Starting again after BC

[Surlygirl]

Hi Shouva,
You might look at mixte frame bikes. I think Rivendell makes one and a few others. They are easier to mount and you can get decent components on them.

[MomOnBike]

With your balance and mounting issues, may I suggest that you consider a recumbent trike? 'Most any of the trikes on the market would solve your problems. To start, Sun makes a relatively affordable one that is loved buy those who ride it ( http://www.easyracers.com/ez_3.htm ).

I haven't tried a trike (yet) because I hear they are a blast to ride, faster than they look (though you won't win any races), and highly addictive. If I try one, I'll probably buy it, and I can't afford another bike.

A lot of people tour on trikes, too.

BTW, I won't be hurt if you get something else, this is just a suggestion.

[SadieKate]

I haven't tried a trike (yet) because I hear they are a blast to ride, faster than they look (though you won't win any races), and highly addictive. If I try one, I'll probably buy it, and I can't afford another bike.

A lot of people tour on trikes, too.

Our LBS runs an informal time trial and someone comes out on a trike! Very cool. I'm hoping she'll be there this week. I wonder if it is a racing trike. I have in the back of my head a plan for a trike if the MS ever progresses to that point. I'm going to ride to the end.

[MomOnBike]

All I really know for sure is that those who ride trikes love them, including those who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to their first ride. After that, you can't get 'em off.

As I said, I can't afford to test ride one, I'm afraid I'd buy it.

[emily_in_nc]

Another option for a road bike without a high top tube is a Bike Friday (folding) bike. I absolutely love mine. The bikefriday.com web site is a wealth of information, and a couple of us here on this forum have Fridays, so if you have any questions, just ask!

I agree too about the recumbent trikes. The president of our bike club has one (as well as various upright bikes) and rode it on a ride the Sunday. He looked like he was having a blast, and he had no difficulties keeping up with other riders either. He does have a flag on the back since he sits so low to the ground, but with the flag was very visible.

Emily

[Shouva]

Thanks to all who have posted for the encouragement and suggestions. The recumbent trike seems like a winner to me. I have a small SUV that I think it will actually fit into when I want to go the the beaches near Los Angeles (about 130 miles from where I live in Bakersfield). Just gotta keep pumping iron at the gym so I can lift the 50 lb weight into the car.

My reconstructed knees are extremely sensitive to pain, which adds to my fear of falling. The trike configuration helps to eliminate that problem/fear.

I am excited about this option and shall do more research into trikes. Thanks, Mom On Bike, for the link.

Shouva

[MomOnBike]

Shouva,

If you are really interested in trikes, do some more research and head on over to 'Bent Rider Online ( http://www.bentrideronline.com/ ). The first three reviews on the home page are on trikes, and there are more if you scroll down some.

Also the message board has a special section for all things three-wheeled. If you have any questions, ask there, you will get answers. It is an active message board filled with (mostly) helpful folk. I've learned quite a bit there - though I mostly lurk.

And keep us informed. We all just want to see you on a bike, preferably with a grin like this--> (add bugs as desired)

[CorsairMac]

Thanks to all who have posted for the encouragement and suggestions. The recumbent trike seems like a winner to me. I have a small SUV that I think it will actually fit into when I want to go the the beaches near Los Angeles (about 130 miles from where I live in Bakersfield). Just gotta keep pumping iron at the gym so I can lift the 50 lb weight into the car.

My reconstructed knees are extremely sensitive to pain, which adds to my fear of falling. The trike configuration helps to eliminate that problem/fear.

I am excited about this option and shall do more research into trikes. Thanks, Mom On Bike, for the link.

Shouva

no need to lift it hun - get yourself some boards (or go to a car shop and get those lifts you put your car tires on when you're working on it) and then you can just roll it into your car!