The Challenges Facing Fat Cyclists

The Challenges Facing Fat Cyclists
I'm a fat cyclist and as such I know all too well the challenges that I face. Thanks to all of the negative images and public mis perception, us cyclists don't have it easy at the best of times. Add to that being heavy as well and getting on a bike becomes just that little bit more complicated.
Despite these challenges and difficulties, us heavier riders are still getting on our bikes and getting the most out of our cycling.
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[@lisanaga9369]

As a big girl, who used to be skinny before kids/pregnancies, you have been a wonderful motivator for me to get out and grind again. Thank you so much for the ongoing motivation👍😊🚲

[@ronbyers9912]

The biggest problem with being an overweight cyclist is going up hill. You really need to know which gear you need to be in to make it up a given hill. I had a great ride just the other day with another heavy older guy. Our skills carried us along in a large organized group ride. You don't have to be young or skinny. Keep up the great work.

[@ianleaver4967]

Don’t matter if you’re fat, thin or in between at least you are out enjoying yourself and not being a couch potato 👍

[@dannygayler90]

That's the last thing I would want to be ,!

[@tobins6800]

Not far from where I live, is a portion of a trail, called the painted trail. One of the panels says, "No matter how slow you are, you're still faster than sitting on the couch!"

[@gatton225]

Thank you for your postings. I am a 75 year old who has had a heart attack and has been knocked off his bike not long ago. But thanks to you I am back on the saddle and beginning to enjoy life again...please keep up the great work...

[@psillyspirit420]

Hey man, 3 years later I hope you’re doing well and still are able to enjoy biking.

[@Jeff.Slavich]

Power to Wait Ratio - The amount of time trolls waste on the couch writing about those who are out there doing it, before getting out and doing something for themselves.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Jeffrey Slavich That’s brilliant!

[@joewag88]

😂

[@Jeff.Slavich]

leonardmlee haha. Glad you liked it.

[@dannygayler90]

Yep and not a week goes by where I get abused , or idiots trying to show me , "Who's Boss", one day they'll find that they may either have walk or ride a bike , ( no petrol ) , Lol !

[@Jeff.Slavich]

Danny Gayler it used to bother me more than it does now., but I try to focus on me,rather than them. I often pass them down the road a bit. They look gassed and I plow on.

[@icedclips725]

I gained some weight during covid and recently got a bike and did my first ride since I was a kid and don't understand how people could stay fat if they ride a bike every day. It's more challenging then I remember and really made me realize how out of shape I am. Was a little embarrassing too have other cyclists and car drivers seeing me pedal up hills with a bright red face gasping for air.

[@yogipony9016]

Your body type might have a lot to do with it. Eating habits lost me 80 pounds over a few years. Since then I've been 20ish pounds overweight. Cycling doesn't seem to have a big impact on my weight, but I've become a lot faster. Running a couple blocks is still a problem for me but a 40 mile ride is nice. Work on your body position to maintain momentum and use power when its most efficient

[@StephanieManley]

Can I just say as a fellow overweight youtuber ..... Amen. Thanks for your videos.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Stephanie, just had a look at your cooking channel. Some great stuff on there too and really good production.

[@StephanieManley]

@@jollygoodvelo I really appreciate your videos. I used to cycle a ton, I just started spinning b/c of weather/daylight. I want to ride again.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Stephanie Manley Spinningbis great and will certainly get you fit. If you want to get back on a bike I suggest to just go ahead and do it. Good luck.

[@tewoj10]

Hello leonard where can i buy big cycling gears?

[@glennmalone2830]

Keep posting, keep riding, it does it for me. I'm 67 and never thought I would get back on a bike but after stumbling across one of your vlogs I'm back in the saddle and really enjoying it.

[@BrianRouse]

“Finding kit that fits can be a challenge.” I hear ya, brother!

[@anthonys5568]

Buy from USA vendors. XL means really XL, I'm an American fat guy, trust me.

