Riding bikes while overweight

[hailgirl92]

I'm losing weight but I'm trying to start riding a bike again. I'm at 350 pounds and every time I ride my bike it swerves. It's not the bike, as I've tried a few others. Is my weight making it pull? Is there anyway to fix this? Or should I focus on losing more weight before riding a bike?

[JohnRi]

A few months ago I got back on a bike for the first time in over 30 years.  The first 20 miles or so, I was pretty iffy at first.  The first mile was rough.  Balance was the issue for me at first. 

I suspect that your balance is your issue.  And only practice is going to help.  Losing weight will help with your balance.  I've lost 20 lbs since I got back on a bike, and I have much better control of my bike now. 

I was around 230 when I got on my bike the first time.  I'm down to 210 now. 

Good luck Stay active!

[iMike]

I just got back on a bike as well last week, so I'm sure I look just ridiculous trying to ride.  I wanted something I could do outside during the summer months.

I used to ride all the time, then I started packing on pounds.  At a hundred pounds overweight even sitting on a mountain bike with the thicker tires is a bit terrifying for me.  I seem to have little balance and very little control.  My first couple of rides seemed sluggish and my upper thighs still feel like they're on fire each time I ride. 

Take it slow and don't push yourself too much.  Keep a water bottle with you and make sure you wear a helmet just in case.

[emili]

I think the bike is going to help you lose the weight so ride the heck out of it. Doesn't matter how you look, matters how you are going to feel when you are fit and fabulous. as long as you aren't in danger of hurting yourself- ride..

[FatherOfMany]

About 7 years ago I started cycling also for the first time in many, many years. First ride was clumsy and very short, and it took me months before I did any real distance, but in 2010 I did a 450 mile cycling trip over 6 days at a time when I weighed 280lbs. And shortly after that I did 100 miles in a single day.

It was hard work for me at that weight, so I can only imagine it must be much harder at 350lbs, but I think JohnRi and others are correct - you just have to be patient.

[MHKBB17]

I agree with everyone else-getting on the bike is definitely a step in the right direction.  I've gotten back on mine after years away (I tend to run/walk more as a general rule) once my kids were old enough to start riding some of the trails around our house.  The first few rides were a bit wobbly while I was getting back into the routine of riding, but its gotten much better once the first couple of rides in.  While your balance may be a bit of an issue now, make sure that the bike itself is set up the right way; meaning tires are at the right pressure, and that your seat and handlebars are at the right height/position, the rims are straight and not tweaked, etc.  It can make a huge difference for your mechanics (and thus things like balance) and can make the ride a lot easier and comfortable.  A good bike shop should be able to fit you properly and give the bike a checkup too.

Have fun and keep riding!

[bellerophon30 · Accepted solution]

I use my bike as my primary mode of transport (my secondary mode are my feet), both when I'm in shape, in between (now) and heavy.  Yes, it's slower than a car, you can't carry as much, and you need to be car vigilant.  But you burn a lot of calories, get fresh air, and save money and the environment.  It just takes some getting used to at first, with the balance, but you'll get there.  Just keep at it, and don't be discouraged if you're going slow at first.  Again, you'll get there.  Good luck  🙂