New bike but overweight

chatter1316

I have just purchased a new racing bike. I have never had one but always wanted one. Always had mountain bikes.
I am about to pick it up shortly but am having second thoughts because of my weight issues.
Are racer bikes suited to larger people. Am i just over reacting.

Miklos

You'll be hard pressed to find an activity better suited to help you overcome any weight issues, once you start getting the kms in you'll find the kilos will start dropping off.

kal7

Hi,

I would say go for it, most of us lose weight by cycling either road or MTB.

I have seen a max weight limit on bikes of 100kg, however I know several people, well over this weight, who had no issues, even doing 180km cycles on these bikes.

Tell me how

I'm overweight also.
I ride a road bike and have gotten back on it this summer after few yrs away (hence the weight).

I wear a loose fitting jacket as body hugging cycling jerseys would be upsetting for other road users.

It doesn't matter what bike you have, if you're riding it, you're doing the right thing.

Work on your stamina and go out on your own as you build up the miles and the confidence.

dub_skav

If you've had no problem on mountain bikes, there probably won't be a problem on a road bike either.
Treating the bike well is important too, don't be hopping off kerbs or crashing into speed bumps.

I'd be heavy compared to a "real" road cyclist, as high as 107kg and as low as 96, and I've never had a problem

07Lapierre

Road bikes are pretty robust!

Ranjo

Weight is no issue. What kind of cycling are you planning to do? Commuting or weekend cycling of 30, 40K & more?

I'm regularly out & about around the Dublin & Wicklow mountains and see all shapes and sizes. I am no slow-poke, but I get passed out by 60 year olds (male & female), heavier people, people on "slower" bikes (e.g. my carbon vs some hybrid!).

All I'll say is make sure you have the right gear (clothing, tools, food/drink) and you'll be set. Go at your own pace. the rest is total enjoyment.

neris

as some one who was in the same situation years ago when I got my 1st bike dont worry about it. Get the bike, get out and enjoy it. Yeah you,ll probably be wrecked after your first 20km spin but it gets easier and you get more adventurous with routes and mileage and you,ll see the weight drop off. Your cycling for enjoyment and for yourself, not to win the tour de france

chatter1316

thanks for the reply,
it will be for weekend cycling, not for commuting.

neris

if you can get out during week even for 30 mins every 2nd night or so it,ll be far better then just using it at weekends especially if your trying to loose weight. The more you can get out the more you can gradually increase your distance so in time you could use your saturday to do a nice long cycle and explore the countryside or surrounding areas a bit

Cee-Jay-Cee

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

moonlighting

best advice i can give is to get the biggest tires and tubes that will fit the wheels and keep the pressure at max rated for tires.

rollingscone

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

It will however helo you feel motivated and just better in general.

Cycling is freedom and flight. It puts a lot of the things that f**k with our heads in this life in perspective.

At worst you might find it better to get some 36 spoke weeks if you're suffering a lot of buckles. But I've seen muscle monsters who could caber toss my 100kgs do distance on skinny carbon fibre race machines.

Don't sweat it. Just seek freedom.

caputmundi

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

I must be the exception here or maybe I'm an "aggressive" rider (I seem to recall that riding in the "red zone" is where you start losing serious weight), or it could be the attitude change, but my experience tells me otherwise. Also, but maybe it's just me, eating junk before cycling makes me feel heavy and uncomfortable to a degree.

py

Your only concern about a road bike if you're overweight should be the wheels and whether they can bear your weight.

Will also throw my voice behind your diet playing a more important part than exercise.

dahat

As a 100kg cyclist and i race at that weight the best advice i can give you is too get good wheels as likely the stock wheels will be prone to spoke breaks etc. I upgrade stock wheels to Mavic Aksium Elite which cost in around €250 and i haven't had any issues with them on my winter bike or when i was starting out.

Get out there and enjoy the bike, more cycling and diet adjustments will help you loose weight but enjoy cycling first and foremost.

