Greetings! My name is Cody Dean and I am The Plus Sized Cyclist. On this page you will find information about my journey to get fit by way of two wheels, product reviews and tips for other riders like me. Why “Plus Sized Cyclist” – I am 6’4″ and currently 360Lbs (and dropping), this isn’t the figure for a cyclist… and if you do research, there is the category of “Clydesdale” riders, which is those over 200lbs. Most riders in this class I found fall just around that weight range. I am not a fan of this nomenclature. I’ve always… Read More
Hammerhead Karoo 2 Cycling Computer
Think of a bike computer as the dashboard for your ride. Sure, you can get away with analog dials to tell speed and gas levels but having more information lets you become more efficient. In this blog post, I will share my experience with the Karoo 2, including how I’ve customized it to suit my needs by sideloading the Amazon App Store and pairing it with other devices. One of the standout features of the Hammerhead Karoo 2 is its Android-based operating system. This allows for seamless integration with popular cycling apps and also provides the flexibility to install additional… Read More
Review of the Take a Look Cycling Mirror: Enhance Your Ride with Unparalleled Safety
As an avid cyclist, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gadgets and accessories to enhance my riding experience. Today, I want to share my thoughts on the Take a Look Cycling Mirror, a versatile and user-friendly device that has made a significant impact on my cycling adventures. In this blog post, I’ll discuss how the Take a Look Cycling Mirror can be mounted on both glasses and helmets, and how it allows you to stay aware of your surroundings in any riding position. One of the most appealing aspects of the Take a Look Cycling Mirror… Read More
Magene L508 Bike Radar vs. Garmin Varia RVR315: A Rear Radar Showdown
As an avid cyclist, I always make safety my top priority. One crucial piece of equipment that has made a significant difference in my cycling experience is the rear radar. These devices alert riders of approaching vehicles, making rides more relaxing and secure. Today, I will compare the Magene L508 Bike Radar with the Garmin Varia RVR315, which I used last year. Both radars have their strengths and weaknesses, and I’m excited to share my insights on them. The Importance of Rear Radars Using a rear radar while cycling on the road is invaluable. Not only does it warn you… Read More
Wireless Shifting for Any Bike
For whatever reason I struggle getting the perfect alignment with my rear derailleur. I always seem to have one gear that just doesn’t want to cooperate. I’ve looked at replacement shift setups but upgrades to the 1×10 setup I have and love were sparse and if I wanted to make more significant changes it would be at a premium. After researching options, I placed an order for the latest and greatest Archer Components D1x Trail Gen 2 wireless shift setup for my bike! I can’t wait to get my hands on this cutting-edge technology that promises to dial in my… Read More
The Great Cycle Challenge
ONE MONTH. ONE GOAL. FIGHT KIDS’ CANCER. Five years ago when I started getting more serious in cycling, I wanted to find something to challenge myself. After a little research I came across the Great Cycle Challenge. The GCC is a unique fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Unlike other rides, you set your own distance goal which you then ride towards throughout the month of September. The first year I decided to set a goal of 20 miles and this year I am signed up to riding 150 miles. It doesn’t matter what type of bike you ride,… Read More
My First Real Bike Race
This past Saturday I participated in my first timed and ranked “Bike Race”. It was the 2022 Frankenmuth Fondo and I did the 25k route. In the weeks leading up to the event I was really struggling and there was a couple of times I almost backed out. The Thursday prior to the race I did an out-and-back locally and was completely drained about 3/4 of the way through. My lung capacity is still hindered, which I believe is due to the aftermath of COVID. Saturday morning we headed to the race. At this point I was full of nerves… Read More
Aero Tech Cycling Base Layer
In my previous post I wrote about cycling bibs. Just about the only downside to bibs are the shoulder straps. These straps can dig into your shoulders and cause irritation, especially on warm days. On colder rides I wear my UnderArmor base layers and noticed they increase the comfort of my bib straps significantly. This is why I was excited to find out that Aero Tech Designs introduced their new Sleeveless Honeycomb Cycling Base Layer. Aero Tech Designs is one of the few cycling apparel companies that caters to big and tall riders and the Honeycomb Base Layer is offered… Read More
Let’s Talk Lycra
Ly·cra/ˈlīkrə/: an elastic polyurethane fiber or fabric used especially for close-fitting sports clothing. When I first started getting serious about riding, my “riding apparel” consisted of a pair of gym shorts and bright color Haynes Tshirt. Sure, they worked, kept me comfortable and I didn’t really think twice about it. When I started spending more time in the saddle, I started looking into padded bike shorts to help with “sore butt” – this was before I discovered saddle fitment but started me down the path to “Lycra”. It took a lot of trial and error to find padded shorts that… Read More
Bike and Saddle Fitment
Much like every body is unique, every bike has a unique geometry. Most frames will come in Small through Extra Large. I am far from an expert in the engineering behind the sizing and shape of bikes and bike frames, but I can vouch for the importance of a properly fit bike. I recommend everyone get a fitment from your local bike shop, this normally has a cost but is worth the benefits it provides. I’ve ridden bikes that are both too large and too small, purchased whatever I could find at the the local big box store. For larger… Read More
Foster5k Walk/Run
If you would have asked me a month ago if I’d be doing a 5k anytime soon, I would have called you crazy. This morning I woke up and knew I had to walk/run 3.1 miles throughout the day, but when I got out and started, I kept going, and finished the entire thing in less than an hour! It felt incredible and I am celebrating this as a significant milestone. Never underestimate your abilities and celebrate every win!