Vacation shows the NEED for a bike

About two years ago, my not-too-bright ortho doc told me I could never ride again without irreparable damage to me knee; I later discovered he was an idiot and while I shouldn't do RAGBRI, it's fine for me to ride some, it's actually good for the joint.

So last summer I went out and bought an old (1970) Schwinn Breeze to ride around the neighborhood. It's fun but a bit persnickety (shifting and brakes are iffy), so not great for "real" rides.

My recent vacation to the beach brought the need for a decent bike to the forefront, on day one I managed to make my plantar fasciitis flare up (too much walking on concrete, taking my mom to the Air Force Base for a new ID). This meant a very limpy vacation with too much car time. Time for a better bike to keep me mobile!

I went to the LBS yesterday and found a 2011 Trek Wingra (Gary Fisher collection). It feels much like my old 7.5FX, very zippy and fun, and it's on sale for $469. Looks like I might get back on a nice bike soon!! It would have been so much fun to have been able to ride around the campground on a bike, down to the beach, up to the pool/hot tub.

yay Pax!! It surprises me that your ortho guy told you not to ride. D's ortho guy kept pushing him to ride and cycling did more for his knees (protecting them with good muscle) than any other thing he did.
congrats on the new bike.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Biciclista

yay Pax!! It surprises me that your ortho guy told you not to ride. D's ortho guy kept pushing him to ride and cycling did more for his knees (protecting them with good muscle) than any other thing he did.
congrats on the new bike.

---

Thanks!

The doc said the type of arthritis I have is bad for cycling, lots of research later and I find out "moderate" cycling is a big plus. He just tossed me the party line rather than looking into it further.

I'm so excited!! :D

Pax, if it's not too personal what type of arthritis do you have? I have osteo and RA and I ride also.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bike Writer

Pax, if it's not too personal what type of arthritis do you have? I have osteo and RA and I ride also.

---

I have regular old osteo from injuries and five knee surgeries. The one he was warning me about is the patello-femoral arthritis where the bone rubs on bone whenever you bend the knee.

Isn't getting older fun?? :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pax

I have regular old osteo from injuries and five knee surgeries. The one he was warning me about is the patello-femoral arthritis where the bone rubs on bone whenever you bend the knee.

Isn't getting older fun?? :p

---

I was diagnosed with this in college, and told I would never run competitively again (I was on the varsity cross-country team - it wasn't a happy day).

Many (many) years later, including one scope, I ride between 5K and 7K miles a year, and compete in between 40 and 50 races, including CX - which means running.

Yay for the new bike, and boo for doctors towing a party line that is WRONG!

SheFly

I feel like a little kid, ima get a new BIKE!! http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...ilies/clap.gif


She Fly - Glad your doc was wrong too.

Yay!!!

Every injury I've had that's sent me to a doctor, they've told me rest, rest, rest. Every time the muscle atrophy has aggravated the injury, and once, it resulted in tendinitis in the contralateral side from doing twice as much with that hand and half of it upside down. :rolleyes: My favorite was the ortho that my parents took me to at age 6 - I'm still working on undoing the damage from years of orthotics and ill-fitting shoes - who told them I wouldn't be able to walk a mile without excruciating pain by the time I was 30. Guess he forgot the part about the two marathons at age 50. :p

I was supposed to shut up about what I think of doctors. Not working out too well. :rolleyes: Hooray for new bikes and more riding!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pax

I have regular old osteo from injuries and five knee surgeries. The one he was warning me about is the patello-femoral arthritis where the bone rubs on bone whenever you bend the knee.

Isn't getting older fun?? :p

---

Ow, not familiar with that term however I have been diagnosed with bone-on-bone issues in both knees. I've had a total knee replacement in my left knee and since I have been riding I have not felt the need to have the replacement done on the right knee. I can't say it's because of riding, but it dosen't hurt like it used to. Riding for two summers now plus winter trainer riding has caused me to lose a significant amount of weight. I am certain that this has had a positive impact on my knees.

Getting older? Yeah, it comes with it's own set of problems and is not for the faint of heart!

It's a shame your doc was so ill informed. I have had bone on bone in my right knee for many (10+) years. When I last went to PT they put me on an exercise bike for 20 minutes each time. The purpose was to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee to help stabilize it. Congrats on the new bike and finding your way back to the joy of riding.

Pax, I'm so happy for you!!:D Getting a new bike and knowing that you can ride within your limits is VERY exciting!