Eponymous

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

You're right, but what I will say is this:

I was over 20st not so long ago. Started going to gym but wasn't seeing great results as my diet hadn't really changed. What did flip my mind though was one evening doing about 45 mins on a cross trainer and seeing the number of calories burned and recognising that it was roughly equivalent to one Mars Bar. Since then, I've never really looked at junk food the same and understand now that it's nice to have some chocolate but if I do, then it's a lot of work just to get rid of that, let alone anything else I consume. After that losing weight was much easier.

At least getting started with some aerobic exercise should lead to better habits.

ford2600

chatter1316 wrote: »

I have just purchased a new racing bike. I have never had one but always wanted one. Always had mountain bikes.
I am about to pick it up shortly but am having second thoughts because of my weight issues.
Are racer bikes suited to larger people. Am i just over reacting.

Cube road bikes, for example, are limited for 115kgs total load; rider, bike and luggage. Once you are 100kgs plus you will be pushing that limit. That factor of safety that is factored in when building components, especially frame, will give you wiggle room above that figure.

In saying that, the area where limit might cause issue are wheels, stem, seat post, handlebars especially if they are designed to be lightweight.

Weight is just one factor in the real world, a powerful 80kg rider riding aggressively will but dynamic stresses on bike that a newbie 100kg rider never will.

If you take to the bike, you will enjoy it as much as anyone light of heavy.

Just go ride your bike, cycling is mostly awesome

The strongest rider I know, a complete animal, has always struggled with his weight. The accumulated kms of suffering of lads trying to hold his wheel would get you a fair way around the world. MIne alone would nearly get you to Asia!

Oh and do yourself a huge favour, stop giving a sh1t what other people think. Other than partner, family and close friends the rest is just noise

Zulu

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. ...

Interesting. I did NOT change my diet at all but took up cycling to work 10 months ago. I've lost 10kg over the first few months and have kept it off. Maybe don't underestimate the 10% exercise?

Esroh

The largest cohort of Cycling Ireland Licence Holders are Leisure Cyclists. Go to any Sportive in the Country and I'd say if you asked the participants a huge number of them would feel and probably are over weight.
Nobody cares.
The biggest problem your weight will cause will be Seat Bone pressure. Get yourself good shorts and ride. After that as said by many here your attitude to your diet will change as you realise that getting lighter is a big part of getting better dndurance and speed.

Good luck and I hope you get full cycling addiction symptoms :-)

If you're a bit self concious don't feel like you have to wear "traditional" gear like close fitting shorts, you can look at mountain bike ones with a padding in the rear. Shoes are another thing, you'll likely be starting out on flat pedals or toe clips as opposed to clipping into the pedals so maybe look at something like a touring shoe with good stiff souls.

Miklos

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

Obviously it's a simplistic to say if you cycle lots you'll lose loads of weight, but usually picking up a hobby like cycling has knock on lifestyle effects. Making good choices about exercise will often be followed with good decisions on diet as you consider how it is going to effect your cycling.

Miklos

Miklos wrote: »

Obviously it's a simplistic to say if you cycle lots you'll lose loads of weight, but usually picking up a hobby like cycling has knock on lifestyle effects. Making good choices about exercise will often be followed with good decisions on diet as you consider how it is going to effect your cycling.

I'd agree like if you have a spin planned for Sunday morning you'll definitely think twice about how many beers you have on a Saturday evening or at least will after you've been out on the bike with a stinking hangover, not speaking from personal experience or anything

magicbastarder

as an aside, most calorie calculators i can find online gives an estimate of double the amount of calories burned that strava claims for me.

i'm obviously more likely to favour the lower figure.

ford2600

Miklos wrote: »

Obviously it's a simplistic to say if you cycle lots you'll lose loads of weight, but usually picking up a hobby like cycling has knock on lifestyle effects. Making good choices about exercise will often be followed with good decisions on diet as you consider how it is going to effect your cycling.

