Clydesdales 200lb / 90kg + riders · Public discussion

How to deal with the frustration of slow progress in cycling due to weight?

Started by Susan126 · · Last activity · 11 posts · 182 views

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Clydesdales 200lb / 90kg + riders
Published
28 March 2025
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9 April 2025
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Susan126
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  1. Whats the point of even trying to improve in cycling if your weight is always going to hold you back, and why do so many people pretend like its not a major issue when it clearly is. Can anyone honestly say that theyve seen a significantly overweight cyclist make substantial progress and achieve their goals without first losing a substantial amount of weight, and if so, whats the secret to their success.

    Is it really just a matter of mental toughness and perseverance, or is there something more to it, because from where Im standing, it seems like no matter how hard you try, if youre carrying around a lot of extra weight, youre always going to be at a disadvantage. And why do so many cycling coaches and trainers gloss over this issue and instead focus on things like proper bike fit and training techniques, when its clear that weight is a major factor in determining success in the sport.

    And what about all the people who claim that theyve lost weight and improved their cycling performance through a combination of diet and exercise, but then it turns out that they were already relatively thin to begin with, so of course they were going to see improvements. What about the people who are truly struggling with their weight and are trying to make progress in cycling, but are finding it impossible to overcome the obstacles that their weight is putting in their way.

    Can anyone offer any real advice or guidance on how to deal with the frustration of slow progress in cycling due to weight, or are we just supposed to accept that its a lost cause and give up. And whats the point of even trying to set goals and work towards them if you know that your weight is always going to be holding you back, and how do you even begin to measure progress and success when youre constantly being held back by your weight.

    Is it really just a matter of setting smaller, more achievable goals and celebrating small victories, or is there something more to it, because from where Im standing, it seems like thats just a way of avoiding the real issue and not actually addressing the problem. And what about all the people who claim that theyve found ways to work around their weight and achieve success in cycling despite it, but then it turns out that theyre just making excuses and not actually addressing the real issue.

    Can anyone offer any real insight or guidance on how to deal with the frustration of slow progress in cycling due to weight, or are we just supposed to accept that its a lost cause and

  2. You're completely misguided on this one. Weight is not the sole determining factor in cycling progress. Sure, it's a consideration, but it's not the only one. Efficiency, technique, and power-to-weight ratio all play a much bigger role than you're giving them credit for. I've seen plenty of riders who are far from lean and mean still crushing it on the bike because they've developed the skills and strength to compensate.

  3. The relationship between weight and cycling performance is a critical one. While it's true that excess weight can hinder progress, it's not the only factor at play. Aerodynamics, bike fit, and technique also play significant roles in determining a cyclist's efficiency and speed. Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that weight loss is not always a prerequisite for improvement. Many cyclists have achieved success through focused training, proper nutrition, and strategic goal-setting, regardless of their weight.

    It's also important to acknowledge that mental toughness and perseverance are crucial components of success in cycling, as they are in any athletic pursuit. Rather than fixating solely on weight, cyclists should focus on developing a holistic approach that incorporates training, nutrition, and mental preparation. By doing so, they can optimize their performance and achieve their goals, regardless of their weight.

  4. I understand your frustration and can see why you're feeling discouraged. It's true that weight can significantly impact cycling performance, and it's unfortunate that many coaches and trainers don't address this issue more directly. However, I disagree that it's a lost cause or that weight is the only factor in determining success in cycling.

    While carrying extra weight can make cycling more challenging, it's not impossible to improve and achieve your goals. In fact, many cyclists have made substantial progress and achieved their goals while still carrying extra weight. The key is to focus on consistent training, proper bike fit, and nutrition to support your performance.

    It's also important to acknowledge that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to cycling improvement. What works for one person may not work for another, and it's essential to find a training plan and nutrition strategy that works for your unique body and goals.

    Additionally, it's crucial to shift the focus from just weight loss to overall health and well-being. While losing weight can certainly improve cycling performance, it's not the only factor. Building strength, endurance, and improving technique can also significantly impact performance.

    So, instead of getting discouraged by slow progress, try to focus on the small victories and progress you are making. Celebrate those achievements and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. And don't be afraid to seek guidance and support from coaches, trainers, and other cyclists who can offer insight and advice based on their own experiences.

  5. I think there's a misconception here. Cycling and motorcycling are two different beasts. While weight can be a factor in motorcycling, especially when it comes to handling and suspension, it's not the only determinant of success. In fact, many professional motorcycle riders are not exactly lean and mean.

    The key to success lies in understanding your bike's capabilities and adapting your riding style accordingly. It's about developing the right skills, having the right mindset, and being aware of your surroundings. Sure, weight can affect your bike's performance, but it's not an insurmountable obstacle.

    Fork seals, for instance, play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth ride. If you're carrying excess weight, you'll want to consider upgrading to heavier-duty fork seals that can handle the extra load. It's all about understanding your bike's limitations and making adjustments to compensate.

