Starting Over

[Kerry1976]

I used to show up here fairly regularly a few years ago. Had a Trek Pure that I loved riding but did not so much love hiking up to my 3rd floor walk up apartment. So I got a Bike Friday NWT (which is on the for sale forums). I got injured (colitis, then plantar fasciitis) and haven't been doing much of any riding. Of course on one ride I did on the Friday in May I wiped out big time and it put an extra fear regarding biking. UGH.

My PF is simply not healing, so running (and even walking distances) are not options for me right now. I need to start exercising again and hope to take the Friday out today. I got the seatpost shortened at the LBS a few days ago because I need to have some more security at starts and stops with feet being able to touch the ground. I am going to keep the Friday up for sale but if there are no takers I'll just keep riding her. I don't need a folder now because I don't live in a walk up anymore and am buying a house in which there will be no stairs at all to hike with the bike. Heck, my new house a short bike ride or walk to work, so there is a good excuse to get pedaling, right?

Plus, I prefer flat foot geometry and my Friday doesn't fit on my bike trainer (things I wish I knew before I bought it - and of course wish I knew I wouldn't be in that darn walk up as that was the biggest issue).

Anyway, long story short, am posting here so that I do indeed get my butt out the door this afternoon and make myself ride. If I post it publicly somewhere, then I won't chicken out.

[tealtreak]

Good luck! You can do it! Those of us that can't ride for a few days because Sandy would blow us off our bikes will be cheering for you and enjoying the ride vicariously!

[LovelyGirl]

I'm so sorry to hear this! PF is the worst - I've had it for years. No one can imagine how painful it is until they have had it. I just wanted to jump on here to say that after trying everything (including wearing high heels exclusively to keep off my painful heels, which then inflamed my Achilles) I finally found shoes that keep it from flaring up. The KEEN line of shoes have been my cure. If you've not already tried them, do. All the best...

[TigerMom]

Will your Bike Friday fit in the garage so that you don't keep hiking it up 3 flights of stairs? My vote is for you to keep your bike as a commuter/exercise equipment....I have a feeling that you will regret selling your bike in the future
_____________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[Kerry1976]

The BF would fit in the garage. I am not in the walk up anymore that I was when I bought it. Just wish it fit my trainer! With getting ready to move into the new house, buying a new trainer isn't on the agenda for a while. I miss my Trek Pure - I wouldn't have gotten something different if it wasn't for having to carry it up stairs at the time. When I bought the Friday, I was planning to stay in the apartment for quite a while, but then I met my fiance! Nonetheless, when I leave in an hour will go out on the Friday.

I have tried Keens, and unfortunately no such luck. I am working with a second pair of prescription orthotics from the podiatrist now that I just got a few weeks ago. I also had physical therapy in April and May and a cortisone shot last February. I have had PF for almost a year. Yuck! I used to be a very slow but determined half marathoner, so running is my preferred exercise with walking following. Since neither of those are back on the table, I just need to start over and my Friday seems to be a good place to start.

[Kerry1976]

I rode about 2.5 miles, so not very far. The lowering of the seat post made for great stops and starts, but for poor riding since I wasn't maximizing my position on the bike. My legs were immediately cranky and wanting to get more stretch and strength out of every pedal stroke. Glad I got out there though.

[zoom-zoom]

Welcome back, friend!

[Catrin]

Welcome back Kerry! Foot problems of any kind aren't fun, hope you get relief soon!

[Kerry1976]

Those Electras are pretty darn nice. If I went that way, I'd have to do a road trip to try one, but I think it would totally be worth it. However, I would like to give the LBS business because they are so fabulous to work with and I support what they do and want them to stay. They sell Trek. But until I sell the Friday, there is not much I can do in any respect.

MTA: And yeah, this PF is just a total PITA. I would have NEVER thought a year ago when I got it that I would still have it now. But, it is what it is, I suppose.

[Kerry1976]

But I should add that the Trek Pure Bikes only go up to 7 speeds. I might like something with more gears, so shopping locally may not be the way to go.

[Aromig]

I hope you get your PF under control. I struggled with it for six months last year and only got over it by completely stopping running and walking, giving up high heels (I wear them all day at work and adore them) and aggressive stretching and PT. i started running again and wearing heels, but i maintained aggressive calf stretching. I broke my leg 4 months ago and as I am recuperating, I'm having some symptoms again but I'm hopeful the stretching will help. Good luck!

[Kerry1976]

I admittedly need to do a better job of stretching. I am not so good at doing it.

[Kerry1976]

A question - does someone on here ride a Specialized Exhibition Sport? Or Specialized Exhibition? I thought maybe someone did in my recent reading but I simply cannot remember who it might be. If someone does ride that bike, would you kindly tell me if the geometry is indeed relaxed enough where you can touch your feet to the ground while being in the saddle? An area store sells these, and I love that they have up to 21 speeds (which the Trek Pure line does not), but I want that crank-forward or flat-foot geometry.

Thanks in advance!

[emily_in_nc]

Have you thought about a recumbent? I used to own a long wheel base recumbent, and I was plenty low to the ground. It was a Tour Easy. Really fun to ride!

http://www.easyracers.com/toureasy.html

Townies are cute, but they are more for cruising around town on the flats. Not sure I'd want one if I had any hills to contend with. Not sure if you do or not. Of course, a recumbent won't fit in a trainer either....

[Kerry1976]

I have thought about that, or a recumbent trike. In order to ride to work (a super short ride, under 1 mi) from my new house (closing on 11/30!!!!) it is basically all up a hill. Then downhill all the way home. Zoom-Zoom and her DH actually would know this hill and could better describe it than i could. (Zoomy - it is from about Higgins Hall on campus up to the top of th hill at Browne. That would be the extent of the ascent and descent.) I think recumbents are pretty cool and i definitely need to consider those. If I had money and could find one to test ride, another cool thing to check out would be some of the Rans bikes. They look really interesting. But yeah, not fitting on a trainer is kind of a bummer....