Like Shefly, I was told the same thing during college... but my difference was that I was on an athletic scholarship, so when the ortho recommended rest and to cut back on practice time, well the coach wouldn't allow it. I too, have had 5 knee surgeries, was told at 21 that I needed to have a knee replacement due to being bone on bone for quite some time. At any rate, I have cut out some activities, unfortuantely had to stop running and racing but am still riding and like others, my ortho recommended that I never give up riding.

I'm excited for you that you are back riding, and perhaps the moral of the story for all of us is to always get a second opinion.

Have fun with your new bike!!:D



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

Excellent news, Pax.

Thanks everyone!!

I'm heading to the LBS tomorrow morning to try it again (it's going to be 53 degrees here!!), I'll have the change out the stem (needs a shorter one) and tires (it has 32's and I'd prefer38's) and then pick it up early next week!!

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

this is such great news!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Biciclista

this is such great news!!

---

It feels like I'm getting a piece of myself back.

I haven't managed to lose more than a couple of pounds in the last two years, all due to the limitations set up by my doc... I think he'd be happiest if I simply sat in a chair until I'm 60 (the age he wants me to be to do the knee replacement).

I've decided he's fired, I'll find a different doc in the future.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pax

I've decided he's fired, I'll find a different doc in the future.

---

I think this forum needs a "Like" button :D

Enjoy the new ride, Pax!

SheFly

Ditto on the "Like" button...funny, I initially typed that as "Live" -- go figure.

We want pictures of you on the new bike!

Roxy

Once I get her home I'll take a few pics, she's a pretty two tone medium and navy blue with matte finish paint... very cool! :p

Pax: So glad that you can ride a bit and are looking at bikes - that is wonderful news!

I found out long ago that doctors will say the dumbest things. First doc when I broke my back years ago, said don't worry, we'll put a brace on you and you'll be back to riding your horse in a couple of months! Yeah Right! Totally misdiagnosed the injury.

Then, the next doc as I was healing but not great yet, said 'you should just quit your job, you'll never have children, and you can't do much of anything." All this, while I was starting to mountain bike, road ride, etc. to try to get healed. Well, I have a desk job, so I don't think he thought i would ever work again, I guess. I still have a desk job, I raced mountain bikes and road bikes for about 20 years. I took up tennis at the age of 47 and now play competitively. Never had children, but for different reasons.

Anyway, you can imagine that I really never listen to doctors and believe every thing that comes out of their mouths!

It's really frustrating, we put our faith in our doctors to help guide us through these injuries and illnesses. I didn't go to medical school so I'd like to presume they know more than me... but the reality is, they're overworked and maybe don't stay up on all the literature/current best practices; and we're the ones who suffer.

I'd like to put off the knee replacement forever if possible, if not then at least buy myself a bunch more years. Guess I'll just listen to my body more and do a TON of research before buying whatever the doc is telling me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pax

Isn't getting older fun?? :p

---

Yep, you parts wear out, your hair changes color, and your parents become your children:eek: Did I just say that?
Pax, you are going to do a show and tell, aren't you?;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fredwina

Yep, you parts wear out, your hair changes color, and your parents become your children:eek: Did I just say that?
Pax, you are going to do a show and tell, aren't you?;)

---

You know it! I know compared to other bikes here it's just an inexpensive leftover from the LBS, but I'm sure excited about it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pax

You know it! I know compared to other bikes here it's just an inexpensive leftover from the LBS, but I'm sure excited about it.

---

Pshaw! Any bike that makes you happy is a good bike!

SheFly

I bought the bike!!! http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...ilies/clap.gifhttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...ilies/clap.gifhttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...ilies/clap.gifhttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...ilies/clap.gif

Had to order a new stem and I'm having them swap the current 32's for kevlar 38's, I'll pick her up and bring her home then... pics to follow. :D

Yippie, Pax! I hope you and your new bike have loads o' fun together.

Yay Pax!! I'm so happy for you:)

I test rode it quite a bit and then took a Trek 7300 out for a spin at the suggestion of the LBS guy (for a comparison). I took the Wingra back out for another spin and was sold!

The best part... even after all that riding on unfamiliar bikes, my knee doesn't hurt!!

That's terrific! :D Enjoy (and post pictures!!!)

They always say that medicine is not an exact science--but I have learned that is the greatest understatement ever.

It must be a great feeling to know that you can get out there and ride again--and on a new bike!:) Enjoy!!!

