Plus Size Biking

Yes, at 300lbs you can ride a bike. As a child we didn’t think twice about jumping on our bikes and riding around the neighborhood. As an adult most who think they would enjoy riding bikes again think about it too much instead of just doing it especially the plus sized person.

Unbeknownst to a lot of people there are bicycles out there for plus sizes people. Men and women’s bicycles and they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

When I began research for this article I Googled “bikes for plus-sized women (me being a woman) and was surprised at the few choices plus sized people have, unless you’re rich. I only saw one bicycle under $500 and it wasn’t pretty at all.

I did more research and found more than a few choices that are way under $500 and very stylish.

Let’s start with the superstores and retail chains. You CAN walk into Walmart or Target or any of the retail chain stores or superstores and walk out with a bicycle that you can start riding as soon as you get home. A lot of the bicycles have weight limits of around 250-275lbs but from experience I know they can hold 300lbs. Look for steel frames instead of aluminum, that makes a big difference. Both Schwinn and Huffy make handsome bicycles that are durable even for the bigger person. Now I won’t say that the bicycle won’t wear out faster because of the extra weight but I can honestly say I know someone who has gotten a couple of years out of theirs so far. And for under $100, I think they’ve already got their money’s worth.

Another company I want to mention is called “Workman’s Cycles”. These are more expensive than the Schwinn’s and the Huffys’ but they are an excellent bicycle for the bigger person. Their bicycles start at $339 which is reasonable for this type of bicycle. The bicycles are customizable so you can get just what you need in a bike, many beautiful colors, Kevlar tires, steel rims. These are bicycles made for heavy duty working conditions and will hold up for years under added weight.

Now before you start riding there is something else to discuss that is very important, the bicycle seat. Plus sized or not everyone knows that a bicycle seat is not a fun things to have between your buns. Even if you enjoy riding your bike having a skinny seat to contend with might put you off. Wider bicycle seats are also sold at retail stores but the best bicycle seats are found online. There are several sites that sell 16″ wide bicycle seats and they are a miracle of science for the wide bottomed person. Just do a search and you will find all the bicycle seats you need.

Each time before you ride your bicycle, check the frame for wear and make sure the tires are properly aired. You’ll be safer and have a much more enjoyable ride.

The research I’ve done for this article pertains the plus sized person who is 300lbs or smaller. If you are heavier than 300lbs it is probably a good idea to go with the higher priced bicycles that are designed to more weight.