What bicycle is good for a “big girl” new to cycling?
I’m significantly overweight, but I want to get into mixing some cycling into my exercise routine.
I don’t need super fast, and I’d like it to be comfortable.
What should I consider? Brand or style recommendations? I’ve heard hybrid might be the way to go.
Google ” bike shops + your zip ” and start there. Bikes come in different sizes so they are comfortable to ride. Where you want to ride will determine the best bike to get. A hybrid is a good choice you can ride on the road and smooth gravel bike paths. Any bike from a bike shop will be good brand is not that important.
Your weight will not be an issue if you buy a quality bike with strong wheels. If you want to be comfortable, you need to buy a bike that fits your height and body proportions. You are right, a hybrid makes sense for you starting out if your goal is exercise. Brand is less important than where you buy. A good bike shop will help you find the best machine for your budget and the type of riding you want to do, and put you on one that fits and is comfortable. When you buy your bike, you should buy a good pump to keep your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. A pair of cycling shorts, a helmet, water bottle and cage, a cyclo computer, and a small bag to carry a multi tool and spare inner tubes would also be a good idea.
hybrid
definitely
take about $400 to a bike store
try to get something on sale but that is rare actually
the bikes don;t really have a lot of markup, it;s the other doodads that do
you can get a lot of that stuff on ebay or whatever but it;s nice to support your LBS
[local bike shop]
particularly since as a newbie you will actually need to ask them some things
wle
You heard right – hybrid is THE way to go for comfort & ride-ability. Want one that will last & last? See all the real bicycle shops in your area. Look for ones that have both a freehub/cassette set up vs. the cheaper freewheel AND double walled rims. See link below.
As the late Sheldon Brown stated, “…but these hubs work so well that they have come to represent the new “standard.” Most decent-quality bikes made since the late 1980s have used this greatly improved design.”
A bike with NO suspension on the front fork will roll faster & easier than one with suspension. Suspension parts weigh the bike down & drain energy from the rider. See 2nd link…
gate
A hybrid bike would be a great choice. Here is a frame sizer to make sure you get the proper size. Just select road bike and complete the information.
You should look to a new or used Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, or Giant. They are great bikes, and can last a long time.
As important is learning how to ride properly. You ‘spin’ the pedals, just like in spin class. You pedal at a rate of 70+ rpm with MODERATE pedal pressure. DON NOT pedal at a slow rate with a lot of pressure. Ease into the riding. You won;t believe how out of shape your legs and butt have gotten. If you over do it, you will not believe the pain! Ride no more than 2 to 5 miles per ride for the first few weeks.
Read up on cycling, and go look at a spin class. You use the gears to maintain both the cadence and the pedal pressure over the length of your ride.
http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer
Soccerref