cycling, i had to readjust my seat all the time because it would sink in. sometimes i would have to stop in the middle of my ride and readjust it right there.

    good luck. i love cycling in my neighborhood, and can't wait for it to warm up again.
  • JasonandMichelle
    JasonandMichelle Posts: 28
    Haven't read a single post. Not a one. But I did read the TOPIC. And... (wait for it)...

    That's what she said.
  • JasonandMichelle
    JasonandMichelle Posts: 28
    In all seriousness, in my mind one is never too big. Watch "Heavy" (A&E series). They ride bikes all the time, and they're large folks.
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
    Anything bigger than 7-7.5 inches is totally unnecessary

    :drinker:
    what-you-did-there-i-see-it.thumbnail.jpg
  • NewTeena
    NewTeena Posts: 154 Member
    If you want to ride a bike, then ride a bike. Anyone who would mock you for it has bigger problems of their own.
  • yesthistime
    yesthistime Posts: 2,051 Member
    At 360 lbs. I do not currently have the balance and dexterity to comfortably ride a bike. I can. however, use the stationary bikes at the gym and look forward to losing enough weight to enjoy outdoor biking (safely) again :smile:
  • amymarie8709
    amymarie8709 Posts: 329 Member
    I say GO FOR IT!!! NO ONE is too big for a bike!!!
  • kaylammurphy
    kaylammurphy Posts: 63
    My suggestion is to start with a spin class or even just going to the gym and riding a stationary bike. For me it is always easier to start biking after I have reminded myself which muscles are needed and helped my abs to stabilize me :)
  • hellotina
    hellotina Posts: 147 Member
    i am 255lbs & i just bought a bike last weekend.. while i still feel like a "big fatty" on the bike- i don't care! people can think whatever they want when they see me going down the road.. i had FUN! (hadn't been on a bike since middle school) i say go for it! plus it's a fun kind of exercising!
  • tkorthanke
    tkorthanke Posts: 9 Member
    Being an avid cyclist I would say go for it. Anyone that is truly in the cycling community or for that matter anyone who has any healthy work out life style at all will applaud you for giving the effort to try.
  • MissyJessy
    MissyJessy Posts: 1,279 Member
    i be honest i really thought this conversation was going a wole different direction ha ha

    :laugh:
  • katzmeow_83
    katzmeow_83 Posts: 27 Member
    as long as your safe on it :) maybe try a indoor bike first
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • DanielleWatson83
    DanielleWatson83 Posts: 139 Member
    lol i just reread my title.. and laughed out loud.... baahhah
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