I am 359 pounds and I am wanting to take up bicycling and need recommendations on what type of bike to purchase. I tried the Fitness & Exercise forum and have only received 1 response. Cany anyone help me here?

Thank you,

Amy

Edited July 8, 200818 yr by Marissa's Mom

Hi, I don't know how much help I'll be...but I have a friend that's into riding and she uses this site as a reference before she purchases: Bicycles, recumbent bicycles, giant bicycles, adult tricycles, specialized bicycles a lot of their bikes are pricey...but she found one of them on Ebay that was pretty reasonable.

I'm sure there are other sites out there, but this is the only one I know anything about. I've actually toyed with the idea of taking up riding myself...I admire you for going for it!!

Thank you.

12 years ago, I took a sabattical from my work for a year and rode a bicycle seven days a week, 4-6 hours per day. I weighed in at 260 # s and in that year got up to riding several 100 Kilometer rides in Fort Collins, Colorado.

I rode a good mountain bike then for the big tires. Mountain bikes are heavy and take more effort to ride. It was a Diamond Back costing $800. At the same time I bought a 25 year-old Volvo for $600 as my car.

Now, I weigh 360. I recently bought a recumbent bike because it takes much of the pressure off my back. So far I haven't figured out how to ride it. It's a different balance. I've been riding my wife's Trek hybrid bike. The tires are smaller than a mountain bike and larger than a road bike and the weight is right in the middle.

Whatever you get, pay particular attention to the seat. Those little brittle ones are back/butt wreckers. I'd try for one without the low slung handlebars. That's a real hard position, hard on your back, neck and shoulders. Yes, you need a riding helmet and gloves. I laughed when told that, then wrecked at 35 miles per hour on a railroad crossing. Checked out the helmet, gloves and long trousers on the pavement. Take it slow and steady and you can get into riding. It's fun.

David:cool2:

Hi Marissa's Mom,

I'm the mom of a Marissa too. Mine's 25-years-old.

Anyway, I found I couldn't ride a bike when about 300+ pounds. I wasn't strong enough to pedal all that weight along.

What I suggest is you go to a local gym and try out their bikes there for free. See how the regular bike feels to you, your back, and your bum, as compared to how a recumbent bike feels. Then you can decide what kind to buy. You might also be able to find a bike rental place where you live to test-ride different bikes for a few dollars before commiting to a bike purchase.

The post from the person who mentioned a helmet was very important for when you start riding outside. Where I live it's against the law not to wear a helmet. Protection for your arms and legs, especially when your balance might be somewhat off, is a good idea too.

I am 359 pounds and I am wanting to take up bicycling and need recommendations on what type of bike to purchase. I tried the Fitness & Exercise forum and have only received 1 response. Cany anyone help me here?

Thank you,

Amy

Hi Amy

I am also looking at bikes. I have not yet had the surgery but am doing the insurance thing now. I have looked at a lot of bikes lately. Honestly, the best one I have seen is at Walmart!! There are two versions, one has gears and the other does not. They are Schwinn bikes, they are called beach riders or beach cruisers. Very durable and easy to ride. (I rode it through the bike department!!) I weigh a little bit more than you so I know it will be fine. My sister who is about 200 just bought one and loves it. She said its easy to ride. Please do get a helmet. I told my hubby maybe I should invest in bubble wrap so I can wrap myself up in it for my first ride!! :tongue_smilie:

Hope that helps!!

Diana