Diet is important BUT cycling can have a beneficial effect on other factors known to assist in limiting over eating, primarily mental health and sleep.

If you add in social aspect and the benefits of cycling with like minded people, that support can also be hugely beneficial.

Reaching set goals on bike is a pretty rewarding positive feedback loop.

dahat

Don't worry too much regarding diet etc OP, just cycle a bike, the rest will come in time. Enjoy the beautiful country we have while riding your bike around your locality.

rflynnr

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

This is one of those energy in, energy out equations, isn't it? Depending on the cyclist, an hour of cycling will burn something between 450 and 750 calories. There's approximately 7,000 calories stored in 1kg of fat. So if you rode 2 hours at the weekend and didn't change your weekly calorie intake, you'd lose 1kg every 6-7 weeks. That would be far from weight "falling off" but still a gradual (an probably more sustainable) loss.

py

magicbastarder wrote: »

as an aside, most calorie calculators i can find online gives an estimate of double the amount of calories burned that strava claims for me.

i'm obviously more likely to favour the lower figure.

Training peaks is typically lower again so I work off that.

veganrun

Funnily enough I'm thinking of buying a road bike too (Triban 500) from BTwin/Decathlon and it looks like according to BTwin the max weight is 220lbs/100kg and I'm 235lbs

Tell me how

veganrun wrote:

Funnily enough I'm thinking of buying a road bike too (Triban 500) from BTwin/Decathlon and it looks like according to BTwin the max weight is 220lbs/100kg and I'm 235lbs

Personally, I wouldn't get hung up on this. The bike isn't going to disintegrate under you.

Cycle on fairly good quality roads and avoid potholes and I think you'll be under the limit in no time.

plodder

A bit on the heavy side myself. So, here's my 2cents. If you're buying a road bike with skinny tyres, then make sure you keep them at the right pressure for your weight. There's a table on this page:

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/whats-the-correct-road-bike-tyre-pressure-270668

While it is mostly about diet, exercise does use up carbohydrate and fat, which means you don't have to starve yourself completely to make progress. Also, a lot of people take up running or cycling to lose weight. Cycling has the advantage that you're less prone to getting injuries caused by body weight. I do both and the way I look at it, is that running is great for maintaining a reasonable body weight. Cycling might be better for losing it.

C3PO

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I'm going to be the bad one here, cycling is not going to help you lose huge amounts of weight and the person telling you that once you start cycling the weight will weight will fall off you is not being helpful. Weight loss is through 90% diet and 10% exercise. Cycling will help you keep weight off once you sort your diet out but if you think you will suddenly start losing kilos by cycling alone with no change in diet then you are going to be very disappointed.

Hmmm .... I started cycling at 107kgs and got as low as 79kgs when training hard last year! Seem to have settled at about 82-83kgs. While I would agree with Cee-Jay-Cee that you also have to address your diet, I think the important thing is to start the regular exercise - once you do that then your mindset will change and you will adapt your eating habits. If I was to suggest one thing to go along with your exercise regime it would be to cut out sugar .... certainly for me that was what really got my weight loss moving!

veganrun

Well I bought the Triban 500 today, my first road bike. Just went out for a spin on it there and it seemed ok. I definitely lean further forward than on my hybrid but not uncomfortably so, but then I only did about 2-3 miles. I'm about 106kgs and could feel it when leaning forward as my gut was getting in the way. Need to get rid of that.

Nice to have different hand position options but too soon to tell how they will be on a long spin. I know on my hybrid I start getting sore palms and wrists after about 30-40 mins.