[@stopglobalswarming]

Cargo shorts

[@patlong4807]

Fat lad at the back makes larger kits

[@TheAtarashiiKaze]

I use a big mountain bike.

[@SuperCleverpants]

Aero tech design in the US go up to 5XL, big and tall and plus women

[@Direwoof]

"ye need to loose some wait" bugger off to those clowns. I'm a 6'3 15 stone rugby player and you are definately a faster cyclist then me, keep it up old chap!

[@LavozdeMasaya35]

Leo, You're a Great KZbinr and you motivate a lot of people, in fact, I do follow your advice and some of the advice has been bigger help. I am a big Men and I entered the cycling sport and slowly I had lost a few pounds and I feel great and made some improvements. You keep posting and let the people who criticize to do what the do best run the mouth most of the people who criticize big Men in bikes is the people that are full of envy and stay at home and do nothing.

[@MrJackDaniels28]

I started cycling last year, going to work and back on my bike and I fell in love with cycling! I've lost a few kilos because of it and I still have a long way to go. Your videos are pretty awesome, dude! Keep them coming and ride on! Cheers from Brazil.

[@djtaylorutube]

I used to cycle 20 miles a day as part of an overall 6 hour per day commute. There was a lot that I hated about that but the fitness was awesome. I could eat as much chocolate as I could find and still drop weight hand over fist. Then it stopped and for years after, in my head I was still a fit cyclist... And got slowly blobbier. Just over a decade later I'm changing that back but it's a slow process.

[@tonymcdonough6064]

All power to you my friend don’t forget to rest and recover!!!!

[@Saltydog547]

I'm a fat rider myself. Just started with a folding bike and on my way to losing "wait" and enjoy the scenery along the way. Well done !!! I love your video and your sense of humor. As I get more competent with my foldie, I may move on to mountain bike or even roadie.

[@andysim232]

I'm not fat, I'm famine resistant. When the apocalypse comes I will be last one standing. Btw the "fat lad at the back" brand was on Dragons Den.

[@ljrandom147]

I am skinny and I have said that to every person calling themselves fat. It's one of the downsides of being skinny

[@sameoldcircus]

I saw that Dragon's Den and they had a similar complaint about the branding on the back

[@martynjohnson2872]

Survival of the fattest.

[@amandadurack884]

Hallelujah! I’ve found a cyclist that actually understands the issues us fat cyclists face. I’ll now feel so much better grinding up hills at 8km/ph whilst my skinner cycling buddies wait at the top for me!

[@pennyfarthing6847]

Thanks for the video Leonard. You are a seasoned rider with a plethora of knowledge. I’ve ridden with a variety of individuals of all shapes and sizes. We are all brothers and sisters who share the love of the bike. Keep up the great work. Your videos are much appreciated.

[@SilverSniper75]

As a ex fat rider I am well aware of the challenges. My biggest challenge was myself and my emotional spirals I would go through. It was energy sapping the fights I used to have in my mind with being fat and the self consciousness while on the bike but it got better with every kilo I lost. I still have 6kg to go but the 31kg I have lost has made ALOT of difference in my life both physical and emotional not to mention how my cycling has improved and how much higher my avg speed is but I still suffer. Its like what Greg Lemond say"It never gets easier, you just go faster". But it really comes down to a simple calculation of what calories you put in vs the calories you burn. When I restricted my calorie intake, cut sugar, junk food and most fat that's when it took off.

[@sdfink]

Leonard, I just couldn't WAIT to add a big thumbs up and my comments here! You created another incredible, thoroughly educational, inspirational and beautiful video that really hits all the important aspects involved in being an overWEIGHT cyclist. Thank you for this and for all the hard work you put into your amazing KZbin channel here. By the way, the videography was spot-on and once again, you've encapsulated a great story...your great story! :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Sandra. You always leave such lovely comments. I really appreciate them.

