What bike for a right Big Bloke?
Discussion
Good evening my dayglo chums...
I'm around 21 stone (haven't checked in the last few years), 42 years young and 6'1".
And I need to lose weight.
I don't believe in diets and I haven't been running since an incident involving closing time and an unfortunately placed old lady.
I'm looking to le cyclisme as my saviour.
I did buy a drunken purchase of a Specialized hybrid a few years back but we didn't get on. Seemed much harder work than expected and I'm not *that* unfit. I'm looking at road bikes for maximum distance and minimum effort (to begin with at least). Budget is up to about 1k and so far I've seen a Claud Butler Elite for £350 but I'm looking online at more exotic rides just becuase, well, why not? (Also electric bikes but at that point I was practically taking the pi5s out of myself).
My question...is there any reason a 21 stone, unfit man shouldn't buy a road bike or should I stick with a hybrid (i.e. I won't use it)?
Also, is there a good make or model for my sort of rider? I used to ride with Dulwich Paragons and Surrey Roads but that was in what is increasingly seeming like another eon (anyone remember cyclo cross with Proper Bikes?)
Thanks,
DM
I'm around 21 stone (haven't checked in the last few years), 42 years young and 6'1".
And I need to lose weight.
I don't believe in diets and I haven't been running since an incident involving closing time and an unfortunately placed old lady.
I'm looking to le cyclisme as my saviour.
I did buy a drunken purchase of a Specialized hybrid a few years back but we didn't get on. Seemed much harder work than expected and I'm not *that* unfit. I'm looking at road bikes for maximum distance and minimum effort (to begin with at least). Budget is up to about 1k and so far I've seen a Claud Butler Elite for £350 but I'm looking online at more exotic rides just becuase, well, why not? (Also electric bikes but at that point I was practically taking the pi5s out of myself).
My question...is there any reason a 21 stone, unfit man shouldn't buy a road bike or should I stick with a hybrid (i.e. I won't use it)?
Also, is there a good make or model for my sort of rider? I used to ride with Dulwich Paragons and Surrey Roads but that was in what is increasingly seeming like another eon (anyone remember cyclo cross with Proper Bikes?)
Thanks,
DM
T84 said:
Look at your diet first, and then exercise.
Thanks for that. I didn't grasp that I had to lose weight before I could, erm, try to lose weight. By exercising. Is exercise in and of itself a bad thing for a man with a poor diet? Actually, I eat rather well. Just a lot.I'm a fat bloke looking to exercise. That in itself is a revelation. To me and others who know me. Would that there were more like me, perhaps?
I'm looking for sensible, experienced persons' advice - not self-satisfied abuse.
Edited by DickusMaximus on Wednesday 27th June 19:37
Edited by DickusMaximus on Wednesday 27th June 19:41
I think you will find that many road bikes have an upper weight limit specified in the manual that is less than your current weight. I don't think that means that those bikes will break the moment you sit on them, but I guess you're more likely to bust spokes / bend wheels etc while out enjoying our lovely, well-surfaced roads. One thing I have seen suggested is getting a bike with 36 spoke wheels rather than the standard 32.
There's a similar discussion here http://forums.roadbikereview.com/general-cycling-d... which might be helpful.
Whatever you get, enjoy it! I've lost a lot of weight over the last 18 months and cycling is definitely a good way to burn some calories, as long as you don't eat them all back at the coffee and cake stop!
There's a similar discussion here http://forums.roadbikereview.com/general-cycling-d... which might be helpful.
Whatever you get, enjoy it! I've lost a lot of weight over the last 18 months and cycling is definitely a good way to burn some calories, as long as you don't eat them all back at the coffee and cake stop!
MrsMiggins said:
I think you will find that many road bikes have an upper weight limit specified in the manual that is less than your current weight. I don't think that means that those bikes will break the moment you sit on them, but I guess you're more likely to bust spokes / bend wheels etc while out enjoying our lovely, well-surfaced roads. One thing I have seen suggested is getting a bike with 36 spoke wheels rather than the standard 32.
There's a similar discussion here http://forums.roadbikereview.com/general-cycling-d... which might be helpful.
Whatever you get, enjoy it! I've lost a lot of weight over the last 18 months and cycling is definitely a good way to burn some calories, as long as you don't eat them all back at the coffee and cake stop!
Excellent - thank you very much Mrs. M. 36 spokes on the Google.There's a similar discussion here http://forums.roadbikereview.com/general-cycling-d... which might be helpful.
