Strong bike for BIG lady

[soggywetlettuceleaf]

Hello!
I've recently lost quite a lot of weight, but i'm still at the 20st mark, 6ft and recently moved I'm thinking to save money by starting to cycle to work. The journey is largely pavement but there is about 1/2 mile thats 'off-road' for lack of better words!

Can anyone recommend any bikes/tires/seats/helmets the works?

ideally i don't really want to spend more than 4/500 on the whole package and i would be happy to mooch on ebay to get a 'starter' bike but i don't know which ones would be best for the journey and for handling the weight!

Assistance would be massively appreciated!

 

[soggywetlettuceleaf]

Just as an additional i really don't like to lean really far forward on bikes - just sat up/leaning slightly forward.

 

[vickster]

I'd look at a Specialized Crosstrail (you'll need an XL) or Giant Roam in big size

Something like this second hand, you'll want to add a ladies saddle for comfort (I have one you can have for the cost of the postage )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...0796777498?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item25703c1c1a

That said, most bikes will handle 20 stone no bother, but the fatter tyres on the rough stuff will make the ride more comfy.

When you say pavement, is it shared use, otherwise you should be on the road to be legal Or are you in the US, where pavement = tarmac?

Helmet wise, I have been happy for many years with my Giro Indicator, under £30 on eBay generally (or from local shop, always good to try on helmets)

Enjoy

 

[soggywetlettuceleaf]

Ah! Defintely UK, I meant we have a bike/walking trail/path (?!) that i would be on that has its own separate route but is pavement quality.

Would it just be worth buying something similar to the above and getting fat tyres then?

And i would love to take you up on the saddle offer!

 

[vickster]

To your second post and third post, the Crosstrail is nice and upright

The Crosstrail has fat tyres, not as fat as a mountain bike but I think 45mm

You'll probably want to invest in some padded shorts - how long is the commute?

 

[soggywetlettuceleaf]

The padded shorts are on the list - its just trying to find them in my size to be honest, i may have to improvise!
The commute is 40-60 minutes depending on how fit i'm feeling on the day - there's a mahusive hill at the end on the way there!
Thankyou for your advice - massively appreciated!

 

[vickster]

Tenn outdoor do some big kit for men - up to 5XL

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tenn-Cycl...orts&vti=Size XL+&+Larger&hash=item8268f99ec4

Pop some baggy cargo 3/4 lengths over the top if you feel a bit self conscious

Mahusive hills aren't much fun!

 

[User10119]

http://www.minx-girl.com/ are not bad for larger sizes. Worth keeping an eye on the sales, there's an occasional bargain - especially if you decide to not be picky about colours, hence me now owning the most incredibly yellow jersey ever which almost every person who sees it makes a comment about it resembling their curtains/tablecloth/caravan upholstery sometime in the 70s.

I got some 3/4s from http://www.corinnedennis.co.uk/ a couple of years back that have been brilliantly hard-wearing. I think they claim to be a size 20, but they've fitted me fine at anywhere between an evans (clothes for biffas not bike shop) jeans size 24 and 18.

And I rode my Trek Valencia, admittedly a sensibly sturdy hybrid but not ridiculously so, on slick 28s when I weighed in at around 18 stone.

 

[gb155]

This should help. I know a thing or 2 on the subject

http://theamazing39stonecyclist.wordpress.com/am-i-too-heavy-for-a-bike/

 

[soggywetlettuceleaf]

Brilliant - thankyou for the suggestions

 

[steve keay]

Hope you get sorted and enjoy your commute to work, Ive started cycling to work. ( I need to lose a little weight and get fitter) my prob is the commute is only ten mins if I get my foot down. maybe I should go the long way. let us know how you get on

 

[Hebe]

+1 to Minx-Girl. I think her Terry liners have a wide range of sizes and work fine under normal clothes. Good luck!

 

[david k]

well i have a carrera subway, they do a female version, i think its great, very sturdy, uprightish, nice balnce of thinner tyes but ruggish enough for tracks and trails

 

[soggywetlettuceleaf]

The carrera looks good - thanks for the hint and on offer on halfords!

Has anyone suggestions for a suitable saddle/seat?

 

[vickster]

I have the Specialized one...as weird as it may sound, big fat spongy ones are often much more uncomfortable, especially for an hour, padding in the shorts, not on the saddle