Hey folks,

I have toying with the idea of biking some here and there as another form of exercise. Who has done this as well, and what equipment did you guys use.

Thanks,

Mirv550

Is your starting weight correct? I currently ride in the city at that weight and I am currently using my old huffy mountain bike with a Terry's Bike seat. I'm think next summer I may upgrade and hit the bike trails in the city.

I've been doing some biking on off days that I take a break from the gym for awhile now. We have some really awesome bike trails in my city and started riding 5 - 10 miles initialy. Several years later every saturday, weather permitting, I do a 35 mile bike ride. I went to Walmart's online page and purchaed an Schwinn aluminum 26" bike that I really like. Make sure you get a good tube sealant like slime. I've used green slime, but the one I"m sold on is Stan's Tire Sealant and have not had a flat in over 2 years. Riding takes the monotany out of the gym and fills the lungs with fresh air. Jake

@@mirv550 - DO NOT get anything with shock absorbors at your size, esp. in the seat. Part of it depends on where you live and where you ride. If you are are on relatively flat streets, basic one speed road bike (heavy steel frame) is fine to start. Get used to start. Don't get a cheap huffy, you will strip out the chain gears (I have twice). As you move up (by going down) figure what you like to do and then invest.

If you do mountain biking, you will want a front shock to keep your front tire in contact with the ground (more negative experience in that comment too).

Road bikes, it just depends on how much you want to spend. Look at carbon frames when you are ready to drop some money. It just absorbs the little shocks of life so well.

I currently have a Nishiki mountain bike that I got a few months back and I have been making it a point to ride no less than once if not two to three times a week while the weather is still good in my area. I went with this bike for the light frame, and beefier tires on it. And while I do most paved trail riding, from time to time I take if off trail and onto dirt paths. I tried to ride on sand the other day and yeah, I'm so not ready for that yet. I wanted to spend the next 12 months on that bike and make sure I make biking a normal habit for me before I go investing $6-1K on a top of the line bike. The Nishiki I got (link below) I only paid with warranty and maintenance on it around $350.http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=51897156&cp=4406646.4413986.4417717.4418012.12458051&categoryId=4418015

Get a decent bike if you can. I'm riding a huffy because I wasn't sure I would actually stick to riding. I already had this bike from years ago when I rode regularly. I figured I'd get a tune up and then see how much riding I end up doing before I invest in a good bike. I plan to upgrade before I hit the trails again.

I primarily hit the gym during my weight loss, at least until I was within 20-30 lbs of goal. Then I got a bike and ride it about 3-4 times a week at least 10 miles each time.

The main thing that makes it not just possible, but enjoyable is the bike is a recumbent style. Soooo much more comfortable that a traditional diamond frame road bike. But I will warn you, they are very expensive. Still, I feel the bike helps me so much in keeping in shape and relaxing. Well worth it.

What is your budget for a bike?

A few years ago, I went out and bought a bike to start riding for weight loss. I went to a bunch of bike forums for suggestions. Most will have a forum called "clydesdales" for big and tall guys/girls. They can set you down the right path.

A couple recommendations, don't go cheap. You are not going to find a bike that will last at walmart. If going the mountain bike route, look for a fully rigid bike, i.e. one that doesn't have any shocks. Keeping your wheels/spokes well maintained is a must. At our size, we'll put a wheel out of true or bust spokes rather easily. If you have the budget for an upgrade on a bike, buying a beefer wheelset is probably the first thing you'll want to do and maybe a brake upgrade.

I ended up getting a redline D440 mountain bike after some recommendations a few years ago. It's a fully rigid mountain bike, cro-moly steel frame that has held up well... but I haven't used it in 2 years. Hoping once cleared, I'll start riding again.

I've got a six year old Trek mountain bike that's lubed up and waiting in the garage for when I get down closer to goal. There are some scenic flat trails nearby that are calling my name.

If I proceed to really get a lot of use from it then I'll shop for a new one with updated bells and whistles.

Hey folks,

I have toying with the idea of biking some here and there as another form of exercise. Who has done this as well, and what equipment did you guys use.

Thanks,

Mirv550

Trek Shift 4, sturdier than avg, better and stronger wheels. I ride mine and have since I was 396 lbs. I'm actually now thinking of selling it and getting a bike that doesn't need all the reinforcements. Any Northwest takers out there? Mines only 2 years old... PM me if so..

One other thing I was thinking off. If you go the mountain bike route, check with your local bike shop on which bikes have a lockout on the front shock. Many do, and this will allow you to ride the bike like a rigid until your weight comes down and then you can use the front shock as intended.

Thanks for all the input folks..my neighbour is also helping me research this and he is a bike specialist. I don't want to spend too much as I don't know if I will like it or not.

Thanks for all the input folks..my neighbour is also helping me research this and he is a bike specialist. I don't want to spend too much as I don't know if I will like it or not.

Smart move.

It really does sound big & losing riders will need two bikes: One for the interim and then one for the future when we hit our weight goals.