Bad neck...can I still ride?

[happy~biker]

Hello all,

I have been reading for a while here now and hope someone can help me out. I've been a competive runner until my knees gave out a couple of years ago. I hopped on my son's Gary Fisher Aquila, and fell in love with riding. I'm 5'3" and he's 5'10". Yes, I was warned about having the correct fit, but I'm stubborn and had to wait until I was so dizzy from pinched nerves, that I could hardly walk, let alone ride a bike.

I had a CT scan that showed severe arthritis in my neck. I got an epidural steriod shot that worked immediately and I have no more pain. So...I have been bike shopping and am considering a Terry because they are designed for women and I will get the right size. I have learned my lesson...

Do any of you have this condition or any suggestions for a good road bike? I need to get my heart rate up there to really feel happy...

[slinkedog]

Hi Happy Biker and welcome to the board. I'm sorry to say that I don't know much about what you've described. The only gal I know with serious neck problems had to give up riding because it was just too painful for her and too damaging, apparently.

A more upright setup might be a good thing for you. I know a gal who has a road bike with hybrid bars and I think it's because of neck issues.

Anyway, I hope you are able to sort it all out and ride!

[Nanci]

There are tons of people out there on recumbent bikes now, and a lot of different styles to choose from. That's apparently the way to go for back/neck problems.

Nanci

[slinkedog]

There are tons of people out there on recumbent bikes now, and a lot of different styles to choose from. That's apparently the way to go for back/neck problems.

Nanci

That's a great idea! Recumbent bikes are so cool! I really want to give one a try someday. They're apparently easier on the booty, as well.

[Nanci]

They are _so_ popular here. You see whole packs of them on the paved trails, and on organized rides like Centuries and brevets they all stick together, too, I guess because it's hard for a normal-height bike to draft off them. They are _fast_, too, except for climbing.

I'm afraid to try one, because it would probably be like when I tried a full suspension MTB...

Nanci

[wabisabi]

I want to second (or third) the suggestion about the recumbent bike. One of my friends here, a woman, was injured while running (by a car) and rides a single as well as a double with her husband. They are incredibly fast on that thing! If you would like me to put you in touch with her, let me know privately and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to you about it.