Ayup!

[Bigdigger92]

Ayup guys and girls!

My names Jack i'm Midlands based! its been a few years since I've been on a bike, i've join to hopefully meet some like minded people and hopefully get some advice on bikes.....

As i said its been a few years since i have been on a bike, i've got a few more grey hairs and grown a bit of a belly (when i said a bit i really mean a big one). i am looking for some advice on bikes for heavier people 24st + (i know i should be ashamed.... but life get in the way and before you know it, boom your one sweat away from being the diabetes UK poster boy!)

so if you have ever been in my dilemma or have assisted some finding the right bike which wont break by just me looking at it....... could you help a brother out!

 

[Chris S]

 

[sevenfourate]

Hello and Welcome aboard 👋

 

[HMS_Dave]

Ayup guys and girls!

My names Jack i'm Midlands based! its been a few years since I've been on a bike, i've join to hopefully meet some like minded people and hopefully get some advice on bikes.....

As i said its been a few years since i have been on a bike, i've got a few more grey hairs and grown a bit of a belly (when i said a bit i really mean a big one). i am looking for some advice on bikes for heavier people 24st + (i know i should be ashamed.... but life get in the way and before you know it, boom your one sweat away from being the diabetes UK poster boy!)

so if you have ever been in my dilemma or have assisted some finding the right bike which wont break by just me looking at it....... could you help a brother out!

Must be a Midlands thing. I started riding bikes at 25 stone and im from the Midlands. Im considered normal weight now. Forget the shame and the past, just make a new start.

I'd personally recommend something steel and something designed for some cargo as it's more likely to take your weight and last. Avoid kerbs and potholes like the plague and take it easy.

I also had a cheap chinese fat bike that was steel and it lived to tell the tale. I mostly rode and still ride an Elephant bike (an ex royal mail postie bike) without any mechanical failure.

One of these...

Just know that it can be done...

Welcome.

 

[I like Skol]

24st, that's a fair chunk, but only a starting figure so things can only get better 👍

I'm called big by my mates/associates at only 14+st but maybe to some 9/10st racing snake freaks I do appear heavy/big? It's all relative.

The main thing is to get started and keep active.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Welcome aboard, Jack

Cycling can be great exercise and can be a good way of getting fitter and losing weight.
In my book, that goes hand in hand with the non-physical side of things. Getting out on the bike can be a great way to escape normal life for a little while and give us a bit of perspective that can make changing things around that bit easier. If that sounds too wishy washy it's just a great way to get out and explore what's all around you.

so if you have ever been in my dilemma or have assisted some finding the right bike which wont break by just me looking at it....... could you help a brother out!

You'll need a bike and not a whole lot else, at least at the start. Well, actually, you'll need a bit of attitude to get off your ass and form a habit of going for a ride. @HMS_Dave 's advice is good. Something for cargo or an Elephant bike (if they can still be bought?).
A cheaper alternative might be an old, steel Mountain Bike. One without suspension. I'm thinking 1990's vintage. A good one should be strong enough and have decent gearing to help you on any hills.
On any bike, your point of concern will be the wheels so you'll need to be extra careful with any bumps, holes, kerbs etc.
Do you know anyone who knows a bit about bikes and may be able to help you in the real world?
I'd urge against spending a lot of money on a bike right now. Get something that works, is comfortable and reliable. If you have a budget, perhaps hold off until you've a better idea of what type of cycling you like. Hold the "shiny new bike" in front of yourself as some motivation.

Getting on a bike and going for a ride (my first as an adult) was one of the greatest simple things I've ever done. I was overweight (not in your league) and the "bike" was a piece of crap but I still managed to feel something....... and it wasn't just a pain in my ass or sore muscles.

Some people will want to design, develop and follow training programs. I wouldn't be one of them. I prefer my cycling to be looser, freer and enjoyable. The important thing is that you enjoy what you're doing.
Finding nice roads to cycle on, being comfortable with some basic maintenance, eating and drinking appropriately are probably the next most important things. Lycra and other specific bike clothing is not necessary if you don't want it. If you do a search of these fora you'll find lots of advice to newbies.

One of the greatest ways of building fitness and confidence on a bike is to incorporate it into daily life as much as possible. Commuting? Socialising? Errands? Holidays? That might seem waaaaaay too much now but maybe hold them in the back of your mind as a possibility for later.

Finally, it may just be me, but I have always found inspiration in other people's stories. Maybe spend a bit of time looking on YouTube or searching online. There is lots and lots of inspiration out there.

The main thing is to get started and keep active.

Best of luck!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Hello and

 

[Dogtrousers]

Some great advice above. Just get a bike that works OK and is comfortable and then you can figure out what it really is you want from a bike.

 

[HMS_Dave]

Something for cargo or an Elephant bike (if they can still be bought?).
A cheaper alternative might be an old, steel Mountain Bike.

They no longer sell them, but are regularly listed on secondhand market places for around £200 give or take and are normally in great condition. Adding Search terms such as "pashley pronto" or "mailstar" can bring up further results and they may look a bit more tatty but can be cheaper and likely still as functional. Certainly, the old steel mountain bike route is the most budget conscious, tried and tested way.

 

[Jody]

Orate

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Hello!

 

[Bigdigger92]

24st, that's a fair chunk, but only a starting figure so things can only get better 👍

Yeah its not my finest moment! but as stated its a starting figure be lycra ready in no time

 

[Bigdigger92]

They no longer sell them, but are regularly listed on secondhand market places for around £200 give or take and are normally in great condition. Adding Search terms such as "pashley pronto" or "mailstar" can bring up further results and they may look a bit more tatty but can be cheaper and likely still as functional. Certainly, the old steel mountain bike route is the most budget conscious, tried and tested way.

Thank you for the advise i shall have a look at the bikes you suggested!