What type of bike?

I am somewhat afraid of posting this because I just read 30 minutes of
posts that tore people to shreads regarding their size but hopefully 1
person that knows something will respond. I started this year at about
500 pounds and right now am about to break the 400 pound mark. I would
like to get a bike but am not sure exactly what I should look for. I
thought that a recumbent really looked like the bike for me (except for
the price) and then I have recently seen these comfort bikes. Are
there bikes that out there that can safely support my weight? and if
so, why type of frame etc should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

"Dave B." wrote:

I am somewhat afraid of posting this because I just read 30 minutes of
posts that tore people to shreads regarding their size but hopefully 1
person that knows something will respond. I started this year at about
500 pounds and right now am about to break the 400 pound mark. I would
like to get a bike but am not sure exactly what I should look for. I
thought that a recumbent really looked like the bike for me (except for
the price) and then I have recently seen these comfort bikes. Are
there bikes that out there that can safely support my weight? and if
so, why type of frame etc should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

Dave,

Believe it or not, others are facing the same challenge as you.

Review the following thread, generated on another site by a 550#
rider.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=98571

Here are other threads started by that same guy. Some are about bike
upgrades. Some are video of his rides. It's cool and inspirational
to watch!

http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=1181106

All the best on your quest. Really.

"Dave B." wrote in message
ups.com...
I am somewhat afraid of posting this because I just read 30 minutes of
posts that tore people to shreads regarding their size but hopefully 1
person that knows something will respond. I started this year at about
500 pounds and right now am about to break the 400 pound mark. I would
snip

I stepped on the scale yesterday thinking it would read 230... I saw 255#
instead. I need to be around 190 (give or take 5lbs).

My hat goes off to you for making that commitment to your health. Hold your
head high and don't let anyone drag you down if they decide to snipe at you
from low places. You've already lost about double what I need to!

Sorry I can't be more help on the cruisers.

I looked at them a few weeks ago and was told by the store staff they're
very comfortable and built tough. I was looking at Norco, KHS and other's I
don't remember the brands of. Good looking bikes in any case.

The Wind-Cheetah is my dream recumbant (a trike:
http://www.windcheetah.co.uk/)though I don't know a lot about them other
than they've been around a while and appear to have a lot of support. I'm
sure others will have things to say about that. (three wheels would, of
course, distribute weight over a larger area so perhaps it would have a
higher weight limit than most 2 wheelers)

Chris

On 22 Jun 2005 08:13:02 -0700, "Dave B." wrote:

I am somewhat afraid of posting this because I just read 30 minutes of
posts that tore people to shreads regarding their size but hopefully 1
person that knows something will respond. I started this year at about
500 pounds and right now am about to break the 400 pound mark. I would
like to get a bike but am not sure exactly what I should look for. I
thought that a recumbent really looked like the bike for me (except for
the price) and then I have recently seen these comfort bikes. Are
there bikes that out there that can safely support my weight? and if
so, why type of frame etc should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

You'll find posts in all usenet groups that tear into folks. Ignore
them. Sorry, no advice on bikes but others will have. I'm just
impressed that you can lose 100 pounds. I can't even lose 10.

My cousin is dropping down from being obese and I am impressed as all
hell with her. I'm going to get her on a bike, but she does live in
Manhattan which makes it significantly more difficult.

Dave B. wrote:
I am somewhat afraid of posting this because I just read 30 minutes of
posts that tore people to shreads regarding their size but hopefully 1
person that knows something will respond. I started this year at
about 500 pounds and right now am about to break the 400 pound mark.
I would like to get a bike but am not sure exactly what I should look
for. I thought that a recumbent really looked like the bike for me
(except for the price) and then I have recently seen these comfort
bikes. Are there bikes that out there that can safely support my
weight? and if so, why type of frame etc should I be looking at?

Your best bet is to visit some bike shops in your area and ask questions.
(Leave if you get "attitude".)

There are people as big and bigger than you who are avid cyclists. Go for
it!

Your mentioning recumbents reminds me of a rather strange sighting recently
here in San Diego. I went up the coast, and cruising along the other way
was a tandem recumbent, ridden by a VERY large man up front and a little kid
in back. They were quite the pair! Anyway, they sure looked like they were
having fun.

Best of luck and keep us updated on your progress!

Bill S.

Dave B. wrote:
I am somewhat afraid of posting this because I just read 30 minutes of
posts that tore people to shreads regarding their size but hopefully 1
person that knows something will respond. I started this year at
about 500 pounds and right now am about to break the 400 pound mark.
I would like to get a bike but am not sure exactly what I should look
for. I thought that a recumbent really looked like the bike for me
(except for the price) and then I have recently seen these comfort
bikes. Are there bikes that out there that can safely support my
weight? and if so, why type of frame etc should I be looking at?


