At what weight did you start riding a bike?

I'm 315 and I ride bike when MN weather permits it. I thankfully have a parkway close to where I live, so I can just bike a few miles when I have time.

Otherwise, in the winter months, I do most of my indoor excersizing on my recumbant bike. I like to think that I'm keeping myself trained to ride when winter ends.

My bike was a birthday present for me, it's a combination of a road bike and a mountain bike. It was 300$ from REI (so it's also quite sturdy) . I love it and bought a matching helmet to ride in style :)

Kudos to you folks who had courage to get on a bike- I didn't get on one, till I was in the 250's! I just couldn't bring myself to try. Which is esp. stupid as I was more that willing to stuff my 390lbs self into a swimsuit and go for a dip 3x a week!

However, now my poor wife has difficulty getting me off my bike! I love to ride and I get such a great workout without the impact!

Good Luck!
:Danni

        I felt so bad because, I got a Bike at Christmas nice with big seat. and thought I would be able to ride it.  Since had lost a lot of weight since surgery.  I was 385 pounds and have gotten down to 239 pounds.  the last two years. I went from not being to get my legs up on the peddels.Because, I was so fat.  To being a to go 50 minutes without stopping on my exercise bike..  So I thought getting back on a real bike would be easy.  I am 5.2.  So am short.  I never thought my balance would be so awful.  I just could get the hang of it again. I could  not balance myself good enough. I was so afraid  of falling and  hurting myself at 42 years old.  I just returned it.  I will try again when I am under 200 pounds. I use to ride my bike all the time.  Even when I was in the 250 pound range.   I thought riding a bike was something near forget.  But, I guess been about 10 years.  My courage failed me.   It one to be a small person and to fall down. People help getup and ask if they can help you.  When fat and fall down.  They just laugh at you and staire at you blindly or point. So I know I need to try again.  I did think it would be so hard.  but, It is like learning to ride all over again.  I part of the problem is finding the right bike for you.  Strong wheels.

Yes, it was difficult to ride a bike after not having been on one in such a long time. I was so wobbly I thought I was going to fall over, but I kept at it and it got easier by like the 3rd time. Keep at it Doris!
:D

 I love bike riding.  I've been doing it most of my life, stopped during high school, and began again in college.  I was 315 when I first got back on a bike, and was extreeeemely slow, and embarassed, but stuck with it and completed the ride - about 3 miles, if that. That first time back on the bike was the most difficult, and the next day I could hardly move with the chafing and swollen knees, but I was still excited that I'd done it.  I continued riding as my weight crept up and down between 280 and 351.  I had a great mountain bike (very uncomfortable seat) then got a Specialized (aka granny bike) and didnt look back.  It was waaay easier on my joints (and behind) and I can ride that puppy all the day long.  Its fun, easy, and something I can do with my family, or just take off and go solo.  

Grab your mp3 player, put some great music on it, find some interesting places to ride, and go!!  Everytime you do it, it gets easier and better.

Hi   I think riding your bike is great...I rode a bicycle at all of my weights..my high of  500....it was hard at first. practice getting on and off the bike...I ride a cannondale mountain bike...I started riding just a mile or two....my bike had no problems with my weight. I would recommand getting a good seat...go to a bike shop and get it...if you buy to cheap a cheap seat you will hate riding....find a good bike shop they can help you pick out what will help you ride better and what height you need for your bike.  I have lost 280lb in the past 2 and a half years...so now I can ride pretty far and I walk to help get my legs in shape.  Remember to drink water...Good luck and if you need any more info let me know

I gained the confidence to ride mine (After LOOKING at it for 4 months after I got it) around 200 pounds.  For me it was a psycological block.  I still felt (and feel now) like I weight 487 :/   I love it now though, it's really fun.  The hardest part was in my own head  :)

You guys have such awesome suggestions and I love that you've shared your experiences. I'm so scared to be in public on a bike. You guys are pretty courageous! The more I think about my big body hanging off of everything the more scared I get. Someone said mental block and I think that's what it is. Maybe I'll have to get one for the house....