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Cycling is one of the best exercises you can do. And that’s coming from someone who loves running, loves the gym, loves to hike… cycling is still the ultimate for me.
It’s easy to fit into your routine (you can cycle to work, cycle to meet friends, cycle to beautiful parks or through the countryside on the weekends), after you’ve met the initial cost of the bicycle, it’s a cheap and often free form of exercise, it’s great for your mind as well as your body, and it is just as fun whether you cycle with friends or alone.
However, if you’re overweight or obese and looking to start your weight loss journey, you might feel daunted about cycling, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s common to worry that a bicycle won’t hold your weight, that bikes for people of your size might not even exist, or that you might look silly riding a bike.
Before we get into this article, let me reassure you: none of that is the case. Cycling is an accessible form of exercise for people of all sizes, and while bicycles do have weight limits, there are plenty of bikes on the market that are sturdy, comfortable and stylish with high weight limits.
In this article we will go over some of the myths and misconceptions about cycling as a larger person, what you should look for when purchasing a bicycle, and also offer some recommendations for bikes for overweight people.
Best Bikes for Heavy Riders
“Am I Too Fat for a Bike?”
Absolutely not! Cycling is for everybody. No matter your weight, there will be a bike to suit you: different styles, brands and models of bicycles come with varying weight limits, so there will certainly be a sturdy bike for you out there.
Here, we’ll help you find that perfect bike. In this article, we will teach you exactly what to look for when you’re shopping for a bicycle, give some general advice around the types of bikes that are best for overweight people, and offer some specific recommendations too.
Can an Overweight Person Ride a Bike?
Yes, an overweight person can ride a bike — in fact, cycling is one of the best exercises you can do to lose weight.
Cycling is a cardiovascular exercise, meaning it gets the heart pumping, raising oxygen and blood flow throughout the body, and uses large muscle groups repetitively. This results in a full-body workout that will burn fat, build muscle and provide mental health benefits too.
It is also an exercise that burns a lot of calories. The average person will burn between 450 to 750 calories per hour while cycling, which, compared to around 150 calories walking, is quite impressive, and will help no end in achieving the calorie deficit needed to lose weight.
While an overweight person absolutely can ride a bike, depending on your weight, different sorts of bikes will be more suitable and comfortable. For example, variables like frame material, wheels, tyre size, types of brakes and suspension will need to be considered, as they would with any type of rider.
What to Look for in a Bike for Heavy People
As we’ve already discussed, there are several factors you should consider when shopping for a bike as an overweight person. You’ll need a bike that’s sturdy, well-made and, importantly, comfortable so that you not only feel safe, secure and happy while cycling, but are more likely to keep up cycling as a long-term hobby.
Here are some things to look for in a bike for heavy people.
1. Strong frame material
Aluminium or steel frames are great options for heavier riders as they are strong and sturdy. Steel is the strongest, but it’s generally heavier and might not be the best option for optimum handling or if you need to carry your bike up stairs or onto trains. Aluminium alloy, on the other hand, is lighter than steel, very durable, and also cheaper.
2. Sturdy wheels
Of course, no matter your size, you’ll want your bike to have wheels that are reliable and sturdy. For larger riders, this is a greater consideration. Generally speaking, smaller wheels are stronger than larger ones: with a smaller circumference, 26” or 27.5” wheels will be stronger than 29”, for example.
The back wheel supports more of your weight, but pay particular attention to the size and number of spokes on both wheels. Heavy riders will ideally be looking for wheels with 32 or more spokes per wheel.
3. Wide tyres
Along with sturdy wheels, you’ll also need strong tyres. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the tyres, the more stable and comfortable.
Wider tyres offer more cushioning which, combined with good suspension, will result in a softer ride all round. You may, for example, look into fat bikes if you’re planning on riding off-road, as they have supersized tyres measuring four to five inches wide designed to deal with tough terrain like sand and mud.
4. Quality brakes
It goes without saying that reliable, high-quality brakes are an absolute essential no matter who is riding the bike. However, with more weight on the bike, brakes will have to work harder and are more susceptible to wear and tear, so it’s even more important to ensure they are reliable and well-maintained.
Disc brakes are one of the most powerful bike brake types on the market, so you should look for a bike with this type of brake, and ensure you know how to maintain them for optimum safety and longevity.
5. Good suspension
If you’re more comfortable on your bike, you’re more likely to cycle more and persist with your weight loss journey. Good suspension will provide more comfort, whether you’re cycling on-road or off-road, which will make cycling more fun while supporting your weight on the bike. Like with the brakes, you’ll need to make sure suspension is maintained and checked regularly.
What is a Good Bike for an Overweight Person?
Overweight cyclists will find certain types of bike more comfortable, for example fat bikes with wider tyres, mountain bikes, or electric bikes. Heavier riders will also need to look for a bike with a weight limit that suits them, and should pay attention to specs of individual parts.
As we discussed in the previous section, heavier riders should consider the types of brakes, frame, wheels, tyres and suspension that a bike has to offer, and certain types of bike are naturally optimised for heavier people.