[@robertbeger4275]

Thanks Leo for the encouragement and inspiration! I've had to give up one love after another as different parts of my body have given out over the decades. Mountaineering and running to knees, ocean kayaking to my back. Cycling saved me after 2 minor heart attacks and a minor stroke. It's still much easier for me than walking. And I've been seriously fighting my weight in as far as cycling goes since 2012. 69 now with over 25,000 miles in the last 8 years and still hanging on. So glad to have found your channel. Cheers Mate!

[@SteveBott1963]

Loving your videos. I am 57 this year, 22st in weight and started cycling a few weeks ago so great to get a view from someone who has similar challenges.

[@rpcheesman]

"All we can do is plough our own furrow and do what is best for us." - so true. As a fat dude trying to lose the flab, it's my battle alone and the path I've taken. Your videos have popped up on my feed from time to time and I love the down-to-earth talk you give. It's actually really inspirational to see someone like yourself just being you and giving your perspective. Keep it up!

[@shaunab.4281]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! I love how candid you are. At 50 I’ve just discovered this wonderful sport that is cycling and am learning a lot. Cheers from Sorel-Tracy Canada.

[@davidstihler9689]

I'm with you. I'm excited about the possibilities and beyond. Today, I'm so sore it hurts, but gonna get out there and do a short 10 mile recovery ride. There's something about just doing it that makes everything worthwhile. Your videos are extremely inspirational and well done. Thanks

[@BrendonToogood]

your a great youtuber one of my favourite channels to watch always great advice and good subjects. I gave up smoking and but on the beef over 100kgs started cycling and now racing and down to 93kgs. love cycling my fav sport. keep up your great videos

[@dwatson5902]

Another good video Leonard. As a fellow “Portly” rider, I really enjoy your motivating videos. Keep them coming!

[@ColtColin]

Great video. Keep up the good work. I only started in early 2019. Now 3 bikes and 50lbs lighter I'm loving it more than ever. Get to meet a lot of nice people out and about on cycle paths too.

[@dml5053]

I cant tell you how much encouragement your videos give me...thank you for being a voice, a posative voice!

[@TheEugmax]

Thanks for creating this and other videos! I’m a big guy as well and just started riding again. It’s wonderful to be out again and thanks to your videos I can better manage my self consciousness with regards to my size and age. Greetings from Bangkok!

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

Thank you for a wise, useful and objective video. I like your storytelling voice and many nice camera angles. Looking forward to your next video.

[@db79887]

At least you’re getting out there and giving it a go. I’m 60 years young and 107kg and riding, it might take me longer to get where I’m going but at least I’m getting some exercise

[@timboha8191]

I’ve had a few fat lad at the back items in the past, and have to say it’s always been good kit that fits well and is forgiving on the fuller figure. I recently bought a Castelli jersey and it was a bit on the large side, it was one of the happiest days of my life.

[@lloydvodvarka6946]

oh it would have been mine too, i know how to fit into a big jersey, eat more burgers. whe w e ride bikes, we do not do the ride to loose weight, or get in shape, btw round is a shape. lol. getting the excercise we will get like it or not. we ride because3 it is fun a cheap way to travel and no gas to put in the car, or fight traffic, the road rage is minimal, and we feeel great.

[@adrianlw2750]

Great video and advice! Fascinating subject too. I have found that my mindset (and reaction from others) changes according to the bike and clothing I am using, and choice of route. So I tailor my choices accordingly. I am happy to sling a couple of panniers on my old-tech touring bike, wear every-day clothing and just go out to enjoy a gentle ride, with adequate stops. With this combination, it feels absolutely right to have less pace than the rest, who will pass me, and I am happy with that, in my own bubble for that ride on that day.

[@emberchord]

I‘m a fat runner and I am _so happy_ you made this video. So inspiring! It just wants me to also become a cyclist lol

[@joeyherring5942]

Some of the best cycling filmography I've seen. Very well done!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Another excellent video as we've come to expect from Len. I got back into cycling as I'd gained weight & running was hard on my hips. Swimming was so monotonous. Thanks for posting.

