Vacation shows the NEED for a bike

[Pax]

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!

[Biciclista]

yay!!! this is really fun.

[Pax]

yay!!! this is really fun.

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

[Pax]

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!!!

[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?

[Pax]

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.

[Rebecca19804]

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!

[Sky King]

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.

[Rebecca19804]

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!

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!!!!

This thread has really cheered me up!

[Rebecca19804]

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.

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).

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!

[Pax]

... Yup! And shorter cranks (160).

I'm going to have those installed on the road bike if I start doing longer miles. The young guys at the LBS don't get that at ALL!

.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!

No hijack at all, us busted-up-knee gals need a place to share our issues.

[spokewench]

I'm not sure about these fears about knee replacement and no cycling? I have a friend who has a knee replacement and she races.

[Dogmama]

My hand surgeon told me my trigger thumb would never bend again without surgery. I started my own rehab, supplements and today it bends!

I think that if all you have is a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail.

Pax, I'm so happy for you! Bikes give us so much joy!

[Jo-n-NY]

Any bike that puts a smile on your face is a great bike. I am so happy to hear you knee issues are not really issues on the bike. Enjoy your new ride when it comes in!!!

Looking forward to seeing an update post with a pic

[Pax]

Any bike that puts a smile on your face is a great bike. I am so happy to hear you knee issues are not really issues on the bike. Enjoy your new ride when it comes in!!!

Looking forward to seeing an update post with a pic

We got slammed with a snow storm yesterday, I hope to get over to the LBS and pick her up on Saturday!