What Type of Bike Should I get??

Question
Hello, I am a female who is very overweight. I am 5'6" and weigh about 250 - give or take 5# on any given day! I have been primarily inactive for the past 12 yrs and am ready to get movin and get healthy! I think biking sounds fun but a traditional 10 speed is so uncomfortable and now probably wouldn't even support me - or at least not for long without causing major issues to the bike. I am mid 40's and have been an ortho nurse for 20+ years - so between my weight and my career, my back usually aches! Therefor - I do NOT want a bike where I'm going to be all hunched over to hold the handle bars. I am not interested in speed at this time - just want to have fun and get movin, get healthier, lose some weight, and get some sunshine. I have found two websites that sells bikes made for obese people but they are priced out of my range. Over $1000.  I understand there are certain things to look for such as steel body, double wall rims,  thicker tires, non-puncture tubes, etc. Would you suggest an industrial - type bike? A comfort bike? What about a Trike? Or what is your opinion of a tandem to relieve back pain/strain?  Tandems look cool and I have found an affordable one but I don't know if they would take my weight, if it really would be more comfy or not. I've been reading where they are for speed. I'm not needing speed right now. Really need to stay under $400 if possible. Been looking on Craigslist but confused and not sure what I should really be looking for. Thanks for reading! Hopefully you can help a fat girl out! lol

Answer
Donna,

First of all I have put much larger people than you on bikes! And people who thought that a nice light little racing bike is what they needed. (No, it wasn't a pretty sight!)

Depending on where you live (do you have a lot of hills to climb or is it flat) there are a couple of bikes I would suggest to you. But before I do you really do not need to look at the "industrial" bike, and only if you have poor balance would I suggest a trike. So having said that, there are a couple of types that I would suggest: There is a design out there called "foot forward" or semi-recumbent where our pedals are in front of your seat a bit. Very comfortable, but not so great on the hills. The other advantage is you can have the proper leg extension but still get your feet on the ground, without leaving the saddle, when you stop.

If you are in an area where you have some hills a traditional designed bike might be better. If you like the "cruiser" style - bikes that look like they should be on the Leave it to Beaver show - there are many options for you. Or that comfort bike you suggested.

Either type would give you a good durable bike to start getting active. But I really like the foot forward type as it makes it easy for people to start riding again.

The problem with a tandem is you always have to be in sync with your partner. Not only when they want to ride, but your pedaling styles have to match. They are nice, can be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't suggest it at this point.

You can get some great deals off of Craig's List, however, I really suggest heading to your local bike shop. They will be able to get you on the proper sized bike and give you some good advice on your new bike. Plus there will be a warranty!

Last thing I will suggest is that you start slow and don't give up! Every spring I have great visions of myself out riding the roads for miles and miles only to find that my legs don't have the same vision! It may not feel like you are making any progress, that your butt hurts, that your legs are sore, and so forth. First of all, yes your butt will hurt until you get used to it, and slightly sore legs are par for the course, it means that they are using muscles that haven't been used in a while. Set some realistic goals, like by the end of the summer you want to ride to "X" and back. But make it enjoyable! Have fun riding, even though it is a work out don't make it work. Ride a while, stop and take a break, look at someone's garden, pet a dog, and then ride a bit more. It will take your body a while to realize "Hey, this isn't so bad! I actually like this!"

If you have anymore questions, please ask! I will try to answer all that I can. You are doing a good thing!

Ride.

Tad