[@1rnsalt]

I love watching your videos. I think you inspire many ordinary people like me to get out and be active. Keep up the good work!

[@StevieOnHisBike]

Love the videos fella. Great production, informative, considered and just great to watch.

[@randallsmith7885]

As a fellow fat cyclist, I appreciate the perspectives you shared.

[@monty2078]

Hi Leonard, I am not over weight, but, I have other cycling challenges. To me, what is important about this video and others you do, is that they are encouraging. I think what you say and do are important as motivating people to leave aside issues and get out to do the positive. This is inspirational for many who otherwise might not get the positives from cycling because they are not inspired.

[@hurbit123]

Again, - you are really cool and have character and humor. First you chose such a difficult (&wonderful) sport such as road cycling and go through the gruelling climbs. Then you make this great channel and show lots of competence on cycling matters and have the confidence as a big guy to talk about improving cycling for heavyweights. Chapeau my friend.

[@jaydesimone4297]

I love the advice for trolls! I had lost quite a bit of weight running (with more to go), but then spent 3 months without cardio (over the holidays, of course) due to an injury and gained some back. Cycling and its low impact was attractive, so I'm back on the weight loss path, getting fitter as I go. It's nice finishing a workout and only having tired muscles rather than sore feet, too, from the pounding. And kudos for you for making this channel and giving support to the rest of us who don't look much like the people in other cycling channels.

[@markfeldman6509]

You are spot on. Be proud of who you are and do your best.You are very bright,aware and astute and don’t need to be told by strangers how to live,eat,or exercise ....or what to wear. We all have ranges for our weight and generally stay within that range unless extreme behavior modification is attempted. As for kit options.... here in the US virtually all of the available gear seems to come from Asia. I am a lean 6’ and 170 pounds and routinely have to order XL items( I buy a lot on Amazon) ... which is absurd as I am anything but an XL guy.. keep cycling and posting. . We love your work. You might be heavy but I would wager that your cardio fitness exceeds that of just about any citizen.

[@davidtimbro3677]

The struggle is real. You inspire Leonard, keep up the good work and thank you.

[@CraigEngstrom1]

I keep showing your videos to my father hoping he'll get inspired to get on a bike. He's said, "hey, this guy looks like me." He's talking more about going for a ride, so I thank you for the inspiration. I cannot wait to see another video from the cyclist with some weight.

[@michaeldenton2581]

Keep up the good work mate, loving your vids. And that Cheddar Gorge clip, highlight of my JOGLE a few years back. Stunning

[@johnzarubajr]

I second your comment on having a bike fit, what huge difference! For me, no more back pain, hand numbness, or knee pain. Much reduced hip pain, which will never completely go away (arthritis). Thanks for an informative and motivational video.

[@williamhain1796]

Great video Leno, I have now been following your channel for some time and find your no-nonsense, common-sense approach to cycling regardless of your size and ability is inspirational and reassuring. Your video concerning cadence has been extremely useful to my own understanding of cadence which has enabled me to improve my overall road speed and endurance ,looking forward to many more videos well done.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad to help, William.

[@GoatRidesBikes]

I keep thinking all this extra weight is making me a stronger rider and I'm going to FLY when I lose the fat (about 40lbs)...but I never lose the weight. Jokes on me! But hey...my mantra is "I may be old and fat, but at least I'm slow." And I know I'm having a blast!

[@gfgnickname_not_chosen2598]

Goat Rides Bikes but you shouldn’t forget that mass=acceleration so you’ll be twice as fast when going down hill!

