Welcome to ZIZE Bikes
Empowering Every Body with Inclusive Cycling Solutions, Pioneers in Bicycles for Heavy Riders
THE WHY
We are you! Living in a big body has its challenges and we know these challenges very well. ZIZE Bikes founder, Joan Denizot, wanted to ride a bicycle again and experience that awesome feeling - the wind in her hair… the freedom… the sun… But what Joan found is that there were no options for her weight and size.
THE MISSION
The mission of ZIZE Bikes is to encourage and celebrate heavy people to love themselves and to live life to its fullest. We do this by providing easy-to-use, comfortable, and safe bicycles & tricycles designed for riders up to 550 pounds.
At ZIZE Bikes our focus has always been to give everybody the chance to find joy from riding a bike or trike. Whatever your personal goals are, we are here to help you meet them. When you experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike that is made for your body, you can experience the transformation of your mind, body and soul.
HOW WE GOT STARTED
Joan Denizot, ZIZE Bikes Founder and CEO, created this shop in 2005. A big woman, Joan realized that nobody was making bikes that were safe for a person of her size. She decided that instead of just taking care of herself and having a bicycle custom-built, she would create a shop where any person of size could find a strong bike.
What Joan discovered, after spending hundreds of hours researching, is that people just don't make bikes for those of us who weigh over 200 pounds. Okay, 250 if you are pushing it.
She also discovered that it is quite dangerous for a person to ride a bike who weighs more than the bike is intended for. A bike is a piece of machinery, and if too much weight or pressure is put on the parts, things can break. Hopefully most breaks won't result in getting hurt, but the potential for a catastrophic injury is definitely there. YIKES!
After many product trials and designs, Joan realized that her customers would need several bike styles to meet their different lifestyles as well as modifications to further meet the needs of a bigger body. This included modifications like wider-set pedals, a more upright riding position to take the strain off the wrists, and a stronger, double-bolted seat post.
Biking is one of the easiest, most fun, and least expensive exercises. Plus, it's non-weight bearing, which means it is much easier on your joints, which is very important for heavy people. Selecting the correct machine for you requires a thorough knowledge of bicycles, an understanding of what your physical characteristics are, and knowledge of the environment in which you plan to ride. If you need help choosing the right bike or trike for you, please use the chat box during our customer service hours.
OUR COMMUNITY
We put ourselves out there, not knowing if anyone would join us. But, many people all over the world have supported us and we have met brave people along the way. Watch Joan’s interview with Curt who loved his ZIZE bike right out of the gate and has the sunburn to prove it! https://youtu.be/ztaKpa-EpEI
Carrie joins the chorus of people who have found relief and joy with their bike. “The ability to ride a bike that actually accommodates who I am physically *right now* as opposed to who I *should be* leaves me giddy. Thank you, ZIZE Bikes! I decided I need help to get healthy, and I've come to admit that I can't do this alone--I've tried. What made all the difference was risking reaching out to someone for help, and finding that they are actually willing to try. To research and develop as if my needs and my dollars actually matter. Joan and ZIZE Bikes, I am grateful!”
You can read others’ thoughts on the “reviews” page of each bike. Join the discussion and find support on our Facebook Group, Biking for Big People.
CHANGE IN CULTURE
There has been an increase in the percentage of people of size over the last 50 years. A select few companies have stepped up to meet the demand by making products for this demographic and promoting the much-needed body inclusivity movement that is long overdue. This means that there is an increase in options for us all! In our endeavor to create safe and comfortable bikes for heavy riders, we realized that bikes were just a vehicle (pun intended) to a greater mission!
THE MISSION EXPANDS
Our philosophy has always been that EveryBODY counts, and we are taking that to new places! Joan now serves on the board of The Institute for Human Centered Design where she provides a voice for those who live in big bodies and gives input on designing spaces inclusive for all people with their differing needs.
We are taking this same desire to ZIZE life and are getting us Body Ready!
As part of our mission to serve our community, we are partnering with other like-minded companies to provide products that serve your needs and wants.
- Engineering - Looking for more great products that work for you!
- Experience - Making sure they truly work for our community!
- Enjoyment – Put FUN into function! Sourcing products that are functional, desirable and bring joy!
- Education - Making this path available to other companies who want to support body inclusivity by creating training, seminars and more!
Want to “Stay in the know”? Join our mailing list for updates on our expanding mission. For more information on our consulting services, visit BodyReady.org. To shop our curated selection of inclusive products, head over to BodyReady.shop.