Fat bikes have tyres measuring four to five inches, so offer greater stability and cushioning particularly when cycling on tough or uneven terrain. They are comfortable to ride, so would be good for a heavier person to consider if looking to cycle off-road, but they are slow and heavy on roads. If you’re looking to cycle both on-road and off-road, a hybrid bike may be a better option for you.
Mountain bikes also have larger tyres than road bikes, along with good grip and comfortable suspension. This makes them a great option for larger riders, as a mountain bike offers a more cushioned ride. They’re great bikes for off-road riding, whether on bumpy paths or hilly terrain, but they’re also good for on-road too, especially roads which are uneven or cobbled.
Hybrid bikes are another option which offer the best of both worlds between a road bike and a mountain bike — they are much the same as mountain bikes, but with smaller tyres better suited for road use, so a hybrid bike could be a good choice for a heavier rider looking for a comfortable road cycling experience.
E-bikes, while generally more expensive, come equipped with a motor which takes some of the strain of pedalling and allows cyclists to reach higher speeds than on a traditional bike. Some e-bikes are even specially designed to suit larger riders, making the ride more comfortable and more efficient. And don’t fret: even using the motor assisted e-bike, you’re still moving your body and using pedal power, so you’ll still be able to shed some pounds while e-biking.
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Best Bikes for Overweight Riders
| RANK | MODEL | MAX WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zize Bikes – A New Leaf XG | 249kg / 550lb |
| 2 | Himiway Zebra | 181kg / 400lb |
| 3 | SixThreeZero EVRYjourney Steel | 136kg / 300lb |
| 4 | Trek Farley 5 | 136kg / 300lb |
| 5 | Ancheer AE7 HUMMER 5687 E-Bike | 136kg / 300lb |
| 6 | Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike | 199kg / 440lb |
| 7 | Sixthreezero Around the Block | 136kg / 300lb |
1. Zize Bikes – A New Leaf XG
-
£2,100 -
$2,239 -
€2,300
Prices are approximate
Type: Hybrid Bike
Weight Capacity: 249kg / 550lb
Max. Rider Height: 2.13m / 7’0
Gears: 9-Speed
Sturdy and durable frame
Versatile terrain capability
Large wheels
Zize Bikes’ A New Leaf XG has a weight capacity of 550lbs (249kg), which is higher than most other bikes on the market. It will, therefore, suit pretty much every type of rider, and you won’t have to worry about being too heavy for the bike.
Every part of this bike is specially designed for heavier riders and, as its name suggests, is intended to help overweight people get back in the saddle (literally) and enjoy the wind in their hair as they cycle for their health.
It has aircraft-quality chromoly steel frames, hydraulic disc brakes, double-bolted seat posts, and custom-built wheels, with each part selected for strength and durability that will last for years.
The tyres are wide (26” x 2.10”) with high thread count, ideal for multi-surface use whether you’re riding on the road to work, on gravel paths through the countryside, or looking to pick up some speed on bike-paths.
Granted, at its high retail price, this is an investment that you expect to serve you for a long time to come, but its exceptional quality and the attention to detail given to overweight riders is second to none — perfect for a comfortable ride and a sustainable new hobby.
Pros
- Designed for heavy and tall people
- Comfortable ride
- Good for exercise
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Limited options
- Assembly required
2. Himiway Zebra Fat E-Bike
-
£1,999 -
$1,999 -
€2,299
Prices are approximate
Type: Fat-Tire E-Bike
Weight Capacity: 181kg / 400lb
Max. Rider Height: 1.95m / 6’5
Gears: 7-Speed
Fat Tires
Strong Frame
Front suspension for maximum comfort
Fat bikes are some of the most durable bikes around and having electric assistence makes riding them a pleasure.
The Himiway Zebra is a stunning fat e-bike that is packed with power thanks to its built-in battery, and can even ride through deep sand, snow and mud.
Enjoy up to 80 miles of pedal assistance from this extremely durable and stylish electric bike.
Pros
- Can handle any terrain (seriously: deep sand, mud and snow are not a problem)
- It is sturdy and durable
- Trottle to help move off
- Pedal assist for up to 80 miles
Cons
- The bike itself is very heavy (79lb/35kg)
- Fat tires and suspension fork may require additional maintenance
- Expensive
2. SixThreeZero EVRYjourney Steel
-
£500 -
$520 -
€550
Prices are approximate
Type: Hybrid Cruiser Bike
Weight Capacity: 136kg / 300lb
Max. Rider Height: 1.93m / 6’4
Gears: Multiple Options
Comfortable Design
Stylish Appearance
Durable Build
Suitable for riders up to 300lbs (136kg) and up to 6’4” tall, SixThreeZero’s EVRYjourney Steel is a great choice for large and tall riders.
It comes in different colourways and geometries for men and women, and is designed primarily for leisure and commuting on paved roads and trails.
With 26-inch wheels and 2-inch semi-slick tyres, you’ll have a stable and cushioned ride, while the steel frame and forks offer strength and durability. The saddle is extra-wide and foam padded for a comfortable seat, and the bike is specially designed for an ergonomic riding position. Finally, a seven-speed gear shifter gives you full control over speed and effort for maximum enjoyment on your ride.