Whatever you get, enjoy it! I've lost a lot of weight over the last 18 months and cycling is definitely a good way to burn some calories, as long as you don't eat them all back at the coffee and cake stop!
My ratioanale:
Fat bloke + dodgy diet = fat bloke sine die
Fat bloke + dodgy diet - cyling = slightly less of fat bloke to go (a)round
Simples :-)
I don't see any reason not to buy a road bike, however you may find some wheels aren't going to stand up to bumps under the weight.
I would slightly question your desire to buy a roadie at this point. A hard tail mountain bike for a grand is a thing of beauty and you will het a better workout in a shorter time period.
generally the mb frames and wheels are more robust.
I suggest the sanctimonious on here are gently trying to suggest that you should probably aim to both exercise and reduce your calorie intake, tackle both things together should see it coming of.
good luck
I would slightly question your desire to buy a roadie at this point. A hard tail mountain bike for a grand is a thing of beauty and you will het a better workout in a shorter time period.
generally the mb frames and wheels are more robust.
I suggest the sanctimonious on here are gently trying to suggest that you should probably aim to both exercise and reduce your calorie intake, tackle both things together should see it coming of.
good luck
Gargamel said:
I don't see any reason not to buy a road bike, however you may find some wheels aren't going to stand up to bumps under the weight.
I would slightly question your desire to buy a roadie at this point. A hard tail mountain bike for a grand is a thing of beauty and you will het a better workout in a shorter time period.
generally the mb frames and wheels are more robust.
I suggest the sanctimonious on here are gently trying to suggest that you should probably aim to both exercise and reduce your calorie intake, tackle both things together should see it coming of.
good luck
Thank you.I would slightly question your desire to buy a roadie at this point. A hard tail mountain bike for a grand is a thing of beauty and you will het a better workout in a shorter time period.
generally the mb frames and wheels are more robust.
I suggest the sanctimonious on here are gently trying to suggest that you should probably aim to both exercise and reduce your calorie intake, tackle both things together should see it coming of.
good luck
Perhaps the hybrid I have isn't set up correctly. I'll try it again before buying a roadie.
DM
I think a cross bike would be a good option for you.
Slightly more robust frame & fork.
Stronger wheels, higher spoke count, able to take wider tyres to avoid rim damage & pinch flats.
More stable geometry for a heavy rider with a high centre of gravity.
Frequently better brakes.
Gives you the option of fun off road routes.
Better resale value than a Road/Audax/Tourer if/when you wish to upgrade.
This Boardman is highly rated for the price and has disc brakes and 32 spoke wheels:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Slightly more robust frame & fork.
Stronger wheels, higher spoke count, able to take wider tyres to avoid rim damage & pinch flats.
More stable geometry for a heavy rider with a high centre of gravity.
Frequently better brakes.
Gives you the option of fun off road routes.
Better resale value than a Road/Audax/Tourer if/when you wish to upgrade.
This Boardman is highly rated for the price and has disc brakes and 32 spoke wheels:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
DickusMaximus said:
My ratioanale:
Fat bloke + dodgy diet = fat bloke sine die
Fat bloke + dodgy diet - cyling = slightly less of fat bloke to go (a)round
Simples :-)
Speaking as a "recovering fatty" I'm not into diets either. To me a diet is when you artificially change the way you eat so you lose weight, typically through a process of denying the fattening things you love and restricting your food intake drastically so you're miserable eating salad and veggies for every meal. (then once you've lost enough weight to allow you to go back to eating 'normally' you pile it all back on again!)Fat bloke + dodgy diet = fat bloke sine die
Fat bloke + dodgy diet - cyling = slightly less of fat bloke to go (a)round
Simples :-)
When i decided I was sick of being fat I made a lifestyle change. I exercise more and I eat sensibly both in quality and quantity; there are no 'forbidden foods' and the way I eat now is sustainable and enjoyable. I've reached and surpassed my weight loss target and I don't feel that I have to change the way I eat after making that initial change 18 months ago. At its simplest, if you modify your intake so you eat *now* based on the weight/lifestyle you aim to reach you'll gradually lose weight until you get there.
I have to say that exercise is a lot easier now that I've lost those extra lbs, but you are right that you don't need to diet so you can exercise, it's just easier to exercise if you're not as fat!