[@StevenLWilliamsSr]

Good day mate! Over the pond many of us Larger or Fat riders use the term “Clydesdale” like the very large and very strong horse. There is even a company in the US which makes a Jersey celebrating us larger riders! I rode my first century ride at 292 lbs! I continue to ride and eat a little too much. Yes the grind to the top is hard and I too very rarely walk, but the payoff is the sheer joy of going 50 to 60 mph down the other side! Thank you for a great channel! Please keep up the great work!! Steve Williams aka Peskysteve

[@bojangles6239]

I dug the old steel Panasonic out of the garage about two months ago, took it to the shop for a tune up and figured with the free time because of the lockdown it was a good time to get the blood pressure and the weight down a little. I'm a big guy too and it was hard at first, but just as you've explained it gets easier after every outing. I ride a daily 3.5 mile loop with two fairly good climbs and I've improved 3 mph on the average time since starting and can now grind them out in the big ring. I've lost 20 red blooded American pounds and won't be going back searching for it. You inspire and inform me, so I'm digging through your archives, keep em coming. PS; after watching your cadence I don't think anyone that's ever ridden a bike up a hill would think you didn't carry your weight damn well.

[@AlexandrValakh]

Great, super useful and motivational videos! Thank you Leonard! Great sense of humour as well

[@zyghom]

Man, your video and music are AMAZING. And I always wait for new to come (this week 2!) Plus the nature of your video blog is so... honest and positive - really motivator you are ;-)

[@jollygoodvelo]

I always publish two!

[@calablanca]

Your narrative is exceptional ! Loving your videos so much 👍👏

[@Jim-be8sj]

Great video. I love the way you preempted the inevitable trolls from the outset and things just got better and better from there. Thanks for posting.

[@Chris-no9np]

Love your videos. Very relatable! For those who are not sure about the lycra look I strongly recommend the Rohan Expedition shirts. Had one for years. Keeps you cool in the sun, the chill of early mornings, plenty of pockets for sunglasses, phone ect and you don’t frighten small children when you stop for a coffee.

[@jollygoodvelo]

But I like scaring people.

[@whiskeyandwood4047]

So glad I found you! At 107kg, sometimes I feel left out not being able to keep up with local road rides! I definitely struggle to find kit that fits, especially jerseys, I usually wear Castelli xl or xxl shorts, but can’t ever find tops to fit! I love the Fat lad at the back jersey and may get one if they ship to the US, I’m more than happy to claim my status! I ride for fun and exercise, and if someone wants to laugh, I’m glad to have provided some amusement and will smile and wave!

[@p.w.hanlon8335]

Bravo. I love the juxtaposition of sound advise and a droll sense of humor. No apologies for how we got here, no excuses if we feel the need to change

[@rider7205]

way to go Leonard. I am over weight as well and face the same challenges. You are a great inspiration.

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

As always great video! I did a charity ride last year, was kind of forced by my coworkers to doing that. Really enjoyed it. It was a brilliant sight to see fellow fat jolly velocipedians. I must say probably 50 percent of the riders were weight challenged as myself. I really don't give a fidles for____ as to what people think and say about my weight when I ride or do other stuff. As to the equipment... Yes good wheels are the ticket, always been using aero wheels with 36 spokes. Lately i got Velocity brand rims on my bike, no problem staying true. Like you said being weight challenged for those PC people fun is when you descend down a mountain haha! Eat your heart out you skinny schmucks. Keep pedaling my friend! Yankee doodles from across the pond.

[@jamesf8864]

Cheddar Gorge is my local climb. I've challenged myself up it lots of times, and on days where I feel particularly punchy, will reduce the amount of water I'm carrying so that I can record a better time. To see heavier guys like you powering extra body weight up there (considerably more than my 500 ml water bottle) makes me feel like I'm cheating! Absolute troopers. I often want to give a shout of encouragement and admiration but don't want to come across as condescending in that brief interaction...so here is my wordy equivalent of that momentary "Keep it going!" cheer as I go by :)

[@nigelstanley3674]

Spot on Leonard. Keep the content rolling and flock the trolling!! You’re doing a great job and entertaining and educating us all, particularly us big lads!!