Kent Brockman

My friend lost a stone in about 6 weeks from cycling. He didn't change his diet. He was overweight and still could do with losing another stone or 2 :P

Homer1798

Here's something to consider, when you buy a road bike your choice of tyre width can be somewhat limited. If you are not going to race you could consider a cyclocross bike which will give you the benefit of being able to fit wider tyres and therefore run them at lower pressure, the knock on effect is that a tyre with lower pressure will give you some "suspension", making the bike feel more comfortable (compered to a 23mm wide tyre inflated to 120 psi), and the larger volume of the wider tyre will also help prevent pinch flats. As you get fitter/lighter you can fit narrower tyres if you wish for the extra rush of speed, most cyclocross bikes are now also coming equiped with disc brakes which will offer better braking in wet conditions. Cyclocross bikes tend to be made sturdier towards road bikes to help with the rigors of offroad riding, and I haven't seen one with a weight limit (though there could be). Another added advantage is if you are self consious you can venture to less populated riding destinations like canal banks and tracks.

TGD

No point in getting a 'racing' bike if you are not going racing. Perhaps you mean it just looks like a racing bike. If so, make sure the shop is selling you something suitable - relaxed frame, low gears, wide-ish tyres, etc (i.e. Not for racing - it won't look any different to the untrained eye but would make a big difference in comfort) .
As pointed out, make sure the wheels and frame is within spec for your weight.
Check that your knees are not touching your belly when on the 'drops' (low part of handlebars).

TGD

Homer1798 wrote: »

Here's something to consider, when you buy a road bike your choice of tyre width can be somewhat limited. If you are not going to race you could consider a cyclocross bike which will give you the benefit of being able to fit wider tyres and therefore run them at lower pressure, the knock on effect is that a tyre with lower pressure will give you some "suspension", making the bike feel more comfortable (compered to a 23mm wide tyre inflated to 120 psi), and the larger volume of the wider tyre will also help prevent pinch flats. As you get fitter/lighter you can fit narrower tyres if you wish for the extra rush of speed, most cyclocross bikes are now also coming equiped with disc brakes which will offer better braking in wet conditions. Cyclocross bikes tend to be made sturdier towards road bikes to help with the rigors of offroad riding, and I haven't seen one with a weight limit (though there could be). Another added advantage is if you are self consious you can venture to less populated riding destinations like canal banks and tracks.

All this is sound but I'd suggest a gravel-type bike rather than cyclocross. The front angle of a cyclocross is steep enough for the sharp turns, making them a little twitchy. Gravel bikes are a bit more relaxed (poster, these still look like racing bikes)

Chuchote

I'm old and pudgy, and what I notice is that my weight, sadly, stays the same more or less all the time, but when I'm cycling for an hour and a half every day my clothes fit me better, because the fat turns into muscle.

All this discussion of what kind of bike to get is pure porn. If you get hooked, one bike won't be enough

And as I'm sure you've been told a million times, get a good lock (eg one of the mini Kryptonites plus the accompanying cable lock) and lock your bike to a proper stand through the seat tube (the part of the frame that goes from the saddle's post down to the pedals), with the cable winding through the wheels; or else through the part of the back wheel that is next to that seat post (plus cable through wheels), so the wheel has to be cut to get the bike. This takes away a lot of the value of the bike for thieves, so makes it more likely they'll choose the badly-locked bike next to it :mad::rolleyes:

beauf

The only place I would be concerned about weight on a bike (other than super expensive racing bikes, and/or Carbon bikes) is folding bikes. Many of which have a specific weight (loading) limit.

On my folder I try to take the smoothest route even if it means dismounting or taking a longer route. Put less stress on the frame.

smacl

Chuchote wrote: »

I'm old and pudgy, and what I notice is that my weight, sadly, stays the same more or less all the time, but when I'm cycling for an hour and a half every day my clothes fit me better, because the fat turns into muscle.

Pretty much the same here. My weight hasn't changed much in the last couple of years of cycling, and being off the bike five weeks now with an injury it hasn't gone up any either. Prior to cycling I was into competitive martial arts and had to make weight for an event which was all about diet. Since moving over to cycling and not competing I'm up about 13kg over 10 years (currently 88kg, used to compete <75kg). At a guess, some of this is age and a slower metabolism, but most of it is diet and not really caring about my weight. While it would be nice to drop 5kg to make the hills a bit easier, it is no biggie and I enjoy my cycling lots either way. There's a lot to be said for just going out there and enjoying it and not caring too much about anything or anyone else.

