A3-6) Fat people and Cycling
Description
This article is from the Big Folks Sports and Activities FAQ, by sharon@ecs.ox.ac.uk (Sharon Curtis) with numerous contributions by others.
A3-6) Fat people and Cycling
Cycling is a great activity. Exercise combined with fresh air and
a changing view as we go past. In particular it's a good activity
for big folks, even super-size folks. There are plenty of avid
cyclists at 400lbs+ out there! When sitting on a bike, our weight is
evenly distributed between arms, back and seat. Although we are
sitting slightly forward, as long as we can breathe comfortably, we
are using major muscle groups so there is less concentrated strain on
any one particular area. The expended effort of pedalling and the
payoff of the gravity release when going downhill gives you the
sensation of flying - no wonder you hear about the biker's "high".
What sort of bike should I get?
You don't need a special bike, indeed many recommended weight limits
for bicycles go up to 250-300lbs, but you do need a sturdy one. Look
for strength rather than lightness of components. ATBs (all terrain
bikes, or mountain bikes) and hybrids are good. Test drive before
you buy!
Personally recommended brands include Cannondale M400, Trek Multi,
Specialized Hard Rock ATB. Ask your local store for their best-selling
brands.
One different (although expensive) sort of bike you may wish to consider
is a recumbent bicycle. It eliminates any discomfort of leaning over.
Many recumbents have wide comfortable seats, and they are easier on
the neck and wrists.
What things should I look for in bicycle components?
Many people recommend getting components that are designed for
tandems. Axle-hub combinations from tandems are good. Some mountain
bikes have oversized axles precisely to avoid axle breakage, for
example bullseye rear hubs, or ones made by Phil Wood.
Tandem wheels have at least 40 spokes, and the more spokes (and the more
the spokes are true and properly tight), the stronger the wheel. Make
sure your wheels have at least 32 spokes.
Make sure you get a bike that is the right size for you, and that
you can have the handelbars and seat heights adjusted to suit you.
Unless you're always going to ride along flat terrain, you need a
a third gear (granny) on the chain wheel to get you up hills easily.
Choose one with as few as few teeth as possible compared to the
largest rear wheel gear.
If you stand up a lot on your bike you might wish to get sturdy pedals,
preferably metal ones.
What sort of seat/saddle should I get?
Recommended seats include Vetta and Terry saddles.
Try a gel seat. Try a gel seat cover. You might even want to try a
special wider seat, actually 2 separate pads with independent tilting
action and large, foam cushioned pads. These fit on regular seat
supports (posts). Some bicycle stores sell these seats now, or you can
get them from Brookstone or Hanover House.
What can I do to make myself more comfortable?
Wear padded cycling shorts, or buy pads and put them where you need
them in your own bike shorts. You might also try tilting the seat
downwards a little.
As the hands partially support the bodyweight, you could try wearing
padded cycling gloves.
If you are topheavy, you might find riding in a bent-over
fully extended position very uncomfortable. Get the tallest
handlebar stem possible, with the shortest and most steeply
angled handlebar attachment crosspiece. If you still have to
bend over too far, get raised BMX type handlebars (the kind
you see on kids' bikes).
Go for a low speed and pedal more. Don't push hard in a high gear, it's
too strenuous.
See the Fitness Resources FAQ for bicycle equipment and accessories.
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