question re bicycles

 I'm toying with the idea of getting a bike, if not now, at some point during the weight loss process (still not sure how it will agree with my knees)

most bikes, it would seem, are rated for no more than 250 lbs, including packs/gear - for those of you who were biking at higher weights, what did you do? Buy a special higher-weight rated bike?  Make adjustments to a regular bike (and if so, what)?  What weight were you when you started biking?

I'm looking at something suited to both street and simple trail riding - nothing fancy. I doubt I'll ever commute the 18km to work (biiiiiiig hills, and where I live is totally flat), and I don't see any sort of heavy duty racing or competition in my future.

I have a few coworkers who are very knowledgeable about bikes, but they don't know about fat!

 Ive looked for one before and they are out there but they are VERY expensive. I want to ride a bike so bad.

I went to a bike shop and told them what I wanted. I spent $380 but riding around with my kid and having that vehicle for exercise was worth every dime. Of course, now I could be riding just about any bike, but I really like Giant brand bike. So nice and smooth

 may I ask what you weighed when you first started?

I think I was around 320 when I bought the bike :) A good bike shop will be able to help you. I found the chunky chick that was working there and told her what I wanted/needed, but we neded up asking the other guys for help. They were SO helpful and I didn't feel judged or anything like that. Their job was to sell me a bike and they were excited to see me get out there and try to ride since I hadn't ridden in over TWENTY years.

You really do never forget :)

 When I was in college, I rode a bicycle as my main transportation and I know I was 300-350 during that time and I was riding a Specialized Mountain Bike - it held up just fine. 

I got my road bike at 250 lbs. 

Love your new pic Alison!

I have a "Worksman Cycle" My husband purchased it from XL Living as a gift. It is designed for big people. The first time I rode it I was 356#. It is like an old fashioned bike. It has foot brakes and big baloon tires and a big comfy leather seat. It looks like something I would have ridden in the 50's. I love my bike. I cannot go on trails with it, but I can go everywhere else. I love that the bike is made in the USA and it is written in big letters right on the frame of the bike.

Best,

Sharon

 thanks for all the info!  Decided I'm going to wait until April to buy for a few reasons:

1) can't really afford it right now
2) once I can afford it we'll be starting our 9 month mostly rainy season
3) I want to spend some time on the exercycle at the gym first to see if my knees can handle the movement
4) if I wait until April its likely my purchase will attract less tax - about 7% less - due to changes in the sales tax structure here (in the past, bicycles were exempt, the new legislation may reinstate that exemption)
5) waiting until April may put me into the category of not needing a special heavy duty bike

Yup, it has to be the right time and price for you. My daughter is itching now for me to upgrade her kids bike to one with gears... she can't keep up with us. LOL