I'm 48, I'm almost 300 pounds, and I'm riding my new bicycle every day to the commuter rail train station. Granted, I'm 5'9" so my weight isn't as much of an exercise detriment as it could be. I'm kicking myself that I didn't start doing this a couple years ago, it would have made my life much easier. So because of that, and in honor of Earth Day, I thought I would write a short diary giving encouragement and tips to others my age, weight and gender who might be considering bicycling part of their daily commute.
First off, my particular situation is very conducive to bike riding. The parking where I work is $30 a day and my employer does not cover it. My employer does cover half of my monthly commuter rail pass. For the last several years I have been using a combination of rail, subway, bus, walking and parking at the commuter rail station to get to work. The parking at the commuter rail station costs $4 a day. In addition, my ride to the commuter rail station is very short and through a residential neighborhood. I only have to cross one busy street, and I usually walk my bike across that intersection. So all of those things conspire to make commuter bicycling very compelling for me--I'm not judging anyone who would have a longer or more dangerous bicycling commute. I'm lucky.
That said, I'm old, I'm fat and I often wear dresses and skirts to work, along with lugging a heavy bag. Almost all bicycles are only good for up to 220 pounds, and most aren't compatible with skirts. Also I would look ridiculous all bent over like a racing bicyclist. So I did some research, so if you are interested and in a similar situation, here is my advice.
If you are obese, there is really only one place that I could find to easily get bicycles in the U.S.
http://www.zizebikes.com/
They have two types of bicycles--regular bicycles from
http://www.worksmancycles.com/
which are good for up to 330 pounds, and their own brand of bike, Zize Bikes, for those people over 330 pounds. You may ask why I bought from Zize Bikes rather than direct from Worksman Cycles. It's because Worksman Cycles has too many options and the price is about the same. Zize Bikes selects the options best for someone overweight and manages the shipping and whatnot. I get the feeling from the feedback I found about Worksman Cycles that they are a little flaky. On the other hand, I am glad to buy from an American company, especially one that makes a point to employ veterans.
After receiving my bicycle, I think I would prefer this bicycle over a regular bicycle even if I were under 200 pounds. I purchased a Comfort Bike:
http://www.zizebikes.com/...
And I want to say that this is a bicycle that even a very obese, middle-aged lady like myself can feel totally comfortable riding. Mine is three speed so I can make it up hills, the seat is very broad and cushioned, I ride it sitting up mostly straight so I can see the road. It is a totally different and more comfortable experience than the racing bikes of my youth. I've added all sorts of extras like front and rear removable lights, a removable metal basket, kickstand, bell, and most important for commuting, fenders. And of course I bought a U-lock and helmet. This bike is substantial, especially the tires. I feel confident and in control on it, which is pretty remarkable given my age, weight, and general lack of fitness.
It was kind of a pain in the ass getting it, though. First off, it was expensive. For me it's an investment which will pay for itself pretty quickly in time and money saved, but most won't be in my particular position. On the other hand, considering how much I spend on my car, and that I will be using this daily when the weather is decent, I think even if I didn't have my particular commuting situation it would have been worth the price.
Second, you have to order it weeks in advance and they manufacture it for you. I was lucky, I bought one at a discount that had been returned to Zize Bikes so there wasn't that wait time. Still, I had to have it shipped to a bike shop where they assembled it for me for a fee.
Third, it's HEAVY! In general, that's a good thing. This bike is built like a tank--it can definitely handle my overweight. But getting it onto the bus bike rack to take it home from the shop took some serious heaving. If I were fitter I would have rode it home from the shop, but it had been years since I was on a bike and I didn't want to risk it.
I know this sounds like spam for a particular company, but I couldn't be more pleased. I can ride this in a ladylike fashion--my dresses and skirts are fine getting off and on, and I've already received compliments and very surprised looks. I especially like the hilarious looks when people on the train see me carrying my bike helmet--I can see them trying to imagine the improbable sight of me on a bicycle.
If you've been on the fence about getting a commuter bicycle because of your age, weight, or general lack of fitness, I think now is the best time of year to take the plunge, if it fits in your budget. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. And Happy Earth Day!