I used to ride a bike all the time. To school, work, and just for fun. But over the years (9 to be exact) I have put on ALOT of weight and aside from going to the gym a few times a week, I'd like to start bike riding again.
My boyfriend (fiance) said he would buy me a bike for x-mas if I'd like so that we can go bike riding together. Now, before I start looking for bikes with him I'd like to know, is there a weight limit on bikes? If I start sitting on some bikes to try them out, should I worry about popping a tire? Is there any other more than chubby person out there with any adivce?
2006-11-27 08:36:46 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Get the bike. If you enjoyed it before why cant you enjoy it again? There are plenty of bikes able to handle a heavier person, dont use your weight as an excuse use bikeriding as an opportunity to get back outdoors and enjoy yourself. You mention that you go to the gym and sometimes that can bore you or you can make excuses to quit going so take this opportunity to get exercise and stick with the gym as long as you can. It is great that your fiance is a willing participant, it seems like a great do together activity. So to make a long story short GET THE BIKE, it will be good for your mnid soul and health! Good luck and Good riding!
2006-11-27 08:47:47 · answer #1 · answered by viphockey4 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some mountain bikes that have a weight limit. But usually those are XC racer bikes that are very specialized. You can find a lot of good bikes out there, but go to a LBS. You have to pay attention to the wheelset. Make sure that they have 32 spokes. Anything less would feel woobly. Another thing that you should put attention is the fork, probably a coil shock is better for us clydesdale (or athena in your case). Probably find a hardtail (bikes with only front suspension). Keep from carbon fiber stuff (handlebars and seatpost mainly). Don't put too much attention on light stuff, just make sure it's nice.
I'm 230 lbs without gear, but there are a lot of heavier riders out there, so you shouldn't worry that there won't be a bike for you.
2006-11-27 15:14:06 · answer #2 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In theory, there are weight limits on both the wheels and the frames.
However, it takes some serious abuse to damage a quality bike. Most of the damage comes in the form of cracked frames. The ones I have seen were ridden by Clydesdales (term for big guys) and were mostly due to big drops, or jumps.
I think a mountain bike is probably the best bet. (Certainly the most comfortable...) The frames are built for more abuse. Tire popping is very unlikely. If you are over 275-300, you'll want to look closely at the technical specs of the bike with the tech at the shop.
If you feel you aren't ready to hit the street, you could get a stationary trainer for the new bike, and ride in your garage. You just pop the back wheel in and go. It's cool.
2006-11-27 08:55:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whichever bike you choose, avoid full suspension models. The typical factory setup is geared towards people up to about 170 pounds.
Your best option is an ATB, or "all terrain bicycle". Some examples of these are the Diamondback Sorrento or Diamondback Topanga. These are considered "hardtails" and are perfect for on the road and offroad on groomed trails.
Don't get yourself into a rut and buy a department store bike, you will have nothing but problems. Instead, go to a bike shop where they can set the bke up for your size and weight.
2006-11-27 09:33:26 · answer #4 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi - no way, just get an "old lady" bike, and then take it slow to start with, start with 2-3 km, it sounds like nothing, but if you go every day, and prolong it by 400-500 m every week, then you will get back to speed and your young days again.
I've been there, and patience and rain clothes is the key, not the bike, these bikes is build for "load"
2006-11-27 08:48:29 · answer #5 · answered by isdahl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bicycle weight limits exist only for super lightweight frames, wheels, seatposts, saddles, pedals, stems, handlebars and cranks but not for tires, brakes, chain, derailleurs and accessories like cyclo-computers, lights, bottle cages (to the best of my knowledge). I've ridden with some big guys who shouldn't be wearing spandex and they have to stay away from lightweight wheels and really skinny tires. Broken spokes and pinch flats are their biggest problems. As long as you go buy at a reputable local bike shop, you'll get recommendations for an appropriate bike and parts.
2006-11-27 11:10:20 · answer #6 · answered by Ben P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the shop owner whether the bikes can take your weigh. Ask permission to try on one to test it. If the bike takes your weight comfortably, why not go for some fun biking?
2006-11-27 08:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by JP E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you would have to be pretty heavy to pop the tires. I've seen 300 lbs guys riding bikes. You might want to look into a hybrid for comfort.
2006-11-27 08:41:53 · answer #8 · answered by Yo it's Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you have to worry about are the rims on the bikes and that's if you're over 500 lbs.
2006-11-27 08:41:42 · answer #9 · answered by Nik-Nak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, the only section of the bike u will have to make sure can take your weight limit is your rims generally normal bike rims will take a max of 250lbs of normal riding
2006-11-28 07:17:52 · answer #10 · answered by hiya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