Vilandra, I had looked into buying a bike a while back. I'm kind of scared of bicycling so it isn't the best thing for me. I do remember finding a website for heavier bike buying tips but I can't remember where it was. I would suggest going to a professional bike shop and also it is recommended that you buy a seat seperate from the one that comes with the bike. I think it is very doable though.

I had this archived from another poster awhile back:

Don't wait!! If I can do it, ANYONE can. A lot of folks on 3FC gave me good advice on bikes, and a lot of encouragement for me to give it a try. I'm SO glad they did. The bike I got was a Trek Navigator 50 -- a basic "comfort" bike -- built sturdy, with thick tires. Nothing fancy. LOTS of fun.

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/...avigator50.jsp

They're kinda expensive, but sometimes you can find comfort bikes in the newspaper adds for less money.

I haven't taken the plunge yet (bought a bike). this might be a good place to start your research

Hi,

I looked at the Trek Navigator (see previous post) and decided for my height and weight (5"10", 400) I would be better off with a "townie" bike from electra bicycle company. These bikes allow you to have both feet on the ground when stopped (they call it flat foot technology) and have very strong frames. I didn't feel afraid when I rode it. I really agree with the post reccomending going to a professional bike shop. I learned a lot from shopping around.

Also, as a former "hard core" bicycle tourer (My longest ride from Oregon to Kansas at 220 pounds), I can tell you that bicycling can be tough on your knees and for some people their back. Make sure you get a right sized bike and make all the appropriate adjustments to prevent use injuries.

I got a Trek Hybrid, 7200. I was in the 300 pound range when I started riding. I love it and haven't found a need to change the seat. It is very durable and I highly recommend Treks!

Here's the one I have:

Years ago I knew this woman. She was beautiful, and in a normal weight. She told us that the way she lost all of her weight was by riding her bike to work. I never knew her when she was fat, but she told us that she could step through the neck of her former clothes without even unbuttoning them.

I guess if riding a bike will do that much for someone it is a great idea. Maybe I'll try that when summer comes and it is a little warmer!

I have a Trek Navigator 100, and I'm too heavy for the suspension in the seatpost. I asked the guy at the shop where I bought it if they could swap out the spring for one with more strength, but he said the seatpost suspension never really does much anyway. The Navigator 100 has a more upright posture than some bikes (are all Trek Navigators that way?), and I really like that better. My wrists hurt on traditional bikes where your upper body is mostly horizontal and you either use your back muscles to maintain the posture or end up putting all the weight on your wrists.

The only con to biking I've had is hills make my knees hurt. If you have any knee trouble, stick to flat places (at least at first) or just walk up the hill if it feels like too much for you. I find biking to be really fun and relaxing. I get an occasional bug in the teeth and my butt does hurt after a 10 mile ride, but it's worth it.

Where I currently live (city) it would be insane to ride my bike, but my boyfriend and I like to drive out to the country paths on the weekends. I'm hoping that since I've been walking I've been building stamina so I can keep up with him!

Hey. I bought my bicyle at Wal Mart. It is blue and silver , with the most comfortable seat. That is very important. I am not sure of the brand. I will check later. Anyways, last summer i purchased it and over the summer i lost 30 pounds. I weigh 270 and am 6 ft tall. and it really helped me to get into shape. It is still hard going up the hills. Mine is a 7 speed bike. I looked forward to riding it every day and sometimes twice daily. I am hooked.
I recommend it to anyone who can physically tolerate it.
Can't wait to get back on again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHelley