General / Off-Topic Need advice from any experienced cyclists here.

[Deleted member 110222]

I'm fat.

And in my last visit to the GP, I was given an alarming truth, along the lines of X years less to live.

I want to change this. But walking everyday isn't going to cut it. I need to do something serious about my weight, alongside eating better of course.

So, bearing in mind that my goal is simply to reduce my weight to something healthy... Anything I should know about what bike to buy? I live in an area where the terrain is somewhat "hilly", so to speak, and my mate down the road, who is very experienced, does reckon I would benefit from a bike with at least three gears on the pedals.

Anything that any experienced cyclists would like to say to me here? I welcome the input, needless to say.

And also needless to say, I will be buying a helmet, good-quality lights, etc. I'm hoping to make this a second hobby, as a way to motivate myself. [smile]

 

[CMDR Heisenberg B. Damned]

Not even really being funny, have you considered...

Spoiler

 

[Whipley]

Hey mate! Welcome to the world of cycling. Like ED you'll have to go through a brief learning curve period while your body gets used to the activity. In my experience people give up on cycling for a few reasons: sore butt, sore hands, sore neck/back, and sore feet. However, if you can work with your friend down the street or a local bike shop (LBS) to find a bike that can fit you right you'll be ready to rock and roll.

So, first lesson: make sure the bike fits your body. Nothing too big or too small. Again, get your friend or a bike shop to help. (Also get a pump and an air gauge so you can keep your tires inflated, low tires suck to bike on).

Second: if you have a hilly neighborhood definitely get a bike with gears. Upright 3-speed cruiser bikes are quite heavy, but they are also an enjoyable way to get into cycling.

Third: set realistic goals. Like "today I will ride one mile." Then go for two. Then five. Before you know it you'll be doing cross-country cycling tours

Fourth: Don't give up! Like I said, cycling can be a little uncomfortable when you first start, but you will get to a place where it will be enjoyable! Maybe find a friend or a group to ride with once in a while!

Fifth: Don't ride to lose weight. Ride to feel good and to be healthy. Weight loss will come, but it will be gradual and if you are looking for big changes right away you will be disappointed.

Good luck! Remember, you don't need a super fancy bike to enjoy cycling, just one that fits your body and feels good... Later on, after you've got the bug, then you can buy all the fancy bikes and stuff! (I own quite a few myself )

 

[Minonian]

skip

I don't say any brand because i have no idea what you can get where you living. What i suggest to get a mountain bike, and considering your weight, i also suggesting to get better wheels and inner/ outer tire + pedal iron.
But what i say very seriously! Forget about tesco economical bikes, and buy something serious. About weight? I was successfully lost about 30 KG although because of lazyness gained back some, but still within acceptable parameters. If you want some help about this, i can give you some advice.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Hey mate! Welcome to the world of cycling. Like ED you'll have to go through a brief learning curve period while your body gets used to the activity. In my experience people give up on cycling for a few reasons: sore butt, sore hands, sore neck/back, and sore feet. However, if you can work with your friend down the street or a local bike shop (LBS) to find a bike that can fit you right you'll be ready to rock and roll.

So, first lesson: make sure the bike fits your body. Nothing too big or too small. Again, get your friend or a bike shop to help. (Also get a pump and an air gauge so you can keep your tires inflated, low tires suck to bike on).

Second: if you have a hilly neighborhood definitely get a bike with gears. Upright 3-speed cruiser bikes are quite heavy, but they are also an enjoyable way to get into cycling.

Third: set realistic goals. Like "today I will ride one mile." Then go for two. Then five. Before you know it you'll be doing cross-country cycling tours

Fourth: Don't give up! Like I said, cycling can be a little uncomfortable when you first start, but you will get to a place where it will be enjoyable! Maybe find a friend or a group to ride with once in a while!

Fifth: Don't ride to lose weight. Ride to feel good and to be healthy. Weight loss will come, but it will be gradual and if you are looking for big changes right away you will be disappointed.

Good luck! Remember, you don't need a super fancy bike to enjoy cycling, just one that fits your body and feels good... Later on, after you've got the bug, then you can buy all the fancy bikes and stuff! (I own quite a few myself )

Cheers man.

Yeah I know things won't be instant. I won't be spending too much... about £250 I reckon. Money I was going to get a GPU upgrade with, but I appreciate that the money would be better invested in my health. Plus I have bad experience with bottom-of-the-barrel sub-£100 bikes. Very bad... I'm making my budget about what my mate spent, and his bike is excellent, little jelly' actually.

But yeah, I was saying to my mate, I need to make this a hobby if I'm going to succeed. None of my family object: They all are really happy to hear I'm taking my health seriously. To be fair, I need a vehicle anyway. My mental state means I'm never going to get to drive, which is devastating news for me. A good bike is a nice alternative.

I'm shopping around. Will find the right one eventually.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't say any brand because i have no idea what you can get where you living. What i suggest to get a mountain bike, and considering your weight, i also suggesting to get better wheels and inner/ outer tire + pedal iron.
But what i say very seriously! Forget about tesco economical bikes, and buy something serious. About weight? I was successfully lost about 30 KG although because of lazyness gained back some, but still within acceptable parameters. If you want some help about this, i can give you some advice.

Absolutely getting a mountain bike. That much I do know. They're versatile, and just what I need.

 

[Minonian]

Hey mate! Welcome to the world of cycling. Like ED you'll have to go through a brief learning curve period while your body gets used to the activity. In my experience people give up on cycling for a few reasons: sore butt, sore hands, sore neck/back, and sore feet. However, if you can work with your friend down the street or a local bike shop (LBS) to find a bike that can fit you right you'll be ready to rock and roll.

So, first lesson: make sure the bike fits your body. Nothing too big or too small. Again, get your friend or a bike shop to help. (Also get a pump and an air gauge so you can keep your tires inflated, low tires suck to bike on).

Second: if you have a hilly neighborhood definitely get a bike with gears. Upright 3-speed cruiser bikes are quite heavy, but they are also an enjoyable way to get into cycling.

Third: set realistic goals. Like "today I will ride one mile." Then go for two. Then five. Before you know it you'll be doing cross-country cycling tours

Fourth: Don't give up! Like I said, cycling can be a little uncomfortable when you first start, but you will get to a place where it will be enjoyable! Maybe find a friend or a group to ride with once in a while!

Fifth: Don't ride to lose weight. Ride to feel good and to be healthy. Weight loss will come, but it will be gradual and if you are looking for big changes right away you will be disappointed.

Good luck! Remember, you don't need a super fancy bike to enjoy cycling, just one that fits your body and feels good... Later on, after you've got the bug, then you can buy all the fancy bikes and stuff! (I own quite a few myself )

Aye! What he said. With an addition don't buy a super fancy bike, but you definitely need an use able bike, the kind of worthless junk you can get in supermarkets wont do!

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Aye! What he said. With an addition don't buy a super fancy bike, but you definitely need an use able bike, the kind of worthless junk you can get in supermarkets wont do!

I'm thinking £250-£300. I'm not cheaping out. I'm looking for affordable quality.

 

[Minonian]

That will be good enough, as far you have reinforced tires, and wheels the first time until you learn how to handle your bike, and lose some weight you will need that, even if you don't go to extremes in mountanbiking like i did.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

That will be good enough, as far you have reinforced tires, and wheels the first time until you learn how to handle your bike, and lose some weight you will need that, even if you don't go to extremes in mountanbiking like i did.

Thanks for the advice man. I truly appreciate it.

I am actually looking forward to it now the weather is improving. Which can only be a good sign.

 

[Minonian]

Not even really being funny, have you considered...

Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/xDX2lZz.jpg

Now let us give a moment of silence to all of those whom by getting in the gym with a car, to ride a stationary bicycle, stuck in the traffic...

 

[Whipley]

I'm thinking £250-£300. I'm not cheaping out. I'm looking for affordable quality.

Do you have any shops in your area that have used bikes? I've found good quality used bikes on Craigslist, but I wouldn't recommend that unless you go with someone who can make sure the bike is in good condition and fits you well.

Brands like Trek, Specialized and so on have "starter" level mountain bikes generally for about $500 or so. Those are often a good place to start, and it's nice to have a brand new bike. Knobby tires can steal your energy a bit on paved roads, though.

Anyway, I'd love to hear about how this all works out for you! Please keep this thread updated.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Not even really being funny, have you considered...

Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/xDX2lZz.jpg

I had to rep that.

But I need a real bike. Fresh air alone makes it worth it.

 

[Gédéon_Lecanard]

I'm quite the geek in that domain

Whipley summed it up pretty well for you. He is very right on this for instance: people often quit because at the beginning, it can prove quite tiresome and a even painful if the equipment is not adequate. Do not spare on that part.

-Within your budget, a lot of brands are doing very good bikes for everyday use. the brand Decathlon has made quite a reputation in that domain for example. In general, the simpler, the better. Try and go for something you can maintain yourself easily.

-Go for something as light as can be overall. Weight does not seem to be a problem when rolling, but it is! The vicious part of it is that beginners can't really tell the difference, and just end up thinking cycling is hard. exactly as everything else, bad equipment makes for bad experience.

-The saddle is a critical component, especially if you are a bit on the heavy side. Avoid round center saddles, they will slaughter your (sc)rotum. They tend to disappear anyway. If possible, have your ischions space measured, and get the according size. Also, set it right! I saw too many folks suffering hell on their bike because the saddle was too low and/or too far.

-Avoid suspensions. They are irrelevant if you don't go for tracks, and within your budget range, there's no chance you'll get anything remotely correct. They'll probably just act as momentum soakers and waste your energy.

-Gears, definitely! If possible, go for a rapid fire switch. They are overall easier to maintain and more accurate. This also participate in the overall pleasure. Obviously, they are a bit more expensive.

-Don't buy a bike right away, give it a few days, and if possible have a bike savvy friend with you when you go check some.

-Making it you hobby is fine, but if you can, making it you main vehicle is top nocht. Things will go much faster that way, you'll save money, do good to your heart, and feel really really good. Sport is excellent for the mind, and cycling is definitely not as violent as running, and probably just as efficient.

-Breath regularly, deeply, as calmly as possible, especially at the beginning. Try to adapt your rythm and efforts to your breathing, not the opposite. You don't need to suffer. Soon enough, you'll know when you can push it a bit further.

Edit: I'm going to have to bypass the filter here, but come on! How can this be swearing? It's basic anatomy, and it needs precision. So, attempt at bypassing in the saddle part.

 

[Minonian]

Aye, and as it said for starter go for the middle price category, its not wort it to buy some cheap useless thingy, because you will going to have too much problem with it, and the same time, its just not worth it to buy a high tier superbike.

In essence? that's the same problematics, than what you have with an end tier ship in ED without the right piloting skills. You will screw it up.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Aye, and as it said for starter go for the middle price category, its not wort it to buy some cheap useless thingy, because you will going to have too much problem with it, and the same time, its just not worth it to buy a high tier superbike.

In essence? that's the same problematics, than what you have with an end tier ship in ED without the right piloting skills. You will screw it up.

Funny analogy indeed. But absolutely true. I might have to go round a few shops this weekend. My area, luckily, has got a couple quality retailers.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm quite the geek in that domain

Whipley summed it up pretty well for you. He is very right on this for instance: people often quit because at the beginning, it can prove quite tiresome and a even painful if the equipment is not adequate. Do not spare on that part.

-Within your budget, a lot of brands are doing very good bikes for everyday use. the brand Decathlon has made quite a reputation in that domain for example. In general, the simpler, the better. Try and go for something you can maintain yourself easily.

-Go for something as light as can be overall. Weight does not seem to be a problem when rolling, but it is! The vicious part of it is that beginners can't really tell the difference, and just end up thinking cycling is hard. exactly as everything else, bad equipment makes for bad experience.