At 21st, better off with a hybrid until you shed the weight. Without wishing to be condescending, you need to learn how to change your eating habits, which doesn't necessarily mean dieting in the old fashioned sense. As someone who trains 5/6 times a week (at the gym and out on the bike) I can't just eat what I want ... I can say for a certainty, if I did I'd be 15st - 16st + whereas I'm 13.5. I have an eating plan which I try and stick to during the week then I relax it at the weekends so its not hard to stick to.
I see lots of people in my gym who've been there day in and day out for years and not lost any weight ... its obvious why ... because they haven't or won't change their eating habits.
Exercise alone won't get rid of the pounds ... a decent eating plan coupled with the bike will see some good results.
I see lots of people in my gym who've been there day in and day out for years and not lost any weight ... its obvious why ... because they haven't or won't change their eating habits.
Exercise alone won't get rid of the pounds ... a decent eating plan coupled with the bike will see some good results.
We used to have an old farmworker in his late 70's who came around to clean the ditches,cut the hedges dnd trim the verges by hand.
He was a monster of a man. 6'3, broad as he was tall with hands like shovels and a face that looked made of Spam with pipe stuck in it. He used cycle all over the Shropshire hills going from farm to farm with a full scythe and spade on the bike with him.
It was one of those huge old black Raleighs with a Sturmey-Archer 3 speed hub and sprung leather saddle. I tried to ride it once and failed to even turn the pedals, I was about 11 at the time. The dammed thing must have been made of cast iron.
If the OP wants to get fit, one of those old b
ds with knock the pounds off in no time.
He was a monster of a man. 6'3, broad as he was tall with hands like shovels and a face that looked made of Spam with pipe stuck in it. He used cycle all over the Shropshire hills going from farm to farm with a full scythe and spade on the bike with him.
It was one of those huge old black Raleighs with a Sturmey-Archer 3 speed hub and sprung leather saddle. I tried to ride it once and failed to even turn the pedals, I was about 11 at the time. The dammed thing must have been made of cast iron.
If the OP wants to get fit, one of those old b
ds with knock the pounds off in no time.As someone who is not of a whippet type build myself I'd say get the hard tail MTB. Everthing is stronger in the first place (it's made to be lasted down bumpy tracks).
In the first 3 months of getting back into mountain bikes after a 15 year lay off I lost 1.5 stone and my shape changed noticably.
A few months on and my weight loss has stopped but I'm getting stronger all the time, diet would make me loose more weight but I really do like eating and it's not an issue for me.
In the first 3 months of getting back into mountain bikes after a 15 year lay off I lost 1.5 stone and my shape changed noticably.
A few months on and my weight loss has stopped but I'm getting stronger all the time, diet would make me loose more weight but I really do like eating and it's not an issue for me.
Morning Dickus
Good on you for aiming for the bike as the chosen method of exercise - running and all that is so over rated!
When you made your drunken purchase, was it a second hand job? If so, did you just hop on, do a few miles and realise that you didn't get on? If this is the case, it might be worth getting the bike serviced somewhere before deciding on another purchase. Could just need a clean and brush up, re-grease etc. I know mine always feels nicer after a trip to the the spannerman. While you're they're, ask them to check out the sizing and setup for you. Simple things like the saddle height might be making you feel uncomfortable on the bike.
If this throws up the scenario that the bike isn't right for you, get it shifted and hit the shops (or eBay or bike exchange or whatever).
If it turns out that a little tweaking is all you need then you're onto a winner.
As for the diet thing, thats a whole different subject which I am in no place to comment on since I eat like a pig
Good on you for aiming for the bike as the chosen method of exercise - running and all that is so over rated!
When you made your drunken purchase, was it a second hand job? If so, did you just hop on, do a few miles and realise that you didn't get on? If this is the case, it might be worth getting the bike serviced somewhere before deciding on another purchase. Could just need a clean and brush up, re-grease etc. I know mine always feels nicer after a trip to the the spannerman. While you're they're, ask them to check out the sizing and setup for you. Simple things like the saddle height might be making you feel uncomfortable on the bike.
If this throws up the scenario that the bike isn't right for you, get it shifted and hit the shops (or eBay or bike exchange or whatever).
If it turns out that a little tweaking is all you need then you're onto a winner.
As for the diet thing, thats a whole different subject which I am in no place to comment on since I eat like a pig
You sound like the same ilk as I. You love your food (quality and quantity!) and don't want to compromise on that. That was my ethos too, and still is to be honest.
I got myself a hard tail MTB, and started doing a bit of cycling. That's what I would recommend. Robust enough to carry your weight, and more comfortable than a road bike.