[@viralnorn9173]

I love watching your channel. You are so inspirational! I love cycling too. I have a couple of kits I bought on the cheap online. They are in Asian sizes, and being an American lady of European descent it is very important to pay attention to the sizing charts and maybe add a size up for good measure in relation to the charts. Also read the reviews to see what other customers experienced.

[@karenharrison9786]

Thanks to your amazing videos I’ve rediscovered my love of cycling! Riding the bike that I have in front of me (for now).

[@jollygoodvelo]

Enjoy!

[@JonnyImpreza]

Thanks for another always-inspiring video... currently I’m trying “intermittent fasting” for 8 weeks in preparation for spring cycling... have lost 3.8kg in under 2 weeks, targeting another 10kg if possible. I still get to eat decent meals in the evening and “treat myself” at the weekends. I agree that finding nice cycling clothing is so difficult. Like you, I enjoy wearing the proper gear but I can definitely feel people judging me constantly when I go out for a ride -ironically, the most judgmental people are other cyclists, at least here in Toronto. Cheers Leonard for the inspiration.

[@arturus]

Love your content! Your message to the rocket scientists was spot on and many of your points are poignant for individuals such as myself who, while not overweight, face physical challenges related to being less than ideally adonis-scpted fit (read: skinny, sedentary and with poor health habits). Thank you for the great videos and all the best kind sir.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Arthur. All the best to you too.

[@davidbrook6639]

Thankyou for your great advice and inspiration i am a struggling cyclist myself and trying to lose weight myself as i have just had a triple bypass and using cycling as part of my rehab... Thankyou again and all the best... Kind regards David....

[@blufish11]

Well said. Experiencing a climb while lighter, and remembering the same climb while carrying extra weight helps remind me to keep the weight off. An idea for a video may be weight change from in season to off season and back. You know, less hours riding and diet, then the return to the good weather and the return of steady outdoor riding. 👍

[@danielflanagan76]

Thank you for this video! I’m a heavy guy myself who enjoys cycling. You are spot - on in your dialogue I’m am going to subscribe!

[@jollygoodvelo]

I appreciate the sub.

[@christiangrosspietsch6278]

Very good! Thank you! One thing you forgot to mention in the part talking about descenting: having the right brakes is essential. Something has to stop the mass... and we‘ll have to learn the right technique to prevent the brakes from overheating. Funny thing: when you‘re attenting group rides nobody cares what you look like, what you wear or how big you are, as all enjoy the same passion.

[@pawelstankiewicz5284]

I have even better motivation, when I see some 60-70 years old cyclist, who easily overtakes me on long climb. I'm telling myself then - I will be someday that guy and there's definitely future for me on my road bike.

[@montelbooner]

I’m a fat bloke too and recently discovered your vids. Thank you ever so Much for delivering a perfectly succinct and verbose account of what we feel and go through. All too often this industry is aimed at the ultra thin and skinny and doesn’t give the slightest consideration for the larger person. I found myself nodding in agreement to most, if not, all of what you have said. I’m now subscribed and looking forward to the new posts. Thank you !! In my youth I used to cycle everywhere on my road bike, did several London to Brighton’s/Southend’s and Cambridge fen ride- but that was so flat and boring !!! Then work and age came along, onto a mountain bike, but not so often. Now, after several family deaths, and a crappy job and very low self esteem, I’m the biggest I’ve been, contemplating suicide and generally utterly low. But I’ve had this upsurge, and new found vigour to go join a gym for the right reasons (to stay alive), and to try to get fit, and maybe even lose a bit of fat. It’s not weight, but fat I need to lose. I remember that I WAS so very confident and healthy when I was cycling, and as you intimated, we all know how we got to our respective sizes. Thank you again for your videos, they ARE uplifting and inspiring. But I’ll try to get back into my E-fat bike as soon as I can. Motivation and encouragement are my problems. Being single, fat and with poor self esteem really knock you down. It’s a tough, slow road. Just need to change my thinking and sort my head out, to get myself moving again. Thank you my friend!

