Am I ever glad to find this forum!
I recently decided to do some roadwork with my collie to help her stay in shape....Naturally I also realized it would be fabulous for MY shape.![]()
I am in my late 40s and just starting to get back into shape; eating really well, lost 20 lbs and am walking with my girl.
But first I have to recover my "bike legs"and train her accordingly.
I spent several hours test driving bikes @ my LBS with the idea of getting a "low rider" flat foot, pedal forward bike or cruiser...I went home with a Trek Pure w/ 7 speeds, thinking that was way more gears than I needed..![]()
That evening my DH and I went out for a ride (he has a Trek 7000) and I COULD NOT get that bike up the hill...while he just sailed up.
First night home and I hit the limitations of the bike and my abilities (at this point) My neighborhood and most of the local paths are hilly...and I felt daunted. I went back to the shop this morning and brought home MY own 21 speed Trek 7000 and have given myself a few days to decide which bike to keep...
Here's my dilemmma.
The Pure is really easy on my anatomy...put me in a very comfortable rocked back position. And I have had problems with vulvar pain. PLus I think it would be well suited to cruising along beside a trotting dog. As long as we stay on flat terrain.
The 7000 feels way more versatile and is it just begging me to really get riding more than just with my dog, The 21 gears make the inclines much more managable....and its fun! BUT!
the seat, after only a test drive, was putting pressure where I don't want it....we spent some time adjusting the bike, but I am pretty sensitive and after reading your saddle sagas, I wonder if it is even possible to get a saddle that won't send me spiraling back into that awful cycle of pain.
And, because it is not pedal forward, and I'm up higher off the ground it might be a more of a challenge to get it right with my collie. (I'm going to use a leash attachment for the bike) I could fall over easier; its harder to reach her etc.
I would love some others' points of views on how to think about this....and if you think I could make the 7000 work..especially where the saddle is concerned. ( how do you measure yourself for a new seat...to know here to start finding a comfortable one...)
oh thank you!!!
elk