I started to get fitter and faster, and shed a little weight using my hard tail. I started at 18 1/2 stone (5'9"), and I'm now down to 13 1/2 stone.
I'm now the fittest I've ever been, and I've run several marathons and I'm now doing triathlons.
But most importantly, and sanctimonious I know, I'm still fat. I train around 10 hours a week for triathlon. I have very little shame, and to illustrate someone else's point, this is me in lycra on Sunday.
For perspective, I came 15th in this race out of 149 people. So fitter than average, but still fat.
Get out and ride, it will help you lose weight, and you'll be much healthier for it. But, through my experience anyway, it can't be done with pure exercise. I reckon I lost only 2 stone through exercise, the other 3 was changing my diet. And because I didn't change my diet earlier, I've still got a lot of excess fat to go...
Get out and enjoy riding.
I got myself a hard tail MTB, and started doing a bit of cycling. That's what I would recommend. Robust enough to carry your weight, and more comfortable than a road bike.
I started to get fitter and faster, and shed a little weight using my hard tail. I started at 18 1/2 stone (5'9"), and I'm now down to 13 1/2 stone.
I'm now the fittest I've ever been, and I've run several marathons and I'm now doing triathlons.
But most importantly, and sanctimonious I know, I'm still fat. I train around 10 hours a week for triathlon. I have very little shame, and to illustrate someone else's point, this is me in lycra on Sunday.
For perspective, I came 15th in this race out of 149 people. So fitter than average, but still fat.
Get out and ride, it will help you lose weight, and you'll be much healthier for it. But, through my experience anyway, it can't be done with pure exercise. I reckon I lost only 2 stone through exercise, the other 3 was changing my diet. And because I didn't change my diet earlier, I've still got a lot of excess fat to go...
Get out and enjoy riding.
OK, let me start by saying I am very lucky and have never suffered from weight issues, I was at my heaviest this Christmas when I hit 13st 2lbs, through cycling alone I am now at 11st 6lbs – so I cannot claim to have ever been overweight. However, two guys that I sit next to in the office are both overweight, and have challenged each other to hit their ‘target weight’ by September this year, and I have to say they are both doing really well.
They have taken their challenge very seriously and are very motivated to succeed, and as such have adjusted just about every aspect of their lifestyles, and have created a weekly plan which monitors their calorie intake, cardio fitness, and fat burning activities. Their respective plans have totally eaten into their old lifestyle, twice a week they are in the gym for 07.30 in the morning, one has taken up running and runs 4 nights a week, the other cycles 3 times a week (they both post up their activities on Strava as proof), they are also swimming and have signed up for some sort of mini iron man event in the winter to give themselves a motivator for the days when they just don’t feel like going to the gym.
Seemingly their biggest aid to losing weight has been a really simple iphone app called my fitness pal that monitors your calorific intake for the day, and offsets it against calories burnt through exercise. I believe it can illustrate how much weight you will lose/gain over a month based on each days intake. Every time they think about going for a snack, or eating the additional portion, they think twice as their ‘weight conscience’ on their iPhone clearly shows them how many calories they have already consumed, and how many they have left. No sure if it is your thing, but thought mentioning it might help; http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
As for a bike for fitness personally I would always go road bike over MTB. I have a couple of MTB’s and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that riding them on the singletrack or XC environments I burn a lot of calories, but there is very little consistency in the riding. On a road bike it is a lot easier to keep a constant pedal stroke and concentrate on your cadence, so my suggestion would be a hybrid or road bike, then get the miles in!
CX bike is a good compromise, I have one and ride it frequently but you will find that you are still leadning over the hoods, and with all due respect if you are a tad heavy the position may/will probably put a lot of pressure on your lower back and shoulders.
Good luck, stick with it!
They have taken their challenge very seriously and are very motivated to succeed, and as such have adjusted just about every aspect of their lifestyles, and have created a weekly plan which monitors their calorie intake, cardio fitness, and fat burning activities. Their respective plans have totally eaten into their old lifestyle, twice a week they are in the gym for 07.30 in the morning, one has taken up running and runs 4 nights a week, the other cycles 3 times a week (they both post up their activities on Strava as proof), they are also swimming and have signed up for some sort of mini iron man event in the winter to give themselves a motivator for the days when they just don’t feel like going to the gym.
