| Re: Cycling Gear for Big Guys
The Historian wrote:
> What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
> for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
> pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
> into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
> cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....
>
I am a bit taller and a bit heavier than you are, so I know your pain.
If you get a recumbent bike, you won't need the "padded" shorts at all.
That dodges a BIG part of the "riding comfort" problem. You don't even
need lycra shorts, because there's no "saddle nose" sticking between
your thighs to rub you raw. ....Upright bikes aren't comfortable for
anyone but they are especially poor choices for overweight people;
there's no way the tiny saddles can be anything close to enjoyable. The
padded shorts don't help all /that/ much.
On a recumbent, you also do not need to have "bicycling" jerseys and
jackets either. Jerseys and jackets made for upright bicycling are cut
extra-long at the waist, so they will not expose your lower back when
you are hunched forward--but on a recumbent you aren't hunched forward,
you are sitting in something that approximates a regular seat--so you
can wear normal shirts and jackets.
Cotton is not your friend--but it can be used if the weather is very
mild. Otherwise, you just need to go through normal sporting goods
outlets and look for synthetic clothing: primal, x-gear or whatever. You
need one outer "windbreaker" layer for cold weather and as many inner
shirts/pants as you wish. ...And they come in HUGE sizes. Have you ever
seen enormously fat rappers on TV wearing track suits? Ummm,,, yea.
There you go.
------------------
Of course--if all your hopes and dreams of riding involved a "normal"
bicycle, then you could just use the recumbent to lose enough weight
until you can fit into regular bicycling clothes. But once you get used
to riding in comfort, you may not see any reason to go back.
~
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