All I've been doing for activity is walking 30-60 mins at least 5 times a week. I wanted to take things to another level, but nothing seems to motivate/interest me. I have my own heavybag and love to box, but I get so winded down that it's not a very effective exercise at this point.

I was recently motivated by a fellow sleever to try something new, something that my pre-sleeve self would've thought was CRAZY. I'm visiting a few bike shops to buy a bike, and teach myself how to ride again. I'm still very overweight, but to hell with it, I feel like having FUN with my exercise! I'm nervous but I'm also excited. I think it's going to be a hilarious and exhilarating experience. Has anyone had any experience/success with riding bicycles at a heavier weight? I know it's gonna be hard but I LOVE A CHALLENGE!

Lanette, I completely relate to your plight with the gears! My husband, a bicycle expert, says older bikes that haven't been well maintained shift badly. I had a good quality bike that I had purchased used from a friend many years ago. I never could get the gears thing down (it had 18 gears.) So my husband helped me find the perfect replacement bike for my needs and I LOVE it. It is a cruiser with 3 simple gears on the right handlebar marked (1, 2, 3.) I ride on paved trails and neighborhood streets so this is all I needed. Also it is a belt drive so it doesn't need to be oiled or get rusty, it is silent and doesn't squeak! My husband also comments that "I think the main thing if somebody has trouble shifting is to get the internally geared hub." Hope that helps.

By the way, for other reluctant riders who are worried about their weight... I have been riding even at my highest weight of about 365 and I am in my late 40's. It is easier on my joints than walking. Just make sure that your seat is at a correct height for you. If everything is adjusted correctly for you, you can enjoy without pain.

Oh and invest in a wide and comfy seat, upright handle bars, whatever is best for you! And buy a good helmet!

Good luck,

Carol

FYI: I have not yet been sleeved, it is coming up on Sept. 23. I hope as I drop some pounds I will be able to ride more / farther!

A pic of my bike

Congrats! I too love my bike. It is my new thing!

Maybe you folks can help me. I am 4'10" and have always had trouble trying to find a bike that works for me. I've ended up with bikes made for children which fit my proportions but can't handle my weight. Any ideas?

Maybe you folks can help me. I am 4'10" and have always had trouble trying to find a bike that works for me. I've ended up with bikes made for children which fit my proportions but can't handle my weight. Any ideas?

The weight thing won't be a problem soon! Check in with a good bike shop if you have one in the area... or if you don't I'm sure you might find more info online for your personal bike requirements,

Maybe you folks can help me. I am 4'10" and have always had trouble trying to find a bike that works for me. I've ended up with bikes made for children which fit my proportions but can't handle my weight. Any ideas?

Try looking at a proper BMX style bike -- avoid Next and Huffy -- a good brand would be Haro or similar. BMX bike has smaller wheels, small frame and high handle bars designed for maneuverability while flying through the air / doing tricks. The seat can be adjusted low for a smaller rider. The smaller wheels have more spokes so they tend to be tougher. And the frame accommodates a lower seat height. They are created for the impact and abuse of tricks and jumps so should work very well for a heavier rider.

Another thing you could look for is called a "dirt jump" bike or a "park" bike. They will be a little bigger and have a front shock but will be equally strong, albeit a little more expensive.

The riding position should be comfortable for standard street riding on all bikes mentioned above. (credit goes to my bicycle-crazy husband for all info.)

WELL! I ended up finding a shop I really liked on my first attempt! The employees were super laid-back, very kind and courteous. They helped me pick out a great bike with a comfy seat and changed the tires so they weren't so clunky. I was was surprised that the "normal" cheaper bikes could hold my weight/size.

Ahem, now the only issue is that I still have trouble riding!! I must get back to practicing However it was a lot of fun just to be on it, and have my own bike again. Hopefully in a few months I will be able to whizz by on it! I wish everyone the best of luck in their own biking journey haha