[@muffincute3921]

Love this! Smash it

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s so easy for us to become different people. We just need to pick ourselves up and become the person we once were. Good luck to you. You’ll get there.

[@chtitmog]

I just started commuting by bike to work and am gradually getting myself back into exercising (after a long 7 years hiatus). I plan to add more cycling into my life so I am not at your level of fitness yet. However, I know what it is to be a fat woman on a bike. Not later that this afternoon, a few guys in their car felt the need to shout ugly things to me. I barely looked at them and went on my way. After watching this very much needed video, I feel great doing what is good for me, and I just love your comment about this kind of person only having Love Island as the highlight of their day! Lol. You have a great sense of humour and your videos are not only helpful but also really beautiful and entertaining. Thank you so much for sharing such positivity on this platform.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sorry to hear you experienced that but yes, I expect watching Love Island is probably the highlight of their lives.

[@lorincapson7720]

Enjoy your perspective. Videos like yours motivate me in my own Biking adventures. Thanks for your videos and looking forward to your continued journey. I lost weight, bicycling and, dare a say it? Keto Diet. lost 30 kilos and amazed how much easier it is to power up the hills that killed me before. I have a longer seat time, longer ride time and most of all, a most enjoyable time biking. Bicycling is a wonderful, low impact activity that even elevates your mode. I have recently purchased a Trek Checkpoint gravel bike, for the reward and excitement of riding.

[@jdivanich213]

Really enjoy the videos! Would love to see more in-depth videos on this topic as a not-so-light newbie to road cycling.

[@luannedimaggio7025]

Leonard I love it when you do these videos, I have lost weight by biking on a trainer. I love wearing my bike kits. You always make me feel great. Loves

[@jollygoodvelo]

Great to hear from you Luanne, and fantastic that you are back in the bike.

[@cedricbethea358]

Great video explaining this important subject. Im a bike messenger and from my experience lifting weights will always help any size biker become a better biker. Another thing that helped me was using a mountain bike. They are incredible at shaping the human body over time and are more comfortable to ride because they cushion road shock. Im living proof that bikers can get better as they age.

[@ericcamato2925]

Great Channel Leon, being a big rider (195cm 127kg) I find your advice relevant and inspiring 👍. I’ll keep riding and watching 😄👍🚲

[@guythacker6010]

Greetings from across the pond ...... North West Georgia, USA ........ Your videos are very encouraging for this over weight 52 year old who is about to get back into cycling. THANK YOU !!

[@redbaron3333]

Thank you for the videos you are making leo you have given me the confidence to go out on my bike and just enjoy cycling. Cheers buddy from a chubby rider myself.

[@jimbojet8728]

You’re a star Leonard. Of course there are more overweight riders out there than some would have us believe. Your advice is excellent and I would suggest keeps some of us riding? Your positive example is a very serious one , but not without a little humor. Thank you.

[@familyandfriendsadventures5782]

Love the video! At 260 (118kg) going uphill is brutal, especially when riding with friends, but when I get those downhills, it's fun to watch them fade into a tiny dot on my helmet rear-view. I can hit over 45 mph (72kph) on the regular on the downhills! I have the added bonus of being 6'5" so if it's windy at all, I feel like I'm wearing a wingsuit compared to my other friends I ride (bonus cardio?). Still fun getting out there! Keep up the good work on the bike and the videos!

[@marka87]

Good video, glad you’re getting out there and enjoying your cycling. The issues with clothing sizes are definitely true!

[@TheRDMagee]

This came up on my recommend list today. I'm a cyclist and fat also. I've been cycling around in dress shirts for the most part, as I'm under the misguided impression that it hides my fat the best. Thank you for the recommendation, I looked at their website. Liked and subscribed.

