Cycling Gear for Big Guys

"The Historian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

You do not need gear to pedal a bike.
Wear whatever you have and is roomy for range of motion and air
conditioning.
Cool max material is good for wicking sweat and keeping you cool.
Anything in that would be okay for uppers.

nash said:

"The Historian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

You do not need gear to pedal a bike.

I realize that. That wasn't my question. But thank you for your
answers.

Quoted message said:

Wear whatever you have and is roomy for range of motion and air
conditioning.
Cool max material is good for wicking sweat and keeping you cool.
Anything in that would be okay for uppers.

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

Are you asking about lycra cycling gear or are you just after some
padded shorts, 'cos you could look at getting some mtb baggy shorts.
They usually run to bigger sizes.

I have a mate who had a bit of a gut (oh no, that would be me) and he
finds that bib shorts sometimes fit better and are less restricting.

Gut's now gone (well almost, Christmas set me back a couple of months),
but I still prefer bib shorts.

laters,

Marz

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

I'm a 2X bicycle rider, so I can sympathize with your plight.

I've never purchased anything from this company but they do offer cycle
apparel in (very) large sizes:
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/

--

Paul D Oosterhout
I work for SAIC (but I don't speak for SAIC)

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

The XXL stuff may have been small Italian sizing. I'm 6'3", 220 and
Italian 3-4XL is what I need. Also known as 6 or 7. At one point I was
265 and I still could use some 7's. Bibs are much more comfortable, as
they don't slide down as much, a problem with a gut. Unless you are
exceedingly pear-shaped, 6'1" and 275 isn't that bad, I think tall
skinny folks (6'4", 170lbs, etc) have a harder time finding stuff that
fits. I got some XXL jerseys from Nashbar once that were baggy in the
gut even when I was 265. House brand, maybe that is worth a shot.

Tight-ish fitting shorts help a lot in the comfort department. Not for
the padding, so much as chafe-restriction. Baggy shorts don't help
there. This is particularly important when you have flabby thighs. If
you are concerned about your appearance, you can use cycling shorts
under some light baggy shorts.

Good luck!

Joseph

I hover around 250 and have had my best luck with Nashbar or
Performance on a consistant basis, though it still takes some careful
searching and patience to find something suitable. For years I've
quickly bought whatever fit that I could afford, one year noticing that
I was now "the purple man", not being able to be comfortable and
choosey at the same time. Things are a little better these days.
Cannondale and Bellwether sometimes have something; Italian stuff is
pretty much out. In the winter, layers of wool or polylike stuff is
good from Campmor or Sierra Trading Post, though often not bike
specific. Northface makes a great jacket for winter riding that's kind
of stretchy and durable, probably for skiing. I finally found some very
generic looking Shimano shoes in a 50 and Lake makes some too that are
fine. Zappos can be of help for street shoes and sometimes bike shoes
with free shipping both ways and mondo sizes. Some things that should
fit just don't and some things don't always stay the same. If something
fits great and you want to take no chances, then handwash and hang.
Hope this helps.

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

just another biker said:

I hover around 250 and have had my best luck with Nashbar or
Performance on a consistant basis, though it still takes some careful
searching and patience to find something suitable. For years I've
quickly bought whatever fit that I could afford, one year noticing that
I was now "the purple man", not being able to be comfortable and
choosey at the same time. Things are a little better these days.
Cannondale and Bellwether sometimes have something; Italian stuff is
pretty much out. In the winter, layers of wool or polylike stuff is
good from Campmor or Sierra Trading Post, though often not bike
specific. Northface makes a great jacket for winter riding that's kind
of stretchy and durable, probably for skiing. I finally found some very
generic looking Shimano shoes in a 50 and Lake makes some too that are
fine. Zappos can be of help for street shoes and sometimes bike shoes
with free shipping both ways and mondo sizes. Some things that should
fit just don't and some things don't always stay the same. If something
fits great and you want to take no chances, then handwash and hang.
Hope this helps.

Sidi and Diadora make shoes in large sizes too. I haven't used the
Sidis, but I do ok with Diadora 50's. I use 15 US Nike running shoes.

Joseph

Quoted message said:

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

On 3 Jan 2007 10:43:09 -0800, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

You don't need lycra for the riding you're doing at this stage. You
can wear what you've got that's comfortable and doesn't interfere
with the chain. You want to be aware early on of any chafing you
might experience while wearing normal clothes.

