Ongoing neck risks?

[malkin]

...I walked out feeling a little bit like I was going to need to just lock myself into a padded room in order to keep myself safe for the rest of my life...

I've had office visits like that.

PATIENT: Doc, it hurts when I do this (demonstrate).
DOCTOR: (pensively) Well, don't do that.

If I followed that advice every time, I would need a padded room because I would be totally nuts, and after very little time, it would be a small, body sized "room" that would be buried in the ground, because I could not live that way for long.

Be kind and gentle with yourself, be ready to make lots of adjustments for quite a while.

[OakLeaf]

I don't know how helpful it will be, as it was something I used while sitting at a table (but it worked!). But here it is. I don't think I remember it being that expensive - inflation, I guess?

Yeah - I was thinking something more along these lines: http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app....=070_921002180

I don't know how I'd be able to use the one you linked to without neck flexion.

[redrhodie]

Oak, here's another option:

http://sitincomfort.com/bechlochosfa.html

These are popular poolside here.

[OakLeaf]

That looks great, thanks!!

[OakLeaf]

Have you ever used a music stand?

Much better for the lumbar spine, much worse for the upper thoracic, neck and shoulder girdle. At least until I find some way to support the weight of my arms while keeping my shoulders down and externally rotated. Not so easy.

I got this: http://www.staples.com/TechniMobili-...product_649642 back in June and it does pretty much okay - a little rickety on carpet at its full height, but adequate -, but I think what I need to do is dig out an old USB keyboard and find a stand I can rest it on at hip level.

Reading paper books/magazines standing would be right out, because there's no way to turn pages without raising your arms even higher than what a keyboard requires.

[luvmyguys]

A possible option to look into instead of changing out bars (and brakes) on a Ruby, only to change again later. This type of bike makes a nice around town bike.

[snip]

If nothing else, a B-33 (saddle) wouldn't be a bad idea until the soft tissue in your spine fully heals. That could take a long time. It provides much more stability than a B-67. (A B-67 is often recommended for people after hip-replacement, etc. but that B-33 was sublime). Anyway, you can buy any Brooks saddle from Wallbikes, they have a 6 month return policy.

I was able to find someone who does independent pre-purchase bike fitting with all of the computers and video. I walk out with sizes, dimensions, and recommendations. It includes a return trip after the bike purchase to make all the final adjustments. So I'm going to back off of any leaning toward a specific bike until I do that fitting.

That saddle looks great! Thanks for the recommendation!

[TsPoet]

So, I am careful not to proselytize bents, but this need mentioned here.
One major reason people get into bents are for neck issues. There are very upright bents that completely negate issues, then there are sporty ones that bend the neck the opposite way of a DF, which is (supposed to be) infinitely more natural and better angle.
I thought bents were silly until I tried one. A year after trying one, I'd bought one, 2 years after trying one, I sold my DF. I now own 3, just like DFs there are different styles for different types of rides.

Pros - ergonomics, comfort, aerodynamics are improved (faster on flats and down hills) I'm sure others
Cons - they are harder to transport, they are harder to hang with non bents because the characteristics are different, they are harder to climb with.

If you want sporty something like:
http://bacchettabikes.com/bikes/performance/corsa
The winning men's >50 RAAM 4 man team were riding the high end of this style/brand. They won their class since they were all by themselves, but I'm pretty sure they beat the DF in the same class

If you want a very neutral neck position
http://www.easyracers.com/
these can be as fast as teh above, especially with fairings and body socks.

If you want more info on recumbents than you ever thought you would.
http://www.bentrideronline.com/index.php

[OakLeaf]

How are they on the lumbar spine, though? Seems like it would be really bad, between the seat and not being able to extend your hips?

[TsPoet]

How are they on the lumbar spine, though? Seems like it would be really bad, between the seat and not being able to extend your hips?

You've got to get a seat that fits, but I think that's easier than it is for DFs.
There is something that some get termed recumbutt - which I suspect is a lumbar spine issue. It is (almost?) always cured by a more reclined seat. But, then you get neck issues... but you can easily get a neck rest. Just like DF, you have to find what fits you and works for you. It's easier to do with a recumbent than a DF, though.
On my performance bent, I have a somewhat reclined seat and a neckrest - the combo is wonderful. Fast (for slow old me), but comfortable.
On my commuter bike, I have never had any issues with the comfy seat and recumbutt and my seat is upright enough not to need a neck rest.
Other than recumbutt, I've never heard of back/butt/neck issues on a bent.