"Done Got Old" UPDATE
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"Done Got Old" UPDATE
Here's the original post: Done Got Old...........
Knee pain has gotten much worse so I finally caved in and went to the doc. Short version, arthritis has set in in all 3 compartments of both knees so a double knee replacement is imminent. Still no pain while riding a bike as long as I don't push too hard and maintain a nice easy spin. Right now I can get on my Takara MTB and the Dahon folder OK, getting off the Takara is a less than graceful operation but can be done safely. The Dahon is not a problem, unfortunately it is only a single speed so it limits my range to a small area between hills.
Gratuitous picture of the Takara..... Sorry but I REALLY like this bike, it is such a sweet ride, even if I wasn't having knee issues it would probably be my primary ride. It is smooth riding, has precise handling and is a good climber plus there's not another one within 100 miles of me that I know of. I switched to a vinyl saddle to make sliding off the back of the saddle to dismount easier and installed a set of Knee Savers and different pedals. I took it for a short test ride afterward and it does seem to help a bit.
Knee pain has gotten much worse so I finally caved in and went to the doc. Short version, arthritis has set in in all 3 compartments of both knees so a double knee replacement is imminent. Still no pain while riding a bike as long as I don't push too hard and maintain a nice easy spin. Right now I can get on my Takara MTB and the Dahon folder OK, getting off the Takara is a less than graceful operation but can be done safely. The Dahon is not a problem, unfortunately it is only a single speed so it limits my range to a small area between hills.
Gratuitous picture of the Takara..... Sorry but I REALLY like this bike, it is such a sweet ride, even if I wasn't having knee issues it would probably be my primary ride. It is smooth riding, has precise handling and is a good climber plus there's not another one within 100 miles of me that I know of. I switched to a vinyl saddle to make sliding off the back of the saddle to dismount easier and installed a set of Knee Savers and different pedals. I took it for a short test ride afterward and it does seem to help a bit.
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Here's the original post: Done Got Old...........
Knee pain has gotten much worse so I finally caved in and went to the doc. Short version, arthritis has set in in all 3 compartments of both knees so a double knee replacement is imminent. Still no pain while riding a bike as long as I don't push too hard and maintain a nice easy spin. Right now I can get on my Takara MTB and the Dahon folder OK, getting off the Takara is a less than graceful operation but can be done safely. The Dahon is not a problem, unfortunately it is only a single speed so it limits my range to a small area between hills.
Gratuitous picture of the Takara..... Sorry but I REALLY like this bike, it is such a sweet ride, even if I wasn't having knee issues it would probably be my primary ride. It is smooth riding, has precise handling and is a good climber plus there's not another one within 100 miles of me that I know of. I switched to a vinyl saddle to make sliding off the back of the saddle to dismount easier and installed a set of Knee Savers and different pedals. I took it for a short test ride afterward and it does seem to help a bit.
Knee pain has gotten much worse so I finally caved in and went to the doc. Short version, arthritis has set in in all 3 compartments of both knees so a double knee replacement is imminent. Still no pain while riding a bike as long as I don't push too hard and maintain a nice easy spin. Right now I can get on my Takara MTB and the Dahon folder OK, getting off the Takara is a less than graceful operation but can be done safely. The Dahon is not a problem, unfortunately it is only a single speed so it limits my range to a small area between hills.
Gratuitous picture of the Takara..... Sorry but I REALLY like this bike, it is such a sweet ride, even if I wasn't having knee issues it would probably be my primary ride. It is smooth riding, has precise handling and is a good climber plus there's not another one within 100 miles of me that I know of. I switched to a vinyl saddle to make sliding off the back of the saddle to dismount easier and installed a set of Knee Savers and different pedals. I took it for a short test ride afterward and it does seem to help a bit.
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Murray Missile Good luck with the knees. I've known a few people who've gotten knee replacements fairly recently, without too many issues. I think the orthopedics tech has improved in the knee joint stuff. Hopefully, you won't be recuperating long.
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Murray Missile Good luck with the knees. I've known a few people who've gotten knee replacements fairly recently, without too many issues. I think the orthopedics tech has improved in the knee joint stuff. Hopefully, you won't be recuperating long.
Also wishing Murray Missile good health and many more future rides.
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The only regrets wrt knee replacement is not doing it sooner. (My dad) Guy on our regular ride was dropping me again 7 weeks after his surgery.
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Thanks everyone. My knees started giving me trouble when I was 13. I was told 40 years ago at the age of 25 I would have both knees replaced by the time I was 45 but to put it off as long as I could stand it. I'll be 66 the end of this month so I think I've followed the doctor's orders pretty well LOL.
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Good luck with it. 85% of knee replacement recipients are happy with the surgery. So the odds are decent.
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Best of luck. At least they last longer now and are moving to be a commodity procedure!
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Sorry to hear this- OTOH- I'm glad I'm not alone. I've had problems with both knees since my time in the Army- but it's just accelerated since I've gotten older. Biking has gotten scary for me- it's been better this summer, but I have no desire to push it and end up worse. I ride and enjoy what I can.
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After arthroscopic surgery many years ago I got the replacement of knees is around the corner due to cartilage deterioration from my orthopedic surgeon 4 years ago and started using what at the time was said to be the best, Kirkland Glucosamine HCI 1500 mg and Chondroitin Sulfate 1200 mg. I attribute it to basically getting me off constant indomethacin and other NSAIDs and able to have pain free 20 mile rides every other day and when the kids come as much a 30. When in Anchorage I rented a similar Takara for the Cook Inlet costal pathway ride and loved it. 22 miles from city center to Kincaid Park and back and can tell you the center pull brakes were excellent when a cow and calf moose popped out of a thicket.
Take care and luck be with you.
Take care and luck be with you.
