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.

[MomOnBike]

As someone who rides a recumbent, I have to chime in here.

Yes! 'Bents are easier on your neck - - - IF you get a more upright style. Some of the really agressive, really laid-back models have you practically flat on your back with your chin tucked into your chest, just to see. Not neck friendly. Those models have names like low-racers, for instance, and yes, they are fast.

More upright models are the Tour Easy bunch ( http://www.easyracers.com ) and some of the RANS lineup ( http://www.ransbikes.com ). While you are at RANS, check out the Fusion line. I'm seriously tempted by them.

BTW, I think that a Tour Easy still holds the land speed record, it did for the longest time... (ridden by a guy called Fast Freddy, really)

There is a pretty active market in used 'bents, too. This is good if your budget is tight (as a buyer), or if you decide that you don't like the ride after all (as a seller).

Give me a holler if you have any questions.

MomOn('Bent)Bike

[Nanci]

I think the classic series looks the most comfy. How the heck do you stay balanced on the seat of the Fusion? It's very elegant, though.

I wouldn't know where to start- how long a wheelbase, where the pedals are, etc.

I'm going to end up with one of those, pulling a trailer, just wait and see!

Nanci

[MomOnBike]

How the heck do you stay balanced on the seat of the Fusion? It's very elegant, though.

Wish I knew... Actually, the seat is a recumbent seat pan without the back. There is enough there for balance - or so I hear.

As I said, I've been drooling over a Fusion since they came out with the design. There is just something so, yeah, elegant about them. And the Dynamic is supposed to be reasonable for mild single-track. Yup, my stable would be complete. I guess I'm just going to have to start saving some cash here and there...

[bentforlife]

I actually got my RANS Stratus on sell through the Hostel Shoppe. I've upgraded the handle bars and really enjoy it now. The RANS site has a description of how to measure for their bikes and I'm pretty sure the Easy Riders does also.

Recumbents are some of the most comfortable bikes to ride. It does take a bit of relearning on balance and leg muscles but it is worth it.

Take the plunge!! i think you will enjoy it.

Donna

[fixiegrrl]

I too am of wee stature and bike fit is no small matter because, as you've experienced, it may lead to unexpected problems. There are several name brand quality bike makers that have a womens specific design (WSD) for both road and MTB. Check out these pages if you're interested:

www.fujibikes.com
www.specialized.com
www2.trekbikes.com

They have smaller compact frames that should hopefully fit you. I think some of them go down to a size 44cm depending on brand. For example, I'm 5'4" with a 29ish" inseam. For road, I ride a 43cm Fuji Track SE bike that is a really good fit. I had a Trek road 48cm and it just didn't "feel" right. I could ride it with no discomfort but it just wasn't the same. Kinda like a pair of shoes 1/2 size too big. There was no "feeling like one with the bike." If I were to go with gears, I'd probably ride a 44cm or the closest thing to it. For MTB, I have a size 16 Surly 1x1. If you're interested, I would recommend getting a more professional opinion from a reputable dealer. In my experience, some of the mega-bike store chains were not very knowledgable and more concerned with selling me a bike, any bike, so long as it pushed sales and didn't help me get a good fit. Plus, ride a few models and see what suits you best. There are lots of other types of bikes on the market and plenty to choose from.

Good Luck

[happy~biker]

WOW!!!

THANK YOU ALL so much for your replies! I have been w/o power for 2 days...and now that's it's back on, it looks like I've got some homework to do. I love research though, and also called Terry bikes. I wonder why no one has mentioned that brand? Hmm- They recommended a used Classic, size 17+1/2 road bike. I have a 28" inseam btw...

Now for some reason... I just don't see my self as a 'speed queen' on a Recumbent. I am going to go watch my first race in 2 weeks, so I can get an idea of where they are in the pack.

Now to start my research...

[bikerchick68]

ah... I have a friend who rides a recumbent... he is WAY faster than me on my lil ole race bike EVEN on his recumbent... they can be very fast... I have also heard they're the way to go for neck and back probs... have you talked to your doc about it? Or maybe call a sports doc and ask their opinion of recumbents? Good luck with whichever bike ya get!

[happy~biker]

Well...I have learned a lot!

I am really amazed that the recumbents can go that fast! I did ask my Dr. about biking, and he said I could keep on riding as long as my steriod shot worked...which it did...and I am on a bike that FITS. I guess I am just nervous, because my mind and body don't agree on the aging process. You wouldn't believe the endorphine withdrawls I am having.

That specialized site is so cool with the skeleton and the 'Body Geometrics'... I would suggest that site to any new rider. Visually informative, which I personally can understand so much easier.

I do have to get a used bike due to my budget. I think the price and condition of the bike will be my deciding factor. Any links to some good classified's?

I sure appreciate all of your help-

[MomOnBike]

If you want to race, you need to know that not all races allow recumbents. Word on 'bent boards is that upright riders don't want to get whipped, but that might be just the testosterone talking.

There ARE some pretty intense 'bent races, though. If you go, you'll find yourself in some pretty fast company. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I think the woman who took her class at Battle Mountain this (last? 2005, at any rate) year had a speed something like ~60-65 mph. Men were running in the 70's. (I might be off by quite a bit, it's been a while since I read the article, and numbers don't stick in my head very well. )

Fast company, indeed.