BIG LADY NEEDS STURDY BIKE
April 18, 2005
I’ve recently lost my drivers
license due to a medical problem and I need to get around
and maintain some kind of freedom. I’m pretty sure
I’m going to purchase a bike but I have not been on
a bike in years.
Although I am in the process of
losing weight, currently I weigh 295 lbs. and I am 5’8"
tall. Obviously I need a bike with a strong frame and a
strong, well padded seat. I’m hoping you have some
suggestions. Thanks.
Kellee
Kellee:
A lot depends on how much you want
to spend. I often say that one can find a decent bike for
about $300, but if you plan to ride a lot it makes sense
for you to spend more because heavy riders tend to break
cheaper bikes—and, anyway, you’ll have lots more
cash without all those car expenses.
Also, some of what I recommend requires
you to replace the standard equipment that comes with a
new bike. So I strongly suggest you don’t buy from
a department or big-chain store; go to an independent bicycle
dealer that’ll give you personal service. Ask people
you know where they bought their bikes and whether they
got satisfaction. Or use the dealer
finder at the Web site of the National Bicycle Dealers
Association.
In the $300 range I recommend a
mountain or “city” bike, distinguished by wide
(about two-inch) tires that you’ll probably need, for
sturdiness. You might not, however, like how much a mountain
bike makes you lean over; so you can have your bike dealer
replace the existing handlebar stem with one that puts the
handlebar closer to you.
If you get away from mountain bikes
to something that goes a little faster (with narrower tires)
you should make sure the bike has sturdy wheels. Ask your
dealer about "box section" wheel rims and wheels
with 36 or more spokes. (Many bikes have 32 or less.)
If you want to make a bigger investment
in your new transportation mode (which I encourage), a couple
of models about which heavier folks have given good reports:
the Trekking
Lady by Eddy Merckx and the Hoss
by Kona Bicycle. I also suggest you check out Super
Sized Cycles, an on-line store “where anyone,
no matter how heavy, [can] come and find a welcoming, size-friendly
environment.”
You might also wanna replace the
bike’s seat with something more comfortable. You have
many options; check out the ones listed in my book, Urban
Bikers’ Tricks & Tips, and ask your bike
dealer to show you some. But take care with suspension (shock
absorbing) seat posts; most manufacturers don’t design
them for heavier folks. If you want a suspended seat post
that you can adjust for your weight check out the Thudbuster
by Cane Creek.
Mr Bike
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