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After arthroscopic surgery many years ago I got the replacement of knees is around the corner due to cartilage deterioration from my orthopedic surgeon 4 years ago and started using what at the time was said to be the best, Kirkland Glucosamine HCI 1500 mg and Chondroitin Sulfate 1200 mg. I attribute it to basically getting me off constant indomethacin and other NSAIDs and able to have pain free 20 mile rides every other day and when the kids come as much a 30. When in Anchorage I rented a similar Takara for the Cook Inlet costal pathway ride and loved it. 22 miles from city center to Kincaid Park and back and can tell you the center pull brakes were excellent when a cow and calf moose popped out of a thicket.
Take care and luck be with you.
Take care and luck be with you.
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Good luck! Sounds like the procedure has been refined and you'll be better off for it. I am glad you are still able to ride and I commend you for taking care of yourself well enough to put it off the surgery. You're inspiring me to take some steps to better care for my hips. I've been having issues with them for a few years and probably should get back on Glucosamine and Chondroitin and either go back to PT or see a specialist. I am 38 but hope to also make it till at least my 60s before surgical intervention!
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My knees are fine, but my mountain bike has become my main ride, as well. I use the granny chainring more often than I care to admit , and I like the variety of hand positions afforded by my bar extensions.
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What's the crank arm length now? Looks like 175 (just guesstimating, based on the head tube/frame size). You might find shorter cranks may help ease knee strain.
My bikes have cranks ranging from 175, which used to be comfortable for me, to 172.5 and 170 -- the latter now feel more comfortable with no apparently effect on efficiency, speed, etc. On the bikes with 175 cranks I've found them much more finicky to set up to suit me, and my legs seem to tire and ache after a couple of hours, compared with the bikes with shorter cranks.
The only reason I still have 175 cranks on one road bike is because it's a nice Ultegra 6700 that would be pricey to replace now. And I'd rather keep the solid forged cranks instead of the newer Hollowtech stuff. Some more recent components are still in short supply and expensive.
But my other two road bikes use square taper cranks, affordable and plentiful, and now have 172.5 and 170 cranks. Eventually I'll probably switch them all to 170. I might try 160 or 165, which some of my shorter, less leggy friends ride. I expect it'll feel odd at first, but most folks who've gone to shorter cranks say they adapted.
My bikes have cranks ranging from 175, which used to be comfortable for me, to 172.5 and 170 -- the latter now feel more comfortable with no apparently effect on efficiency, speed, etc. On the bikes with 175 cranks I've found them much more finicky to set up to suit me, and my legs seem to tire and ache after a couple of hours, compared with the bikes with shorter cranks.
The only reason I still have 175 cranks on one road bike is because it's a nice Ultegra 6700 that would be pricey to replace now. And I'd rather keep the solid forged cranks instead of the newer Hollowtech stuff. Some more recent components are still in short supply and expensive.
But my other two road bikes use square taper cranks, affordable and plentiful, and now have 172.5 and 170 cranks. Eventually I'll probably switch them all to 170. I might try 160 or 165, which some of my shorter, less leggy friends ride. I expect it'll feel odd at first, but most folks who've gone to shorter cranks say they adapted.
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I am glad you are able to get on a bike and ride. I am putting off any kind of surgery for now. I am able to ride my vintage racing bikes(not fast!) without any discomfort right now but when I go for my morning walks I feel it. I have a "third knee cap" due too a full bursa sack that has been drained numerous times and looks ugly but it causes me no problems. I went to an Orthopedic surgeon and he had me get an MRI . He told me I would know when it is time. I am 67 and have been very active all my life and it is inevitable for most of us to have knee problems. Good luck and just keep pedaling......
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Best wishes for successful outcomes from any and all surgeries you need to correct the knee issues. I have an acquaintance that has ran 6 or 7 half marathons since his knee replacements. I'm facing issues myself except in my hips that are keeping me from enjoying running as I once did. I thought my half marathon last spring would be my last buy I have stubbornly started training for another in November. Fortunately the hip doesn't seem to hurt during riding.
I am looking for a mixte just to have ready if and when the time comes that I need to change bikes due to the inevitable effects of aging. I hope I can find a Takara mixte because like you, I really like mine as well.
I am looking for a mixte just to have ready if and when the time comes that I need to change bikes due to the inevitable effects of aging. I hope I can find a Takara mixte because like you, I really like mine as well.
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Prayers for a good outcome Murray. We are doubly blessed by the cycling bug that raises our fitness and having modern medicine to give us a better and longer life.
I had surgery set for today to fix a hiatal hernia + move some stuff back down to help my crowded lungs, but surgeon called late yesterday, delayed 4-6 weeks due to a covid surge causing short staffing. Still beds available, & surgery wing not overextended, but can't get enough nursing/support staff for my 3-5 day stay. Have my Grand Jubile mixte all set for recovery rides, but appears short of breath & mini meals will continue awhile yet. Don
I had surgery set for today to fix a hiatal hernia + move some stuff back down to help my crowded lungs, but surgeon called late yesterday, delayed 4-6 weeks due to a covid surge causing short staffing. Still beds available, & surgery wing not overextended, but can't get enough nursing/support staff for my 3-5 day stay. Have my Grand Jubile mixte all set for recovery rides, but appears short of breath & mini meals will continue awhile yet. Don
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I'm currently reading this and will have a full review later. So far it looks solid in the science of being old and broke down.
https://saltwrap.com/built-from-broken/
https://saltwrap.com/built-from-broken/
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170 on this one but 175 isn't a problem either, the issue is when I'm OFF the bike and put my full weight on my knees. Riding just about any bike except the wife's crank forward Giant Revive is about the only time I don't have knee pain.
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And you can spin like crazy!
OP, that bone-on-bone pain off-bike goes away completely. You'll love it.
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