Classtime 

thanks, but my op intention was to find others who do similar riding, and read what mature rider issues if any they experience, and how they are overcome without going to lower gearing. I'm not convinced that spinning lower gears climbing at the same speeds makes your knees last longer. When I had my second meniscus repair (non cycling injury) I asked my very well respected surgeon if I should start using lower gears to save my knees and he told me that I could if I want to--but it won't make a difference.