Lots of people don't wear lycra to ride. Hills, wind and bicycles are
never fussy about how you look.

Perhaps a jock* and sweat pants will get you through another size
down so you fit into that new gear. By that time it will be warmer,
you'll be riding further and faster so you might appreciate wearing
technical fabrics.

(Originally invented for "bike jockeys" hence the nickname and brand
name "Bike" being an American manufacturer of athletic supporters.)
--
zk

Zoot Katz said:

On 3 Jan 2007 10:43:09 -0800, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

You don't need lycra for the riding you're doing at this stage. You
can wear what you've got that's comfortable and doesn't interfere
with the chain. You want to be aware early on of any chafing you
might experience while wearing normal clothes.

I've been warned cotton is not my friend.

Quoted message said:

Lots of people don't wear lycra to ride. Hills, wind and bicycles are
never fussy about how you look.

Perhaps a jock* and sweat pants will get you through another size
down so you fit into that new gear.

I usually wear compression shorts and shirts to help with loose skin. I
suppose those will work on the bike? I've worn them before when in the
saddle.

By that time it will be warmer,

Quoted message said:

you'll be riding further and faster so you might appreciate wearing
technical fabrics.

Agreed.

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

I've had very good luck with Falconi baggy shorts (padded) from an
ebay.com seller called: love2pedal

Their mtb shorts were a bit too diapery for me, but their lycra and
especially those Falconi baggy padded shorts are just the thing for me.
You might try one pair. I believe you can return it if not satisfied.

On 3 Jan 2007 10:43:09 -0800, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

You have to read the sizes carefully. As another poster alluded,
there are at least two XXL "standards," with 4-8" differences between
them. At close to your size, I've had good luck with Performance
(tops and shorts) and Voler XXL. Primal Wear is fun, too, but I prefer
an extra X (XXXL) in their sizes. Cannondale 2X was sized right for
me, but Nashbar has been sized small.

HTH!

Pat

Email address works as is.

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

I am a bit taller and a bit heavier than you are, so I know your pain.

If you get a recumbent bike, you won't need the "padded" shorts at all.
That dodges a BIG part of the "riding comfort" problem. You don't even
need lycra shorts, because there's no "saddle nose" sticking between
your thighs to rub you raw. ....Upright bikes aren't comfortable for
anyone but they are especially poor choices for overweight people;
there's no way the tiny saddles can be anything close to enjoyable. The
padded shorts don't help all /that/ much.

On a recumbent, you also do not need to have "bicycling" jerseys and
jackets either. Jerseys and jackets made for upright bicycling are cut
extra-long at the waist, so they will not expose your lower back when
you are hunched forward--but on a recumbent you aren't hunched forward,
you are sitting in something that approximates a regular seat--so you
can wear normal shirts and jackets.

Cotton is not your friend--but it can be used if the weather is very
mild. Otherwise, you just need to go through normal sporting goods
outlets and look for synthetic clothing: primal, x-gear or whatever. You
need one outer "windbreaker" layer for cold weather and as many inner
shirts/pants as you wish. ...And they come in HUGE sizes. Have you ever
seen enormously fat rappers on TV wearing track suits? Ummm,,, yea.
There you go.

------------------

Of course--if all your hopes and dreams of riding involved a "normal"
bicycle, then you could just use the recumbent to lose enough weight
until you can fit into regular bicycling clothes. But once you get used
to riding in comfort, you may not see any reason to go back.
~

DougC said:

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

I am a bit taller and a bit heavier than you are, so I know your pain.

If you get a recumbent bike, you won't need the "padded" shorts at all.
That dodges a BIG part of the "riding comfort" problem. You don't even
need lycra shorts, because there's no "saddle nose" sticking between
your thighs to rub you raw. ....Upright bikes aren't comfortable for
anyone but they are especially poor choices for overweight people;
there's no way the tiny saddles can be anything close to enjoyable. The
padded shorts don't help all /that/ much.

On a recumbent, you also do not need to have "bicycling" jerseys and
jackets either. Jerseys and jackets made for upright bicycling are cut
extra-long at the waist, so they will not expose your lower back when
you are hunched forward--but on a recumbent you aren't hunched forward,
you are sitting in something that approximates a regular seat--so you
can wear normal shirts and jackets.

