New want-to-be cyclist at 69
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And btw, if that doesn't work out for you, there's really nothing wrong about getting a trike. A bunch of people around here (the virtual "here") ride them. Either way, a bike or trike ride is good exercise and good for the mental health.
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To help with the balance issue, keep your head and eyes up and level with the horizon line. When turning, point with your chin and eyes thru the turn. You will go where you are looking. Head and eyes up and level means you will be up and level. Never out-ride your ability or comfort level.
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#28
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Boy, this is a refreshing thread to read! Hats off to the OP for taking the initiative to take the steps necessary to get her body and mind back in shape. Riding a bike CAN be the answer! While I've never been a fan of the "step thru" or even the "mixte" frames, if it's what gets the OP on a bike and riding, then I say "go for it". If I were Canadian (sad to say I'm not), I'd definitely be proud that the DCO bikes were made in Canada (with some Asian components, of course)! With Winter fast approaching and believing that Ontario definitely "experiences" Winter, I'd definitely go along with the OP getting an inexpensive "trainer" so that she could build up some time on the saddle before Spring rolls around. That won't help much with balance but will help with building some leg and core strength. Weight loss may be a welcome side benefit. Magnetic resistance trainers are relatively inexpensive and don't take up too much space.
i thinking that the $250 Canadian is definitely a decent price for that bike. If after developing a level of comfort and skill and wanting to "upgrade", the OP could easily sell for her purchase price and get something befitting her new comfort and skill level.
i thinking that the $250 Canadian is definitely a decent price for that bike. If after developing a level of comfort and skill and wanting to "upgrade", the OP could easily sell for her purchase price and get something befitting her new comfort and skill level.
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#29
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Trainer option
Sovende, thank you for your kind comments. Today was spent researching a few things. Got a nice little air pump for next to nothing, got info on using a trainer, and the big one, was given a magturbo seven gear trainner. Tomorrow, I will purchase a quick release training skewer and a multi-piece tool kit. The gods are on my side. Btw.. snow flurries today in Ottawa. Winter is just around the corner.
ornyour k8nd comment
Boy, this is a refreshing thread to read! Hats off to the OP for taking the initiative to take the steps necessary to get her body and mind back in shape. Riding a bike CAN be the answer! While I've never been a fan of the "step thru" or even the "mixte" frames, if it's what gets the OP on a bike and riding, then I say "go for it". If I were Canadian (sad to say I'm not), I'd definitely be proud that the DCO bikes were made in Canada (with some Asian components, of course)! With Winter fast approaching and believing that Ontario definitely "experiences" Winter, I'd definitely go along with the OP getting an inexpensive "trainer" so that she could build up some time on the saddle before Spring rolls around. That won't help much with balance but will help with building some leg and core strength. Weight loss may be a welcome side benefit. Magnetic resistance trainers are relatively inexpensive and don't take up too much space.
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It's never too late to be young again. I began cycling at about age 71 or so. Gradually built up to more mileage and was surprised to be putting on muscle and enjoying a whole new activity.
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I'd stay away from 6 flights of stairs until you are stronger. Maybe go back to the exercises you must have done post knee surgery? Walk. Walk fast. Google "dead bugs". Cool bike BTW. I got my dad a step through after he broke his hip. I rode it on some single track when I visited last.
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#32
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stairs use
Hi Classtime
thanks fornyour comment. More like down stairs slowly, up two flights, across the building, and repeat, eventually three flights,etc. I need to build more flesibility and endurance. Trainer will be set up by next week. Slow and steady!
Six
thanks fornyour comment. More like down stairs slowly, up two flights, across the building, and repeat, eventually three flights,etc. I need to build more flesibility and endurance. Trainer will be set up by next week. Slow and steady!
I'd stay away from 6 flights of stairs until you are stronger. Maybe go back to the exercises you must have done post knee surgery? Walk. Walk fast. Google "dead bugs". Cool bike BTW. I got my dad a step through after he broke his hip. I rode it on some single track when I visited last.
#33
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Another bike to try are the feet forward or crank forward design bikes like the Electra Townie and Day 6 bicycles. The crank is located inches ahead of the seat tube. Allows you to put the foot down without getting off the saddle. I see used Electra Townies on craigslist for about $250.
Electra before it was purchased by Trek had about the 3% of the US market. I think they had a good hold of the senior bike riders.
Take it slow and wish you can ride confidently again !
Electra before it was purchased by Trek had about the 3% of the US market. I think they had a good hold of the senior bike riders.
Take it slow and wish you can ride confidently again !
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#34
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Trike
No, nothing wrong with thetrike except lack of storage space. Already considered. I live in an apartment block. Forward pedal would be a better option but really hoping this one will work out. Just need to adjust the seat.
trike
trike
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Congratulations and enjoy the journey.
Starting off on a mag trainer is a good way to go. Get your endurance, and knee, built up a little. Learn shifting and just getting comfortable with the bike without having to think about balance. By the time you get out for a ride it will be a lot easier.
John
Starting off on a mag trainer is a good way to go. Get your endurance, and knee, built up a little. Learn shifting and just getting comfortable with the bike without having to think about balance. By the time you get out for a ride it will be a lot easier.