It always helps to have a little information before you visit your LBS.
I would look at web-sites first. I would look for expedition style
touring bikes, these are the units built to haul major rack systems and
panniers over both wheels, tow a trailer, etc...

In other words, they can support major weight across the frame, and
remain stable, their wheel systems have lots of spokes and heavy duty
hubs. I also suspect you will need ovalized seat and down tubes to keep
the flex down.

There are a number of manufacturers. I'd look at Bruce Gordon's "Rock
and Road"
bikes to get started. google it.

There is also an interesting category of "work" bikes that are used for
hauling significant loads around warehouses, delivering goods in
cities, etc... I do not remember the names but I would guess a google
on "delivery bicycles" would get somewhere. I know there is a company
in NYC that makes a number of super heavy service bikes. They would be
cheaper than a full blown expedition cycle.
They also tend to have tricycle options, given the loads they are
spec'd for.

Will

Will wrote:

There is also an interesting category of "work" bikes that are used for
hauling significant loads around warehouses, delivering goods in
cities, etc... I do not remember the names but I would guess a google
on "delivery bicycles" would get somewhere. I know there is a company
in NYC that makes a number of super heavy service bikes. They would be
cheaper than a full blown expedition cycle.
They also tend to have tricycle options, given the loads they are
spec'd for.

Will

Go here === http://www.workbike.org/

good portal for all manufacturers.

Hiya Will:
"Worksman" is one company that makes "industrial" trikes and bikes,
including trike folders (!). One "Older American" I see on the bus came
across a folder trike from them that she uses when she "walks" the dog.
Bonus -- good sized basket in back. Just the thing for hauling
groceries, especially those healthy but bulky leafy green vegetables,
the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts), fresh crimini
mushrooms, red peppers. Great, look what I've done to myself -- dinner
tonight will just have to feature steamed vegetables.
I recall their URL was http://wwww.worksman.com but I could have
gotten that wrong. I DO recall it loads slowly.
Hope this helps the Original Poster!

Robert Leone


Will wrote:
There is also an interesting category of "work" bikes that are used for
hauling significant loads around warehouses, delivering goods in
cities, etc... I do not remember the names but I would guess a google
on "delivery bicycles" would get somewhere. I know there is a company
in NYC that makes a number of super heavy service bikes. They would be
cheaper than a full blown expedition cycle.
They also tend to have tricycle options, given the loads they are
spec'd for.

Will

There are definitely bikes out there that will support your weight.
The main problem may be comfort, so a recumbant may be your best bet
for now.

I want to say that whenever I see a heavy person cycling, hiking,
walking or jogging, my first thought is: "Awright!" I've got several
severely obese relatives and I know how much effort it takes for them
to start exercising. Not only is it challenging to make lifestyle
changes, there is also a social stigma for heavy people who exercise in
public. It takes courage to make that commitment, and I salute anyone
who accepts the challenge.


-JR

SlowRider wrote:
There are definitely bikes out there that will support your weight.
The main problem may be comfort, so a recumbant may be your best bet
for now.

I want to say that whenever I see a heavy person cycling, hiking,
walking or jogging, my first thought is: "Awright!" I've got several
severely obese relatives and I know how much effort it takes for them
to start exercising. Not only is it challenging to make lifestyle
changes, there is also a social stigma for heavy people who exercise in
public. It takes courage to make that commitment, and I salute anyone
who accepts the challenge.


Weight is a simple formula, Energy-In - Energy Out = Weight-Change.

If you take in 1000 calories (Energy-In), and sit in front of the idiot
box for four hours, burning 100 Calories, then Weight Change = 900
Calories, so you gain weight.

If you take in the same 1000 Calories, and go ride your bike up big-ass
hill, burning off 1900 Calories, then Weight-Change = -900 so you lose
weight.

For a very overweight person, they need to talk to a doctor, get a good
physical checkup first, then work with a nutritionist to come up with a
diet they can handle, this is because diet is a learned process, so they
need to be taught how to do it differently, to reduce Energy-In.
Energy-Out is Excercise, some excerises, like jogging for example is
boring, hurts the knees, therefore most people who start a jogging
program, often quit fairly quickly. Best type of bike for ten ton
Tonita, probably a 'bent trike, 'bents have more suitable seating for
wider bottoms, and a trike is going to be more stable at the lower
speeds, needed by someone who is in granny gear most of the time.
Excercise is Energy-Out.

One thing that skinny winnies don't realise is that obesity is a
disability, a disability that can be overcome, but a disability none the
less.

The first step, like any other habitual problem, is admitting that there
is a problem, second is wanting to do something about it.

W