How would you encourage a heavy cyclist who is self conscious in his cycling jersey?He's Down in the dumps.

Answer 1

I'm a fellow cyclist who recently complete a 100 mile ride with 2500 other cyclists. Many of whom were heavy. They looked great in their cycling jerseys. You are doing man!!!!! Keep it up and be proud........

Answer 2

Just encourage him to keep on riding.

Try to encourage him that it's less important what he looks like than the fact that he's out there at all. It's not compulsory to have the physique of an Armstrong or an Ullrich to wear cycling kit. In fact even Ullrich is known to turn up in the early season a little the worse for excessive eating over the winter.

I have found that keeping a log of rides recording distance travelled and average speeds is a great motivator, especially as I am coming back to cycling after a long break. Seeing the distance build up, and the speed increase over time is a real help.

On a more competitive note, every cyclist you overtake on the road is a great boost, keep at it and it will happen.

Answer 3

As an older cyclist with some extra body fat, I can relate.
The jersey is very helpful at wicking sweat off your body, so I suggest you keep wearing it. If you are going riding except for some rest breaks, don't worry about it. People who see you will remember you riding and not be thinking about how you look in your jersey. If you are biking someplace and getting off and mixing with people (i.e. the stop at the local Starbucks for a leisurely coffee) then carry a loose top in your pack and throw it on when you get there.

Answer 4

Cycling jersey?! T-shirts work fine. I'm average size and that's what I wear. Cycling jerseys are necessary when you need to cut wind resistence, like in competition. I assume the heavy cyclist is biking for health or fun, so wind resistence is not an issue.

Answer 5

Don't wear the Jersey. Wear a sort sleeve button down. I used to be a bike snob and wear nothing but jerseys on the bike, but now... you don't have to look like Bicycling Magazine every time. Wear what ever I feel like. Have your friend wear whatever he feels best in. That's the only way he'll keep cycling, I think.

Answer 6

Well, first of all, who cares a "tinker's" what other people think, and the fact is, he is out there doing something about his health by riding his bike!!!!! Good for you man!!! Don't set your opinion of you by what other people think, as the reality is, most people are only concerned about what's going on in their lives, and probably aren't even looking. Self image can be troublesome and he has to get over that and start thinking more positively. He didn't become overweight overnight, and he won't loose it that way either, so take baby steps and be happy that at least he is taking the steps to improve his health. Good Luck and keep it up.

Answer 7

I have just the thing! In the November 2005 issue of Bicycling magazine (www.bicycling.com), there was an article entitled "Burning Man" about a man named Benjamin Cary, who weighed 308 lbs when he started cycling and lost 113lbs.

In the same issue, there's a feature called "BikeTown" about Michael Prudhom who was 378 lbs and dropped down to 350lbs. He started a cycling club called "Big Men on Bikes/Big Girls on Bikes". His website Big Men on Bikes has links to companies that make cycling clothes in larger sizes. (http://bmob-bwob.tripod.com/).

Bicycling.com doesn't sell back issues, but you could try contacting them to ask. Alternately, your local library may have the magazine as well.

Answer 8

I would tell him to try to do a large bike trip lasting at least 3 weeks just to get away from it all. A friend of mine a year ago crossed North America with a buddy on their bikes. It took them some time (way more than 3 weeks) but when they had gotten back they both looked pretty fit and saw America too.

Answer 9

After years of fighting I've learned that I just like to turn the cranks. So what about what I look like. Ok. Gotta keep the faith.
Especially since riding makes me feel better.

Answer 10

keep at it! you're doing great have fun and who gives a ___ what those skinny gym bunnies think.

You're stronger than them, just keep moving.

BTW there are plus size bike clothes. check the journal on bikejournal.com for sources.