Budawanny

chatter1316 wrote: »

I have just purchased a new racing bike. I have never had one but always wanted one. Always had mountain bikes.
I am about to pick it up shortly but am having second thoughts because of my weight issues.
Are racer bikes suited to larger people. Am i just over reacting.

Don't for a second consider letting your weight issues stop you buying a road bike.
The bikes can take anything and you see every shape and size of person whaling it around Wicklow mountains. In the brotherhood of the bike nobody gives a sh*t what weight , size, colour or creed you are. And remember if it hurts it means your doing it right, but you will feel great afterwards !

veganrun

Go for it OP. I've had similar doubts.

Had my first 10 mile ride on the Triban today. Went reasonably well. I had a padded seat cover but not sure it helped much! But I wasn't in that much discomfort really. It was nice having different options for placing my hands. I didn't really get pins and needles although they'd still get a bit sore but it was easy to adjust.

Could definitely feel the difference in my arms and back leaning further forward!

Jimoslimos

veganrun wrote: »

Go for it OP. I've had similar doubts.

Had my first 10 mile ride on the Triban today. Went reasonably well. I had a padded seat cover but not sure it helped much! But I wasn't in that much discomfort really. It was nice having different options for placing my hands. I didn't really get pins and needles although they'd still get a bit sore but it was easy to adjust.

Could definitely feel the difference in my arms and back leaning further forward!

Ditch the padded seat cover. It might seem counter-intuitive but it'll be way more comfortable in the long run.

Deep Thought

Kent Brockman wrote: »

My friend lost a stone in about 6 weeks from cycling. He didn't change his diet. He was overweight and still could do with losing another stone or 2 :P

Do I know you? are you my friend? sounds like me !!

BTW, When I am out, My right hand seems to get sore a lot.

Left is ok, just the right

veganrun

Yeah will try without the padded seat cover. Might try the padded shorts though.

secman

Deep Thought wrote: »

Do I know you? are you my friend? sounds like me !!

BTW, When I am out, My right hand seems to get sore a lot.

Left is ok, just the right

Try peddling with your left hand...... gets coat and leaves the room ..

Couldn't resist

veganrun

So I've had the road bike less than a week and have a flat rear tyre already. The tyres are puncture protect tyres and I've only been out maybe 3 times on it and each time I've been on my normal route and not over bad ground.

I pumped the pressure to about 90psi and the tyres said the max was 116 so I don't think I over inflated them.

I pumped the tyre up last night and it seemed grand for a few hours but now this morning the tyre is flat again.

Is my weight the issue here or have I just been unlucky?

C3PO

It is generally suggested that heavier people should inflate tyres to the maximum shown on the sidewall ie. 115psi in your case. I always do! This gives better protection against "pinch" flats.
What make/model are your tyres? For commuting I use Schwalbe Durano Plus's and have found them completely bulletproof. Found a gash an inch long in a well worn one last week and still working fine! Also worth regularly checking your tyres for tiny bits of embedded glass - they can slowly work their way through the tyre.

Bigus

90 is too low min 110 psi or you'll get pinch flats , and don't go fixing tubes , buy 5 new ones for stock .

smacl

Bigus wrote: »

90 is too low min 110 psi or you'll get pinch flats , and don't go fixing tubes , buy 5 new ones for stock .

Depends on the width of the tyre. I usually run 75/65 on my 32c tyres when on the road on my CX bike, 55/45 if I'm using the wider snow tyres / off-road tyres. On 25c Durano plus on the road bike, I'd go 100/90 and never had a pinch flat.

C3PO

smacl wrote: »

Depends on the width of the tyre. I usually run 75/65 on my 32c tyres when on the road on my CX bike, 55/45 if I'm using the wider snow tyres / off-road tyres. On 25c Durano plus on the road bike, I'd go 100/90 and never had a pinch flat.

What do you weigh smacl?