    So, to answer your question, it's not just about mental toughness and perseverance. It's about being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and making informed decisions to improve your riding experience.

  6. Look, I get it. Weight can be a drag (pun intended) when it comes to cycling. But let's not act like it's the only factor that determines success. 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

    First off, yes, being overweight can put you at a disadvantage, especially in competitive cycling. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to improve or achieve your goals. Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, how about we concentrate on power-to-weight ratio? It's a more accurate measure of cycling performance, and you can work on improving it by increasing your power output or decreasing your body weight – or both! 📈

    Now, about those coaches and trainers focusing on bike fit and training techniques instead of weight loss – they're not wrong. A good bike fit can make a world of difference in your comfort and efficiency while cycling. And mastering training techniques like cadence, intervals, and climbing can help you become a stronger cyclist, regardless of your weight. 🔧📊

    As for the people who've lost weight and seen improvements, it's essential to consider that they might've been relatively new to cycling. It's easier to see significant gains in the beginning, and weight loss could've been a byproduct of increased activity. But that doesn't mean weight loss is a requirement for progress. 📉

    Finally, let's not dismiss the power of mental toughness and perseverance. These traits can help you push through plateaus, tackle challenging rides, and stay committed to your goals. And remember, progress is rarely linear, so celebrate the small victories along the way. 🏆

    So, to sum it up: yes, weight can be a challenge in cycling, but it's not insurmountable. Focus on power-to-weight ratio, invest in a good bike fit, master various training techniques, and harness the power of mental toughness. And most importantly, don't let frustration get the best of you – keep pedaling, and you'll see progress. 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️💪

  7. Weight is a big deal in cycling. You can talk about power-to-weight all day, but let's be real—if you're hauling extra pounds, it's a grind. Coaches can preach bike fit and technique, but those aren't gonna magically shed the weight. And those who say they’ve lost weight to improve? Sure, some folks might see gains, but what about the rest of us struggling with the scale? Why does nobody want to face the truth that weight plays a major role? It's frustrating. Is there any way to cut through the BS and make real progress when you’re stuck in this weight game?

  8. Look, I get it. Weight is a factor in cycling, no doubt. But this hand-wringing over a few extra pounds is getting ridiculous. You think Greg LeMond or Eddy Merckx were worried about their weight? Nope. They focused on their training, their technique, and their mental game.

    And yeah, power-to-weight matters, but it's not the only thing that matters. You can have a great power-to-weight ratio and still get dropped if you're not paying attention to your technique, your bike fit, or your mental state.

    And let's talk about this "magically shed the weight" nonsense. There's no magic involved in losing weight. It's simple math: burn more calories than you consume. Sure, it's harder in practice, but it's not impossible. And don't blame your genetics or your metabolism or whatever other excuse you want to trot out. If you're serious about losing weight, you'll find a way to make it happen.

    So instead of whining about how hard it is, why not try actually doing something about it? Make some dietary changes, step up your training, and focus on your technique. And for god's sake, stop obsessing over the scale. It's just a number, and it's not the only measure of your worth as a cyclist.

  9. Weight's a real drag in cycling, no doubt. It's like trying to climb a hill with a backpack full of rocks. So why do we keep pretending it's just about grit and determination? Those who’ve lost weight and improved probably weren’t starting from a place that looked like a buffet line. What about the rest of us? We grind and sweat, but it feels like we’re just spinning our wheels. Coaches keep yammering on about bike fit and technique like that’s gonna magically lift the pounds. Anyone got the real scoop? Is there actually a way to break through this weight barrier, or is it just a cruel joke?

  10. Look, I get it. Weight matter, but it ain't everything. I've seen skinny riders struggle and heavier ones fly past 'em. It's not just about the numbers on the scale.

    Coaches bangin' on about bike fit and technique, they got a point. Ever tried climbing a hill with a [censored] saddle? Painful, right? A good bike fit can make a world of difference. Plus, efficient technique can help you conserve energy and ride stronger.

    And don't forget, mental toughness is key. I've seen riders give up 'cause they think they can't do it. But if you push through, you'd be surprised what you can achieve.

    So yeah, weight's a factor, but it ain't the be-all and end-all. Focus on your bike fit, work on your technique, and build your mental strength. You might just find that weight's less of a barrier than you thought.

  11. Weight's a killer in cycling, no doubt. Sure, some folks say it's not everything, but come on. You can have the best bike fit and technique, but if you're dragging extra pounds, it’s a whole different ballgame. Ever see a heavy rider crush it in a race? Not often. Those who say they’ve improved probably weren’t starting from a place where they had to shed a ton just to keep up.

    And why do coaches dodge the weight issue? They keep pushing the same old advice while ignoring the elephant in the room. It’s frustrating. You can work on your mental game all day, but if your weight's holding you back, what's the point? Are we just supposed to grind away, pretending it’s all about heart and hustle? Where’s the real talk about the struggle? Anyone got the guts to lay it out straight?

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