So here's the deal. My husband really wants to ride bikes with me, but the last time I tried this with him I could barely make it 2 miles. It was extremely painful and just physically difficult. The tiny seat was like a knife digging into my big fat butt! Plus, as soon as I got on the bike, the tires bulged out from the weight, which I thought couldn't be good for the tires. I was probably around 300lbs - 290lbs at the time. Since then, we've lent/given our bicycles to another couple to help make some room in our little apartment storage area, and I'm back up over 300lbs.
For those of you who've lost the weight... how long did it take you to get to where you were comfortable on a bike again, and what did you weigh? I'd like to try and get a realistic idea of when I can expect to get back on a bike and make it one of my mini-goals.
Ahh the thread moved as I was typing my reply, lol. Anyways, good question. That's the one thing I've hated about bike riding, those little seats. I just started riding my bike again and it's not the most comfortable but manageable. When it comes to bike riding, I look to my dad for inspiration. My 58 year-old father (he's 5'8 and weighs around 230-240 and is definitely not muscular) is an insane bike rider and he goes on 50+ mile rides at least once a week. I figure if he's comfortable riding that distance at that weight then it shouldn't be too much of a problem for someone 5'6 and 260ish lbs (but that's just a guess).
I'm eagerly awaiting Spring here so I can get back on my bike. At 275, I could barely ride around the block, but I wasn't getting any other exercise either. I kept trying short distances, and at 250 I could get around pretty good.
My suggestion would be to look for a better seat which would be more comfortable. I might also suggest hopping on at any opportunity to go a short distance. We have a corner market, so I hop on to get a newspaper, for example.
My bike rides have really been a great form of exercise as I lose more. I find I enjoy the bike time, especially when I'm not having to keep up with others.
Honestly, even at your current weight there are bikes and saddles out there that will be comfortable and sturdy. Do a search for female cycling specific forums... there are great online communities out there for women of all sizes and abilities.
I have a carbon fiber road bike--really much more aggressive a bike than I need... but riding it makes me feel quite sexy! And yes, I wear spandex and I am no where near skinny or toned.
Good for you, not giving up! I used to bike a lot. Wanted to get fit for Ragbrai. Unfortunately never made it there. I was about 210 lb when I started biking. It gets easier in no time to bike if you keep going. First few days are painful, then it get's easier. And it's very easy to get hooked on biking. But your butt will hurt on longer distances I think forever. Good news is: there's a ladies saddle you can buy. It's made keeping in mind ladies anatomy. There are also padded biking shorts and skorts to pamper your butt. They help a little, but comfy riding depends on right saddle! To get good tips on biking I recommend reading Every Woman's Guide to Cycling: Everything You Need to Know, From Buying Your First Bike to Winning Your First Race by Selene Yeager Very inspiring book!
There's lot's of good advice in Bicycling magazine, ask also from your local bike store and lot's of other good cycling books out there.
Good luck!!! I hope you will love biking
I think I need to buy a new bike anyway. The one I had was purchased when I was like ... 11 or 12? I think it's a woman's bike, but I'm taller now so I could probably use something else... and maybe like you all said, something more sturdy.
I think I'm going to try some local bike shops and just get on some different bikes. From there I'll try and find a used bike if I can to save some $$$. If not, then I guess I'll have to shell out the big bucks .
I think I'm going to try some local bike shops and just get on some different bikes. From there I'll try and find a used bike if I can to save some $$$. If not, then I guess I'll have to shell out the big bucks .
I'm glad it helped!
Don't be afraid of looking on ebay/craigslist as well--while shipping a bike might seem really difficult, it really isn't *that* big of a deal. I have bought bikes (road bikes though, so much lighter) and they can be boxed/shipped for under $100. You just have to work the shipping cost into the total costs when you consider it.
Well now I believe my pocketbook will be more of a hindrance than my weight. Thanks for all of the encouragement ladies, but it looks like I'm going to have to start saving up my pennies!
Well now I believe my pocketbook will be more of a hindrance than my weight.
You don't necessarily need a new bike. You can always upgrade your old one and see at first if you like biking at all. If you like it and think of getting a new bike then look/shop around before getting a cheapest one in Walmart.
I found good looking ladies saddles on address (I'm not allowed to post links)terrybicycles.com/product/category/on-sale/saddles-1
This thread made me want to bike too. I'll have to look up spinning classes in my area. Thanks for inspiration!
Riding Bikes?
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