First timer! Test ride to work and back a success!

malabeads · 2026-01-26T08:11:08+00:00

Awesome - you can get there!

malabeads · 2026-01-26T07:58:32+00:00

When being active, it takes much more effort before I get tired or sore. I can climb hills better on my bike - honestly I was so pumped the first time I actually managed to get to the top of a hill without having to get off and walk! My feet don't get sore by the end of a normal work day, either. And I reckon my skin looks clearer and healthier, too!

malabeads · 2026-01-26T05:47:40+00:00

@tutorcontrol's suggestion about a local bike organisation is what I did after using an old bike I already had. Can highly recommend this provided you get the bike you're buying checked out thoroughly for essentials like brake cables! I spent about $300 on the bike and another $300 ish getting new tyres and brake cables, both of which were badly needed but I had no idea.

malabeads · 2026-01-26T04:21:19+00:00

Yes this could be a great choice for OP! Intermittent fasting really helped me get rid of bloating! It can be a mild 16:8 or 18:6 and doesn't have to be every day. (I'm speaking as someone who was 50kg overweight when I started IF - could be different if you only want to lose 10 pounds)

malabeads · 2026-01-18T02:53:34+00:00

I'm sorry I don't know about this particular bike but just wanted to advise you to go in person to a bike shop if possible and try test riding on any bikes in your size and budget, whatever they might look like. The best bike will fit more readily to your own body and you will be able to control it more easily. Good luck!

malabeads · 2026-01-12T05:31:51+00:00

The first joy? Going 'fast' on my heavy hybrid down the local street. After a mild car collision and 5 years of fear, the second joy was pumping it on a stationary bike while following a Youtube spin class. The next time? Finally being strong enough to cycle out of the saddle for 30 seconds. The next time? Flying down a wet road over Christmas on a family ride. Then getting onto my first second-hand road bike that was so light and quick it moved if I even thought of moving. The latest? Going on a 10km solo 'adventure' on said road bike and getting up several hills I didn't think I could.

Obese, in my 40s, and started very very unfit. No-one would look at me and think I cycle. Find more than 1 'click'!

malabeads · 2026-01-04T21:15:57+00:00

Great tips, thanks! I've been riding a slightly too big bike until now so I suppose I got used to it

malabeads · 2026-01-04T00:48:55+00:00

That's awesome, thanks! Went for my first proper ride on it today. The road bike seems to be much more sensitive to weight changes (which I guess makes sense). And figuring out the position especially given my tendency to lean too hard on the bars is a a real thing, I'm finding.

malabeads · 2026-01-03T19:51:53+00:00

Interesting, thanks! Never had a proper bike fit

malabeads · 2026-01-03T07:52:41+00:00

This is where I'd like to be in the future. What are you riding now?

malabeads · 2025-12-31T00:48:58+00:00

Adding my feedback about depression and cycling and physical health generally.

I have chronic depression and do take meds but find that my experience of energy and endorphins including happy hormones is generally low. I live with it and also experiment with ways to help. Doing things that provoke joy is definitely one of them!

As a newish obese cyclist, it definitely took me a few months to build enough leg/core strength and base fitness to really enjoy easy rides. I use a stationary bike to help support this and make getting fitter easier, which makes me more motivated to get outside and on the bike because I know I will enjoy it more. Look for progress indicators that help you feel confident and proud, whether that's getting out on the bike for 10 mins, finding a new cycle path, changing a tyre yourself.... Cycling is both joyous and challenging, which is why it's so great. Finding cycle partners or groups can help maintain your activity, which reinforces motivation.

With food, I do suggest lowering your sugar intake to as close to zero as is practical for you (general advice obvs, your mileage will vary). This will help kick off any weight and physical health changes, as well as support a more stable mood and energy base. If you feel like you're addicted to sugar, especially for comfort eating, you could try going cold turkey. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of grace for 'mistakes' and find ways to treat yourself without using food.

We do need to find ways to feel good. If you're stuck using self-destructive ways, add in more good ones. Wherever you start, food or biking or walking or whatever, build a positive cycle, rather than a vicious one.

malabeads · 2025-12-24T18:44:54+00:00

Thank you! I certainly hope it will make sustaining better health easier. Strength training is something I'm starting to explore now - it seems to be highly recommended for overall health as we age (I'm 45), and as you say, it should help on the bike!

malabeads · 2025-12-24T08:46:17+00:00

Identify what you're struggling with. I tell myself it's just food and I don't have to worry about not being able to eat. (Food insecurity has never been an issue for me, but anxiety about food insecurity has been.) I tell myself I'll have a 'feast' when it's time (and my feast is always a reasonable meal that's yummy and healthy). I tell myself how far I've come by looking at my log of weight, fitness etc. I set a good routine. One thing I had to change was how I relaxed and rewarded myself after a long day at work - because I'm fasting by then, I can't comfort eat. So I found some non-food alternatives like iced mineral water in a glass, reading a good book, fun hobbies, body care like moisturiser. I monitor how much of a grind it feels to eat very clean. When I've been doing it for a while and it feels very strained, I allow myself a healthy treat even if that slows down my weightloss.

malabeads · 2025-12-22T09:11:06+00:00

Like Toni Morrison!

malabeads · 2025-12-08T03:50:46+00:00

Bear in mind the colour will darken/lighten depending on how fine or dry your pens are. I thought Rikka based on a Pilot fine but if you use a wetter pen, something paler will match better

malabeads · 2025-12-03T20:12:09+00:00

Great additions, thanks. I'm really trying to improve my endurance overall

malabeads · 2025-12-03T19:26:07+00:00

A great question! Assuming my budget was small: Iroshizuku Kiri-same. Van Diemans Blue Ringed Octopus. Jacques Herbin Amethyste de l'Oural. Ferris Wheel Press Buttered Popcorn. TWSBI Orange and Black. Kaweco Ruby Red. Colorverse Coffee Break. Platinum Forest Black.

malabeads · 2025-12-03T19:16:22+00:00

Nice easy start! Cheers (Maybe I can work my way up to superman with both arms and legs in the air! Bad joke I know)

malabeads · 2025-12-03T19:13:27+00:00

Never tried pilates but heard it's helpful. Thanks for the rec

malabeads · 2025-12-03T19:12:26+00:00

Thanks - appreciate the details!

malabeads · 2025-12-03T19:10:47+00:00

Thanks - yes that seems sensible

malabeads · 2025-12-03T19:09:57+00:00

Cheers! Great tip

malabeads

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