John
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HI
i'm new and this is my first post. Finally found a bike that I think I can ride and hope to buy it tomorrow. Of all the bikes that Ive tried, it seems to be the best fit without going to a tricycle. It feels and looks alot like a Schwinn. Looking at a DCO-City Class - 2020 in new condition. Can anyone comment on the specs? Wondering if I'm delusional to think that I can ride a bike again. Cheers, Marguette
i'm new and this is my first post. Finally found a bike that I think I can ride and hope to buy it tomorrow. Of all the bikes that Ive tried, it seems to be the best fit without going to a tricycle. It feels and looks alot like a Schwinn. Looking at a DCO-City Class - 2020 in new condition. Can anyone comment on the specs? Wondering if I'm delusional to think that I can ride a bike again. Cheers, Marguette
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HI
i'm new and this is my first post. Finally found a bike that I think I can ride and hope to buy it tomorrow. Of all the bikes that Ive tried, it seems to be the best fit without going to a tricycle. It feels and looks alot like a Schwinn. Looking at a DCO-City Class - 2020 in new condition. Can anyone comment on the specs? Wondering if I'm delusional to think that I can ride a bike again. Cheers, Marguette
i'm new and this is my first post. Finally found a bike that I think I can ride and hope to buy it tomorrow. Of all the bikes that Ive tried, it seems to be the best fit without going to a tricycle. It feels and looks alot like a Schwinn. Looking at a DCO-City Class - 2020 in new condition. Can anyone comment on the specs? Wondering if I'm delusional to think that I can ride a bike again. Cheers, Marguette
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#38
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Happy Cyclist
Bought the bike! Have been out on it twice for brief but enjoyable rides. I was also given an indoor trainer for the winter. Hope to do much more riding in the spring. Cheers!
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....just wanted to chime in to wish you a safe ride!
If it hasn't already been mentioned.....wear a helmet and PPE (eg. gloves, glasses, etc.)
If it hasn't already been mentioned.....wear a helmet and PPE (eg. gloves, glasses, etc.)
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One thing that makes me sad is when people start "retreating from life" as they get older. I.e., they stop doing the things they want to do or love to do out of fear that something might go wrong. This is a downward spiral since the more one "stops doing stuff", the weaker and less able one becomes to do anything. So ride a bike until you physically can't! Enjoy the ride!
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I had knee replacement too
And a bunch of other ortho issues. I used to put a lot of miles on a road bike but I can't really ride like that anymore and I gave it up a decade or so ago. I got a comfort/hybrid but never got into riding it. I continued with my ortho problems and became out of shape. But my physical therapist inspired me and I got back into decent shape again, I changed my diet and walked more. The diet change seemed to eliminate the inflammation in my back and feet so I could walk again! I started going on longer hikes, I've hiked 10 miles straight.
During a recent vacation friends rented beach cruisers. I was surprised at how hard it was to ride, my knees didn't want to bend. My walking was good exercise but very limited range of movement.
I got home and dusted off my comfort bike and have been riding it every day. I don't ride fast or far as I don't want to aggravate my knees and stuff but I can still feel that my quads are getting a little workout.
Plus it's variety and enjoyable. I do neighborhood rides. I've gone a little over 10 miles at most which is fine for my purpose. I don't mind not going fast, I've had a lot of injuries from past wrecks, I don't want more.
I think I actually get more "exercise" walking and hiking but I am getting a benefit from riding. Diet is the most important thing, it takes a lot of riding to burn calories, I think most people overestimate their activities.
Since covid started I've seen a lot more casual riders while walking my dogs. They've been sticking with it, some of them are pretty old. I'm glad to be one of them. Anything beats sitting around, you can increase your miles as you are able. Sounds like you got a bike that will suit you.
During a recent vacation friends rented beach cruisers. I was surprised at how hard it was to ride, my knees didn't want to bend. My walking was good exercise but very limited range of movement.
I got home and dusted off my comfort bike and have been riding it every day. I don't ride fast or far as I don't want to aggravate my knees and stuff but I can still feel that my quads are getting a little workout.
Plus it's variety and enjoyable. I do neighborhood rides. I've gone a little over 10 miles at most which is fine for my purpose. I don't mind not going fast, I've had a lot of injuries from past wrecks, I don't want more.
I think I actually get more "exercise" walking and hiking but I am getting a benefit from riding. Diet is the most important thing, it takes a lot of riding to burn calories, I think most people overestimate their activities.
Since covid started I've seen a lot more casual riders while walking my dogs. They've been sticking with it, some of them are pretty old. I'm glad to be one of them. Anything beats sitting around, you can increase your miles as you are able. Sounds like you got a bike that will suit you.
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#44
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One thing that makes me sad is when people start "retreating from life" as they get older. I.e., they stop doing the things they want to do or love to do out of fear that something might go wrong. This is a downward spiral since the more one "stops doing stuff", the weaker and less able one becomes to do anything. So ride a bike until you physically can't! Enjoy the ride!
I live in a very nice 55+ gated community with around 135 homes. Even pre COVID, more than half of the folks here never seemed to leave their homes. And most of the rest don’t seem to do much. It’s not a financial issue. They just seem to have retreated. I can’t imagine this is how they were planning on spending their golden years.
Do stuff.
Good on the OP!
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