Seemingly their biggest aid to losing weight has been a really simple iphone app called my fitness pal that monitors your calorific intake for the day, and offsets it against calories burnt through exercise. I believe it can illustrate how much weight you will lose/gain over a month based on each days intake. Every time they think about going for a snack, or eating the additional portion, they think twice as their ‘weight conscience’ on their iPhone clearly shows them how many calories they have already consumed, and how many they have left. No sure if it is your thing, but thought mentioning it might help; http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
As for a bike for fitness personally I would always go road bike over MTB. I have a couple of MTB’s and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that riding them on the singletrack or XC environments I burn a lot of calories, but there is very little consistency in the riding. On a road bike it is a lot easier to keep a constant pedal stroke and concentrate on your cadence, so my suggestion would be a hybrid or road bike, then get the miles in!
CX bike is a good compromise, I have one and ride it frequently but you will find that you are still leadning over the hoods, and with all due respect if you are a tad heavy the position may/will probably put a lot of pressure on your lower back and shoulders.
Good luck, stick with it!
Just to add what others have said you need to decide what you want to achieve, fitness or weight loss.
If the latter then you'll have to change your diet/lifestyle. It can't easily be done with exercise alone.
I've always been a bit of a lardy b*****d and 4 years ago was heading inexorably north of 16st (5'10) as middle age set in. Blood pressure was up too typically 140/95. I resolved I had to do something about it and started cycling. I chose MTB's because quite simply I didn't really expect a road bike to take my weight plus I hardly thought I'd look that elegant straddling some slim lean racing machine!
After the first 18 months my weight had stabilised (just under 16st) my blood pressure was down and I was feeling a whole lot better and this was with about 2-3 hrs per week/30-40km off-road. But I'd plateau'd in every respect so I then instigated a change in eating habits.
12 months ago I attained what I considered a happy medium. Weight down to 14st 10, RHR52bpm and BP 122/80. The amount of cycling had increased slightly to about 3,000km per year and now the eating has increased slighly but I'm holding the weight +/-2lbs.
Compared to my peers my biggest failing is climbing - I'm still carrying too much lard but compared to where I was 4 years ago there is just no comparison. Might just have another hit on the weight
So OP, go for an MTB or hybrid, get your fitness up, realise that you'll only improve by losing weight and then join the MAMIL's on a road bike
If the latter then you'll have to change your diet/lifestyle. It can't easily be done with exercise alone.
I've always been a bit of a lardy b*****d and 4 years ago was heading inexorably north of 16st (5'10) as middle age set in. Blood pressure was up too typically 140/95. I resolved I had to do something about it and started cycling. I chose MTB's because quite simply I didn't really expect a road bike to take my weight plus I hardly thought I'd look that elegant straddling some slim lean racing machine!
After the first 18 months my weight had stabilised (just under 16st) my blood pressure was down and I was feeling a whole lot better and this was with about 2-3 hrs per week/30-40km off-road. But I'd plateau'd in every respect so I then instigated a change in eating habits.
12 months ago I attained what I considered a happy medium. Weight down to 14st 10, RHR52bpm and BP 122/80. The amount of cycling had increased slightly to about 3,000km per year and now the eating has increased slighly but I'm holding the weight +/-2lbs.
Compared to my peers my biggest failing is climbing - I'm still carrying too much lard but compared to where I was 4 years ago there is just no comparison. Might just have another hit on the weight
So OP, go for an MTB or hybrid, get your fitness up, realise that you'll only improve by losing weight and then join the MAMIL's on a road bike
I'm in the same boat... I'm 28 years old, 6ft5, and around 20 stone - probably, never weighed myself. All I know is I have moobs, and I don't want moobs anymore!
I eat pretty healthily, no processed crap. All of our meat comes from the butchers, and always eat my five a day. My biggest downfall is cider - I drink too much (much like my cars), but hey, I don't smoke, and the cider is my only vice in life (aside from BIG V8s). So I figured I'd cut back on the booze, and get some exercise.
I started out a few months ago by walking, but god damn it's dull, and it takes you ages to get anywhere. I used to love cycling, and had a really nice Dawes Mountain bike as a teenager, not sure what happened to it - probably got passed on to someone when I passed my driving test! Anyway, I looked at bikes, and kind of begrudged paying £300-500 for something I might not really use, so I went and bought a right el cheapo Halfords jobby... one of these...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
I know people say they're crap, and that good V brakes are better than bad disc brakes etc, etc... but it was £160, came in a 22" frame, and in honesty, does the job. If it lasts me a year, and I'm still into the cycling, I'll spend the dosh on a better bike - but as a toe in the water, it's pretty fantastic.
