When will Detroit build a sunroof for the husky gentleman?

February 13, 2006 2:21 PM

Where can I find cycling clothes that fit my frame?

I was out looking for a cycling jacket today, and I just ended up getting frustrated. I cycle about 30-50 miles a week, but I'm not, to put it mildly, built like a typical cyclist - I'm 6' 2", 270.

I'm in the process of losing as much of that weight as I possibly can in the next year, but for now I have a problem - most manufacturers' XXL sizes make me feel like ten pounds of sausage in an eight-pound bag.

So, until the day that I hit my target weight of 215-220 and can fit into "normal" sizes, do any of y'all know where (either on the Internet or in the Portland, OR area) I can find cycling wear (primarily outerwear, but also shorts as well) that is sized to fit the outsized individual?

posted by pdb to sports, hobbies, & recreation (8 comments total)

pdb,

I'm a cyclist as well and before I lost a few pounds fitting into most cycling wear was admittedly uncomfortable. One thing I would suggest is to look for mountain bike clothing - the style of mtb clothing is a bit more baggy and looser so it may fit you better.

Also, perhaps avoid wearing "cycling" clothing - no matter how thin a person is it's always meant to be ultra-form-fitting. Perhaps just look into wearing a regular XXL wicking-tshirt and a shell jacket until the pounds come off? (If you want the cycling clothing because of the pockets maybe substitute with a small backpack or fanny pack?)
posted by rlef98 at 2:33 PM on February 13, 2006

I'm 6' (183 cm) and 195 lb (~90 kg) - when I was 240 lb I got this jacket in (I think) XL, and it fit me just fine, even with a T-shirt and a sweatsirt underneath. But don't take my word for it - check out the sizing chart under the illustration.
posted by hangashore at 2:45 PM on February 13, 2006

sweatshirt, dammit!
posted by hangashore at 2:47 PM on February 13, 2006

I was going to suggest Andiamos which are padded underwear that you can wear under any tights, pants or shorts but it looks like they only go up to XL. I think rlef98 makes a good point, though. Why invest good money in expensive clothes that you (hopefully) won't be wearing that long?

Here goes Bikejerseys.com which shows shorts and bib shorts (way more comfortable since they have no waistband) in 2X and 3X. Good luck, keep spinning.
posted by fixedgear at 2:48 PM on February 13, 2006

Mt. Borah has cycling clothes in extended sizes. I got a XXXL jersey from them that I'm happy with.
posted by Fat Guy at 3:24 PM on February 13, 2006

Why invest good money in expensive clothes that you (hopefully) won't be wearing that long?

I'm committing to ride the MS150 (century day 1, 74 miles day 2) in August this year; between now and then, I'm not gonna wimp out and not train just because it's raining. Even if I outgrow (or outshrink, I suppose, in this case...) the rain gear I buy, to me it's worth spending the money to stay as dry as possible.

Bikejerseys looks promising; I'll check 'em out. Thanks all...
posted by pdb at 3:25 PM on February 13, 2006

Bicycling magazine from September 2005 had a section specifically for larger bicyclists including advice on gear, bikes and clothes. You may want to look for it at your local library. Here is the only bit that I could find online. Be sure to hit the tiny Next link at the bottom for more.


Just Big and Big and Buff
posted by hindmost at 5:41 PM on February 13, 2006

...American bike clothing companies - like Pearl Izumi - tend to run larger and roomier (or at least have items that are larger and roomier) than European companies....the PI stuff always fits me better when I am at my highest weight, which is around 185 at 5'9...at my more fit weight (170) the Ital clothes fit nicely.
posted by soulbarn at 12:32 PM on February 14, 2006