Normally, I would take great umbrage at you pick the Wingra over the 7300 (Love mine), But I'll make an exception.
From looking at the specs, They Both have the same drive train, with the 7300 being more of an all rounder and the Wingra being more road ony
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...archive/wingra
and
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...archive/wingra

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fredwina

Normally, I would take great umbrage at you pick the Wingra over the 7300 (Love mine), But I'll make an exception.
From looking at the specs, They Both have the same drive train, with the 7300 being more of an all rounder and the Wingra being more road ony
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...archive/wingra
and
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...archive/wingra

---

I liked the feel of the 7300 quite a bit, so it was a conundrum. But I like how light the Wingra is without the suspension parts. Wheeeeee! :p

yay!!! this is really fun.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Biciclista

yay!!! this is really fun.

---

I swear, bikes let us be little kids again. Best thing ever! :D

My day just got a lot better. The friend I sold my 7.5 FX to (super cheap) is willing to sell me her Trek 1000 road bike, it's older but VERY well cared for, she's done RAGBRI on it 4-5 times and she'll let me have it with all the accouterments (water bottle cages, clips, computer), she switched to the 7.5 for road riding after a neck injury.

On top of that she's letting me try her cycleops fluid trainer for the winter, she said if I still like it in the Spring she'll sell it to me cheap. So YAY!!!

Pax,
You are positively giddy with excitement!

Isn't it amazing how happy something as simple as riding a bicycle can make a person feel?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by withm

Pax,
You are positively giddy with excitement!

Isn't it amazing how happy something as simple as riding a bicycle can make a person feel?

---

It really is amazing. Having mobility taken away was a big dark cloud, getting it back is a whole pile of sunshine. :D

This thread has just been a joy to read. I have osteoarthritis in both knees - not bone on bone (yet - touch wood!) - orthroscopy 14 months ago, recovery has been very slow and at times hellish. Physiotherapist and Pilates have been encouraging with the cycling but the ortho surgeon told me that if ever I need anything further done to that knee, that will be the end of my cycling days. Period. I have tucked that "judgement" in the back of my mind and for the most part forgotten about it but every once in a while it pops up like a bogey man and the fear literally leaves me breathless and gasping.

My mother and eldest sister have had knee replacements. I am only 43 and can't swear I won't need one myself one day. But I will fight tooth and nail before I give up cycling!!

I am so so happy to hear of so many others who have proven doctors with views like this WRONG WRONG WRONG!

Yeah to fun new to you bikes

Knees..... I do my best to start every day standing next to the wall doing shallow single leg knee bends for 3 minutes - each leg. Then is off to toe raises on the stairs.

I have my saddle set so when extended, my knee has only the slightest of bend, again to keep pressure off of the joint
When we tour for more than 3 consecutive days I have learned to live with a swollen knee (thank heavens for ibuprofen)
So far (56) I have been able to put off the total knee and fingers crossed that is the case for a long time. However with that said, the minute this knee interferes with my riding, it is coming out. I know several bike riders with fake knees so am confident that it won't be the end.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sky King

However with that said, the minute this knee interferes with my riding, it is coming out.

---

Yes, except for the ortho's stupid "you open that knee up again and your cycling is over" statement, those are my priorities too!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sky King

I know several bike riders with fake knees so am confident that it won't be the end.

---

I don't, hence my fear. I know two very strong cyclists, one with an artificial leg (including mechanical knee - and cycling does eat them up, he gets a new leg every few years!) and one with no knee cap. But neither situation is applicable to me, other than perhaps to give me nasty ideas of doing something really DRASTIC if the knee does start restricting my cycling!!!! :eek: :D

This thread has really cheered me up!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sky King

Knees..... I do my best to start every day standing next to the wall doing shallow single leg knee bends for 3 minutes - each leg. Then is off to toe raises on the stairs.

---

I do 20-30 minutes of stretching and strengthening (about half of that specifically targeting knees and leg muscles) morning and evening. Makes all the difference. Plus 1-hour Pilates class once a week.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sky King

I have my saddle set so when extended, my knee has only the slightest of bend, again to keep pressure off of the joint

---

Yup! And shorter cranks (160).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sky King

When we tour for more than 3 consecutive days I have learned to live with a swollen knee (thank heavens for ibuprofen)

---

As my orthroscopy recedes into the past, I'm getting swelling less often and my cycle mileage is increasing so fingers crossed. Ibuprofen doesn't do a thing for me. Diclofenac helps a bit.

Sorry, think I've hijacked the OP! :o