Another addition I have is 'Map My Run' - an Iphone app that records your route, tells you your elevations/decents, plots your average speed etc, and plays music off the iPhone while peddling, it's pretty good. I can then head out, cycle a previous route, and try and beat my previous time!
I've had the bike for nigh on a month now, I did a 9 mile ride on Monday (my longest ride to date), in just over an hour (lots of stops to check maps) - have tweaked the route slightly for tonight, and weather permitting I'll stick another 10 miles on the bike tonight.
I'm already feeling fitter, moobs shrinking, get out of breath less quickly, and feel less tired during the day. With any luck, by the time I hit 30 next September, I'll actually feel good about myself for the first time in, well, ever.
In short... cycling is great.
I eat pretty healthily, no processed crap. All of our meat comes from the butchers, and always eat my five a day. My biggest downfall is cider - I drink too much (much like my cars), but hey, I don't smoke, and the cider is my only vice in life (aside from BIG V8s). So I figured I'd cut back on the booze, and get some exercise.
I started out a few months ago by walking, but god damn it's dull, and it takes you ages to get anywhere. I used to love cycling, and had a really nice Dawes Mountain bike as a teenager, not sure what happened to it - probably got passed on to someone when I passed my driving test! Anyway, I looked at bikes, and kind of begrudged paying £300-500 for something I might not really use, so I went and bought a right el cheapo Halfords jobby... one of these...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
I know people say they're crap, and that good V brakes are better than bad disc brakes etc, etc... but it was £160, came in a 22" frame, and in honesty, does the job. If it lasts me a year, and I'm still into the cycling, I'll spend the dosh on a better bike - but as a toe in the water, it's pretty fantastic.
Another addition I have is 'Map My Run' - an Iphone app that records your route, tells you your elevations/decents, plots your average speed etc, and plays music off the iPhone while peddling, it's pretty good. I can then head out, cycle a previous route, and try and beat my previous time!
I've had the bike for nigh on a month now, I did a 9 mile ride on Monday (my longest ride to date), in just over an hour (lots of stops to check maps) - have tweaked the route slightly for tonight, and weather permitting I'll stick another 10 miles on the bike tonight.
I'm already feeling fitter, moobs shrinking, get out of breath less quickly, and feel less tired during the day. With any luck, by the time I hit 30 next September, I'll actually feel good about myself for the first time in, well, ever.
In short... cycling is great.
Well I may as well throw my 2p in for what its worth given that I am in a similar situation. Currently Im 32 and sitting at 20st, having lost 4 stone already.
Ive been into a few other hobbies to help get the weight down and a few months back bought a cheap £250 Giant hard tail to start cycling again (a few years ago I lost over 10st and done a bit of cycling, (just a shame I put most of it back on). Without sounding preachy, diet will play a fair bit in getting the weight off, as without it your exercise wont make a major impact and as soon as you stop anything you do loose will just go back on again. Here endith the sermon.
As for bike options since buying my cheap and cheerful bike Ive really gotten into the cycling gradually building up distances as I go. However I have found that my cheap bike is not holding up great and just recently purchased better bike which should cope with the miles a bit better. I have fitted Panaracer Mach SS semi-slick tyres to mine which made a massive difference when on the road but still giving some off road grip. I did look at Hybrids etc. but I decided to stick to the MTB route so I can stick some nobblies on and go off road if I like. I do however plan to get a proper road bike further down the line, but not until Ive got another good few stonne off.
Ive been into a few other hobbies to help get the weight down and a few months back bought a cheap £250 Giant hard tail to start cycling again (a few years ago I lost over 10st and done a bit of cycling, (just a shame I put most of it back on). Without sounding preachy, diet will play a fair bit in getting the weight off, as without it your exercise wont make a major impact and as soon as you stop anything you do loose will just go back on again. Here endith the sermon.
As for bike options since buying my cheap and cheerful bike Ive really gotten into the cycling gradually building up distances as I go. However I have found that my cheap bike is not holding up great and just recently purchased better bike which should cope with the miles a bit better. I have fitted Panaracer Mach SS semi-slick tyres to mine which made a massive difference when on the road but still giving some off road grip. I did look at Hybrids etc. but I decided to stick to the MTB route so I can stick some nobblies on and go off road if I like. I do however plan to get a proper road bike further down the line, but not until Ive got another good few stonne off.
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