Cotton is not your friend--but it can be used if the weather is very
mild. Otherwise, you just need to go through normal sporting goods
outlets and look for synthetic clothing: primal, x-gear or whatever. You
need one outer "windbreaker" layer for cold weather and as many inner
shirts/pants as you wish. ...And they come in HUGE sizes. Have you ever
seen enormously fat rappers on TV wearing track suits? Ummm,,, yea.
There you go.

------------------

Of course--if all your hopes and dreams of riding involved a "normal"
bicycle, then you could just use the recumbent to lose enough weight
until you can fit into regular bicycling clothes. But once you get used
to riding in comfort, you may not see any reason to go back.

Thank you for your information.

Patrick Lamb said:

On 3 Jan 2007 10:43:09 -0800, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

You have to read the sizes carefully. As another poster alluded,
there are at least two XXL "standards," with 4-8" differences between
them. At close to your size, I've had good luck with Performance
(tops and shorts) and Voler XXL. Primal Wear is fun, too, but I prefer
an extra X (XXXL) in their sizes. Cannondale 2X was sized right for
me, but Nashbar has been sized small.

Yes, that's what I found about the Nashbar items too. I hope to lose 15
pounds by March, so perhaps I can fit into them by then. If the weather
cooperates, I should be comfortable enough on my bike by then that I
can begin logging serious saddle time.

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

Different brands have different sizing. European stuff like Giordana
tends to run very small. Pearl Izumi runs somewhat on the small side.
Canari runs large.

I have some "XL" Giordana jerseys that fit tighter than "Medium"
jerseys from Performance/Nashbar.

Some other buzz words are "club fit" (roomy) and "pro fit" (tight).

Art Harris

"The Historian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

I'm a big believer in loose fitting clothing. I figure I don't need to be
_that_ aerodynamic and chaffing has never been a problem for me.

I'm 6'2" and 185-190 now but I used to be 250-ish. I wear loose nylon
shorts and over size nylon t-shirts in summer and loose sweats with nylon
splash outer shell in winter.

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

www.kucharik.com has sizes up to 50-inch chest and 50-inch waist.

--
[email hidden] is Joshua Putnam
<http://www.phred.org/~josh/>
Braze your own bicycle frames. See
<http://www.phred.org/~josh/build/build.html>

The Historian said:

What are some suggestions for sources of 'oversized' cycling clothes
for oversized guys? The 2x stuff I ordered is too small for my 6'1" 274
pound form. The jersey is far too form-fitting, and while I can get
into the shorts, I feel like I am being divided in half. I realize that
cycling clothes are supposed to fit closely, but....

I read all the posts to date. I hate to wear things that are too snug,
so I don't buy much online. I have adapted running gear for my cold
weather use. There are some running shops around so I was able to try
things on before buying.

I have temps pretty much covered around here and know how many layers I
need to wear to be comfortable. The only thing I have not invested in
is rainwear because it just doesn't rain much around here. So, unless
it is raining heavily, I wear what I already have.

On 3 Jan 2007 15:56:08 -0800, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

You don't need lycra for the riding you're doing at this stage. You
can wear what you've got that's comfortable and doesn't interfere
with the chain. You want to be aware early on of any chafing you
might experience while wearing normal clothes.

I've been warned cotton is not my friend.

Quoted message said:

Lots of people don't wear lycra to ride. Hills, wind and bicycles are
never fussy about how you look.

Perhaps a jock* and sweat pants will get you through another size
down so you fit into that new gear.

I usually wear compression shorts and shirts to help with loose skin. I
suppose those will work on the bike? I've worn them before when in the
saddle.

I guess as long as they don't have seams that cause you discomfort
they're your base layer for anything else. Sounds good.

Cotton stays wet. Big deal. We're usually not on a survival course.

I wear cotton trousers or shorts over riding shorts or padded undies
all year. I wear cotton tee shirts either alone in summer or under a
wool sweater (and/or more insulation) and/or wind breaking layer all
year. Hasn't killed me yet. I ride to get places everyday.

Were I going for dedicated long ride I'd dress for more cycling
efficiency by wearing clothes that don't flap around or stay wet.
--
zk