[@carlosquintanilla3700]

You are still a big motivation for many, Thanks.

[@charlificity]

Cycling helped me lose a bit of weight and get into shape. I love these videos as they can inspire everyone and show that you don’t have to be a matchstick with shaved legs to enjoy and embrace cycling.

[@nicmcs4]

Great video, I’m in the same boat as you, But hey as long as we get out cycling it’s all good.

[@roblovely4839]

Nicely presented. Well done for doing your part. We need more people of all weight and sizes out enjoying the open spaces

[@darrenhitchcox6345]

Great video again there Leonard. As a fellow attendee in the high BMI club, image how much higher this would be if we did not cycle. We are doing something about it, but not an instant fix !!!

[@graemebailey2046]

I'm a big unit cyclist, 5'10 with a 52" chest , 120+kgs. Love your videos Leonard. If anyone else is struggling for kit, I've used Fat Lad clothing before found it decent quality also use Primal. But my fav that i've found is decathlon their XXXL stuff tends to fit well and is more comfy than FLAB

[@renegadetenor]

Finally! Someone points out that spelling matters! :)

[@krider7296]

Great video. Very informative and helpful. Keep up the great work. Fyi, Fast Forward make and excellent set of deep section clincher wheels which are rated for 140kgs. I have ridden over 15,000 km on their F6R-C and they are indestructible. They have an aluminum brake surface so they are very safe at high pressure and keep cool during braking.

[@davidmartin305]

Another great perspective and strong motivation to get out and enjoy the beauty of cycling. The benefits of cycling, physical and mental apply to everyone and are indiscriminate of weight.

[@deathgogOG]

I just found your channel. I have to say I love it. I am a big guy as well and you are encouraging.

[@brennanjrim]

Just found your videos and I really enjoy them. Subscribed.

[@ericfawcett2875]

keep doing what your doing mate, i think you are superb, as for the people that mock you, envy is a beatiful thing , and they couldnt do a quarter of what you do, they probably dont know what a quarter is either, you inspire me and lots of others so carry on mate

[@marcuswong1797]

Good for you man. Great video! I am at the opposite spectrum. My whole life i been small and thin, and growing up as an Asian in North America has its challenges with sports. i was always never able to be on a sports team when I was in school and when I got older was never strong enough to compete in the REC leagues. Then 4 yrs ago I found cycling, and for first time ever my lightweight structure was the 'envious' of other cyclists. Its funny how naive and mean humans are to others, but I m glad we both found our love in sport of cycling! Keep up the hard work! I watched your training to mallorca while I was at the same time training last year to go Mallorca too =)

[@jollygoodvelo]

Shame we weren’t there at the same time.

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

Hi Len.. you’re absolutely right about the knee comments around the 5:00 mark .. I’m a heavier rider but I like to push hard when I’m out there, a couple of weeks ago I had a meniscus tear in my left knee from heavy powering up a hill.. I won’t be getting on my bike or indoor trainer for a few months now. I’m seriously bummed because cycling is my addiction. 😫

[@2endsformacircle762]

Great video bro. I'm a fat rider myself and it helps when people like you put things in perspective.

[@jw5764]

Laughed out loud from the Love Island-reference, amazing 😂

[@Trevor.Adams640]

You do a great job identifying the issues for the larger cyclist. I’m 6 ft 2 and 114kg, so know exactly how it feels. I have a selection of jerseys from XL to 5XL according to different manufacturers. I ride a road bike and did 6000 miles on it last year. I don’t know my power to weight ratio and frankly I don’t care what it is, I get there eventually. Keep up the good work.

[@johndinsdale1707]

I am even more extreme 6ft 5 125kg , the new gravel bike frames are much stronger ,I also aim at 300watts so my climbing is slightly better! I think you need to also talk about bone density , fat composition verses muscle mass because weight is made up of all these factors 😀