Pros
- Comfortable and versatile design
- Durable steel frame
- Sleek and stylish appearance
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Bike may be heavier compared to some other models.
- Not be ideal for very hilly terrain
- It is a bit more expensive compared to some other entry-level cruiser bikes
3. Trek Farley 5
-
£1,900 -
$1,999 -
€1,950
Prices are approximate
Type: Fat-Tyre Mountain Bike
Weight Capacity: 136kg / 300lb
Max. Rider Height: 2.03m / 6’8
Gears: 10-Speed
Lightweight frame
Wide tires
Versatile drivetrain
The Trek Farley 5 is a fat bike, meaning it has wide tyres designed for a comfortable ride no matter the season or terrain. Fat bikes are also great choices for overweight riders, as they offer that extra cushioning and durability.
It has a lightweight aluminium frame which, as we mentioned earlier, is a very durable material, and hydraulic disc brakes for optimum braking power.
This bike has an upper weight limit of 300lbs (136 kg), and is available in S, M, L and XL in terms of height — suitable for riders up to 6’5”.
Pros
- Excellent handling on a variety of terrains
- RockShox Bluto suspension fork provides 100mm of travel
- Versatile drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires some maintenance
- Limited color options
4. Ancheer AE7 HUMMER 5687 E-Bike
-
£900 -
$920 -
€950
Prices are approximate
Type: Electric Mountain Bike
Weight Capacity: 136kg / 300lb
Max. Rider Height: 1.93m / 6’4
Gears: 21-Speed
Powerful motor
Long-lasting battery
Durable construction
As we mentioned earlier, e-bikes are a great option for overweight riders looking for a comfortable, lower-effort ride with all of the benefits of cycling.
The Ancheer AE7 Hummer has a powerful 500W motor, perfect for storming up hills and getting to work quickly and efficiently, and can hit top speeds of 22mph. Its 27.5” tyres are great for absorbing shock on bumpy roads, and it has mechanical disc brakes for optimum stopping control.
Its frame is aluminium alloy, strong and light, and it has high-strength carbon steel forks for maximum durability.
And, of course, it has a high weight limit, carrying riders of up to 300lbs (136kg).
Pros
- Powerful motor allows for high speeds and easy hill-climbing
- Long-lasting battery provides a range of up to 55 miles on a single charge
- LED headlight and taillight
- Sturdy and lightweight carbon steel frame construction
- Easy-to-use LCD display and intuitive controls
- Easy to assemble and user-friendly design
Cons
- The bike is relatively heavy
- The bike’s top speed of 28 mph
- The bike’s anti-slip tires may not provide the same level of grip as higher-end tires
- The bike is relatively expensive compared to other e-bikes on the market
5. Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike
-
£425 -
$480 -
€450
Prices are approximate
Type: Fat-Tire Mountain Bike
Weight Capacity: 199kg / 440lb
Max. Rider Height: 1.93m / 6’4
Gears: 21-Speed
Fat Tires
Strong Frame
Multiple Gears
Carrying riders up to 440lb (199kg), the Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike is ideal for larger riders who want to try their hand at off-road biking, or who need to cycle in the snow.
It has a high carbon steel frame with a thickened front fork for good shock absorption, reliable disc brakes, and 26” wheels with 4” thick tyres, which are all important considerations for overweight riders. To top it off, it looks beautiful — ideal for those who want to cycle in style.
Pros
- The bike is suitable for various terrains and riding styles
- It is sturdy and durable
- disc brakes provide reliable and responsive stopping power in all weather conditions
Cons
- The bike is quite heavy
- Fat tires and suspension fork may require additional maintenance
- May not be suitable for very technical or challenging terrains
- Expensive
6. SixThreeZero Around the Block
-
£400 -
$350 -
€450
Prices are approximate
Type: Cruiser Bike
Weight Capacity: 136kg / 300lb
Max. Rider Height: 1.93m / 6’4
Gears: Multiple Options
Comfortable ride
Stylish design
Versatile performance
If you weigh under 300lb (136kg) and are on a budget, look no further than the Sixthreezero Around the Block cruiser. Available with up to 21 speeds, this bike brings so much fun without a high price tag, and is great for larger riders too.
It’s ideal for multiple types of terrain, though won’t do well at high speeds on really tough tracks, so it’s best for riders who are looking to stick to roads and cycle paths.
It has a durable steel frame, a memory foam saddle, and 26” wheels with 2” wide tyres, making this a good all-rounder for overweight riders looking for a wallet-friendly bike for leisurely rides.
Pros
- The bike is a comfortable option for long rides
- The Vintage-inspired design of the bike is sleek and attractive
- The single-speed design and coaster brakes make the bike easy to use
- The bike is suitable for a variety of riding conditions
- The bike can be personalized with a range of optional add-ons and accessories
Cons
- The bike has limited suspension
- The bike may not be suitable for all riders, as it has limited sizing options available.
- The bike is designed for casual riding and may not be suitable for more serious off-road or mountain biking.