-The saddle is a critical component, especially if you are a bit on the heavy side. Avoid round center saddles, they will slaughter your (sc)rotum. They tend to disappear anyway. If possible, have your ischions space measured, and get the according size. Also, set it right! I saw too many folks suffering hell on their bike because the saddle was too low and/or too far.

-Avoid suspensions. They are irrelevant if you don't go for tracks, and within your budget range, there's no chance you'll get anything remotely correct. They'll probably just act as momentum soakers and waste your energy.

-Gears, definitely! If possible, go for a rapid fire switch. They are overall easier to maintain and more accurate. This also participate in the overall pleasure. Obviously, they are a bit more expensive.

-Don't buy a bike right away, give it a few days, and if possible have a bike savvy friend with you when you go check some.

-Making it you hobby is fine, but if you can, making it you main vehicle is top nocht. Things will go much faster that way, you'll save money, do good to your heart, and feel really really good. Sport is excellent for the mind, and cycling is definitely not as violent as running, and probably just as efficient.

-Breath regularly, deeply, as calmly as possible, especially at the beginning. Try to adapt your rythm and efforts to your breathing, not the opposite. You don't need to suffer. Soon enough, you'll know when you can push it a bit further.

Edit: I'm going to have to bypass the filter here, but come on! How can this be swearing? It's basic anatomy, and it needs precision. So, attempt at bypassing in the saddle part.

Yeah, main vehicle it will be. Can't drive because of my disabilities, which are mental ailments, but I'm allowed to cycle.

 

[CMDR Heisenberg B. Damned]

I had to rep that.

But I need a real bike. Fresh air alone makes it worth it.

Well don't completely rule it out if the biking thing really isn't for you. I've seen people do just this and not only lose a heap of weight but also enhance their game. During heavy battles they report back they actually cycle harder and get a real adrenaline rush. But you're not wrong about the fresh air - hope you get a decent bike sorted

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Do you have any shops in your area that have used bikes? I've found good quality used bikes on Craigslist, but I wouldn't recommend that unless you go with someone who can make sure the bike is in good condition and fits you well.

Brands like Trek, Specialized and so on have "starter" level mountain bikes generally for about $500 or so. Those are often a good place to start, and it's nice to have a brand new bike. Knobby tires can steal your energy a bit on paved roads, though.

Anyway, I'd love to hear about how this all works out for you! Please keep this thread updated.

Yeah of course I'll keep the thread updated.

The advice true across the web, suspension is pointless for me. Noted. I'll get a fixed frame. I'm after the best I can afford, not what looks cool. I'm not 14 anymore.

A fixed frame will also fit bags better I suspect, so will be good for my shopping and the like.

 

[Monk]

Find some bike trails in your area. Where I live there are several reserves and nature parks with bike trails in them and they can provide the break in the monotony I find in road biking.

I also have a stationary bike in front a TV for when it is nasty outside but I still need to get my cardio in...


If only I could consistently eat less food...stupid feels messing me up. Ugh.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Find some bike trails in your area. Where I live there are several reserves and nature parks with bike trails in them and they can provide the break in the monotony I find in road biking.

I also have a stationary bike in front a TV for when it is nasty outside but I still need to get my cardio in...


If only I could consistently eat less food...stupid feels messing me up. Ugh.

I live near the coast, and there's a nice bit of land I'm thinking about right now...

 

[Faded Glory]

A very keen mountain biker here... Generally ride in the region of 1,000 miles over the course of a summer, living in the mountains in the US.

I currently have a Giant mountain bike, and really like it, and perhaps they will have something in the style you are looking for. I'm presuming you will be primarily on roads or smooth bike paths / trails, so perhaps something like this. Definitely a wise move on the helmet, and proper padded biking shorts will probably also make a bit of difference in the comfort level.

For me, cycling is a great way to keep fit (except when I fall off and break stuff ), and a two hour ride feels like fun compared to one hour in the gym. Start easy to build your stamina, flat bike paths are good if there are any near you. At least you are at sea level, I ride at 6,000+ feet.

Good luck with your new regime, and I hope the biking helps.