Keep It Moving: SuperSized Cycles

By Aja B. Stubbs, Belle Noir, Autumn 2006

Fall is here, and with it (for most of the US)cooler temperatures. What better way to enjoy this season than to get out for a ride! When Joan Denizot, founder of Supersizedcycles.com, approached me about doing a link exchange, the idea so intrigued me that I wanted to know more about what makes these cycles different than the rest and why all BBWs who strive to be fit and fat need to hop on board!

Where did you first get the idea to open SuperSized Cycles?

After years of being overweight and without a bike, I decided that I deserved and wanted a bicycle. I started actively looking for a very sturdy, comfortable bike that would hold a heavy person—me! I spent over 100 hours actively searching the Internet and could not find ONE bike that was advertised for heavy people. I sent emails to every bike manufacturer I could identify asking them for weight limits for their bikes. I joined a framebuilders blog and lurked on that site while bike techies talked, hoping to pick up some information. I emailed bike gurus and asked their advice. I talked to local cyclists and bike stores. The more I searched, the more I realized that hardly anybody is making bikes for people who weigh over 200 pounds, and there was not one bike that I could identify that would hold over 300 pounds. The idea of going to a bike store and being sized up by some mega-fit salesperson just embarrassed the bejeebies out of me, plus, I knew if they asked me how much I weighed (horrors!) I’d lie. Which is the ultimate in dumb, I know, but I just couldn’t bring myself to tell anybody my weight, let alone an athlete. It dawned on me that I am not the only fat person in the world who wants to ride a bike, and that instead of bemoaning that fact, I needed to do something about it.

In your June 2006 issue there is an article by Holly Zenith called “Who Do You Think You Are, Anyway?” This paragraph, taken from that article, sums up what prompted Super Sized Cycles: The lesson is that great things don’t have to be initiated by some Other. We don’t have to wait until someone in authority causes something to occur. We don’t have to wish that the government, the city, the administration, the boss, the teachers, and so on would make certain things occur. We can initiate them ourselves.

What are some of the benefits of bicycle riding?

Riding a bicycle is an easy, non-weight bearing exercise that creates that rush that all those skinny exercisers talk about. It’s an aerobic exercise which also develops muscle strength. The best part about it is that it is so much fun! It’s also easy to incorporate into your day—you can use your bike to go to work or to the store, or take a ride with a friend or a family member. It also provides an incredible sense of power—one stroke of your leg and you go really far, and if you go out for a half hour ride, you’d be amazed at the territory you cover.

Tell Us More About the Products offered on the website?

I sell bicycles, tricycles, and recumbents for people who weigh up to 550 pounds. I also sell cycling accessories. I’m continually building the inventory of the store, and love to hear from people about ideas, needs, and/or sources of excellent equipment.I currently stock bikes from 2 manufacturers, and am working with several more bike makers. There will continue to be bicycles added, hopefully in the near future.

What's both really exciting and frustrating is locating product. It is amazing to me how many people just say “no” automatically, without thinking about the impact of expanding their product. In the US alone about half the people are overweight.  WHY has no one thought that the overweight people might enjoy bike riding, too?

The exciting part of this process is working with these manufacturers once I've identified them. One of my favorite producers is Chris Zanotti, the owner of Mint Cycles, which builds A New Leaf, one of my bikes. I found Chris though a bike building forum, and he had such a positive attitude that I sent him a private email and asked if he had the skills and interest in building a bike for big riders. He called me back right away, and the rest, as they say, is history. It's a joy working with someone with such a positive attitude.

Do you plan to also offer plus sized accessories (knee pads, helmets, etc.) on the site?

I do plan on expanding my offerings. Right now I’m working with a cycling clothing manufacturer who sews some large size cycle clothing, but doesn't go up high enough. I've also found a great product for cycling sores which works like a charm on rashes that develop from skin chafing. I'm always on the lookout for new, better, or bigger products that are made to make life easier for people of all sizes, and hope to offer people a lot of choice when it comes to finding the best products for their goals.

Are there any plans in the works for a brick and mortar location?

At this point, the answer is no, although I am looking into making my bikes available to brick and mortar locations. There is a lot to be said for going into a store and getting properly fit for a bike, but of course there is a lot to be said against it, too. I want to make sure that anywhere Super Sized Cycles are sold that there is a respect for all customers, no matter what their size.

What would you say to individuals who might think that your bicycles are a bit pricey?

My bicycles ARE a bit pricey. I realize that. As a mother with four college-aged kids, I think twice before stopping to pick up a cup of coffee on the road (Do I REALLY need that? Can I wait until I get home?) I really get the money bit.

My bikes are a one-time investment, and one that pays for itself many times over. Unless you're a bike nut, in which case you don't mind paying a lot for a bicycle, chances are pretty good that you're not going to be buying a bike frequently. The cycles I sell will last a really long time. They are NOT dispos-a-bikes, and because of their solid construction, they will keep you riding for many, many miles. If you get bored with biking and don't do it for a few months, your bike won't expire. It will be ready for you when you go back to the garage and dust it off and start in again.

Think about all the money you spend already to get healthy. A gym membership that expires. A diet you give up on. Healthy food that you either consume (hopefully) or throw out (cause you really don't know why you thought organic flax seed and pumpkin kumquat muffins were going to be delicious). Exercise & cooking & diet books and tapes. And then there's the money that you waste without even a thought to your health--picking up a coffee and Danish on the way to work, buying that outfit that's really a little too tight but you can't pass up 60% off, buying lunch at work instead of bringing your own, etc. etc. Those little things add up, and you can very easily end up spending $30 to $50 per week on what?  Nothing of any lasting value to you. If instead you decided that you'd take that $150 /month and invest in a bike, you've got something that you'll have forever, and will make you happy and healthy.

I am currently developing a relationship with a consumer finance company, so I hope that in the near future I'll be able to offer financing for my products. This can ease things for people who are ready to ride but haven't saved up the money to invest in the right bike.

Is there a way for people without internet access to get in touch with you to order a bicycle?

Absolutely. I have a toll-free number, 1-877-690-1879, that people are welcome to call. At this point I do not have a catalog, but I can certainly mail information to people who would like to see my cycles.

What have you personally found to be the most satisfying aspect of cycling and how it has affected your general health?

What I really love most in cycling is the fact that it is such a freeing experience. You're sitting down, and just a push of your leg sends you flying so much further than you could go if you were taking a step. The rush of the wind against your body, and the freedom going where you want on your own power is exhilarating. This the one exercise that I've always loved, and therefore I do. Up until a few years before my surgery, when I had gotten too heavy for bikes and could not find a place to buy one strong enough for me, I'd still get on my bike whenever I could. This is the one place I've always gotten the exercise high.