Many fat cyclists experience discrimination, and that is just plain wrong. Everyone has the right to ride a bike; and fat cyclists should not feel pressured to lose weight, or be made to feel that they don’t belong on the bike path. That said, there are some extra challenges for plus-sized cyclists, such as finding an appropriate bike and clothing. This post is about how to deal with those challenges, so you can enjoy cycling, regardless of what your scale has to say.
Exercise is More Important for Health than the Number on the Scale
Most importantly, research has shown that it is not so much the number on the scale that matters, but whether or not you exercise. A fat person who gets a lot of exercise may be healthier than a thin person who gets no exercise.
“What we’re learning is that a body that exercises regularly is generally a healthy body, whether that body is fat or thin,” says Glenn Gaesser, PhD, a professor of exercise and wellness at Arizona State. “The message should really be that if you are exercising regularly, you shouldn’t necessarily be looking at the scale to determine how healthy or fit you are.” (Source: Can you be fat but fit?)
Another cycling blogger, who calls herself Fat Broad on a Bike, says: “Being overweight and being a cyclist is not contradictory. I’ve been both for 22 years. Too many women are psyched out by those lean bodies dancing on the pedals up the Gatineau Hills. Cycling does not require a skinny body, it helps if you want to go fast, but it’s not necessary to enjoy cycling.” (Source: Fat Broad On A Bike: Don’t Hide – Ride!“) This woman is extremely inspirational – a few months ago she inspired me to write: “Yes We Can! Inspiration to Get Fit and Do a Gran Fondo.”
So if you are fat, don’t focus on the number on the scale, and think that you are too big to get out on a bike. Get out and cycle, and have fun. Whether you lose weight or not, you will still be getting healthier!
I am speaking from personal experience. I have been overweight almost my entire life, with many fluctuations. As a kid I was always the last one chosen for any athletic team (repeated humiliations that I have never forgotten). I wasn’t the weakest athlete, but reality didn’t alter the other kids’ perceptions that I must be useless because I was fat. People who knew me then are astonished when they find out I now write a cycling blog! If we are face-to-face when I mention this, I believe I can see them thinking, “Then WHY are you still fat?” Well, I just am. And sometimes I am fatter than other times. The only things certain in my life are death, taxes … and fat. Oh, and cycling!
However, I have also been cycling and hiking consistently for the last 15 years, with the result that I am very healthy and fit, despite my weight being considerably higher than what the weight tables say it should be. I like to remind myself that, based on the Body Mass Index, Arnold Schwarzenegger would have been classified as “Obese” throughout the four years he was winning the Mr. Universe title (although to be honest, that title is incredibly safe from me!)
Cycle for Fun, not to Lose Weight
Cycling is great for heavy people because it puts less impact stress on your joints and bones. Even more important, it is the perfect exercise because it is fun. I can easily enjoy cycling for two hours – but I am bored out of my mind after five minutes on a stationery bike. Think of cycling as fun, not as exercise. Don’t think of it as something that should be used to lose weight. Dr. Charlotte Cooper has written a Guide for Fat Cyclists, and she writes:
“If you are fat it’s likely that the only time cycling is presented to you in a positive light is as a means to lose weight. This has bound the act of getting on a bicycle with notions of duty, poor self-image, body anxiety and more – could there be a more depressing prospect? (Source: How to Ride a Bike)
Finally holding a copy of my book. Thanks to the many many people who have supported this work. #fatactivism
Discrimination against Fat Cyclists
Sadly, there is discrimination against fat people in cycling, just as everywhere else. Dr. Cooper resigned from the London Cycling Campaign over their commitment to eradicate obesity, which she sees as a commitment to eradicate her, and people like her. She writes:
“Some members of the cycling community can be very judgmental about weight and body size. Pay them no mind and remember that you have just as much of a right to ride as anyone. … Make cycling fun, go for a ride with a friend.”
With all of that said, there are in fact some extra challenges facing fat cyclists, including finding the right bike, and finding appropriate clothing that fits. So here are some ideas to help.
Bikes for Fat Cyclists
If you are planning to start cycling, bear in mind that most bikes are designed for people who weigh less than 220 pounds. The warranties on many bikes are actually voided if the rider is too heavy. If you are significantly heavier than 220 pounds, think about getting a bike designed for heavier people. If you have the money, speak to a bike shop about getting a custom built bike made out of chromoly, with thicker-walled, larger-diameter tubes.
If you don’t have that kind of money, at least buy a good quality bike, and check that there is no weight limit on the warranty. Your bike shop may have to call the manufacturer’s rep to check this.
Get the Right Kind of Bike
Bikes come in many different types. Some are better for fat cyclists than others. For example, race or road bikes require being hunched forward over a cross bar. These may be uncomfortable. Some cyclists find that upright bikes are more comfortable, as they allow for a more natural posture. If required, they also allow more space for a larger belly. So, a Dutch-stye, step-through, upright bike might be a good choice.
Another alternative: mountain bikes are usually stronger than other bikes, because they are designed for rough use. And for more inspiration, you might want to take a look at the Clydesdale Cyclist’s Blog – he writes a blog with cycling tips, including many tips for heavier cyclists. He describes himself as not just bigger than the average cyclist, but bigger than the average person.
Avoid Department Store Bikes!
Finally, whatever you do, do NOT buy one of those shiny, cheap bikes from a department store. Those are usually complete garbage, hence their low price. I have also heard of them falling apart on their very first ride, probably because they were assembled by people who know nothing about bikes. Also, many bike shops won’t even work on them, so you won’t be able to get the components beefed up.
Upgrade the Components on Your Bike
Don’t just take your new bike home off the shelf. Talk to the bike shop salesman about beefing up the parts.For example, most bikes come with poor quality pedals. They may even be plastic. Switch them out for good quality pedals. I have had a pedal break on me while standing up in the pedals, and it is NOT an experience you ever want to have – trust me on that one! Also, a broken pedal can leave you stranded, because it is pretty much impossible to pedal with one pedal – trust me on that one, too, because I have tried!
Strong Wheels are Essential
The most important thing to do is make sure that your wheels are strong enough. These are the weakest point for heavier cyclists. Almost any good bike shop can build you a couple of custom wheels with good quality rims and plenty of strong spokes, preferably double-butted, stainless steel. Make sure that they use a good quality hub, such as Shimano or Campagnolo.
https://averagejoecyclist.com/guide-for-fat-cyclists/
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