IcySwan1 

I am 70 and a knee replacement is imminent. Biking does not hurt the knee now. How long after surgery have folks gotten back on the bike and have there been any long term downside to the riding experience because of surgery?

Mike

OldTryGuy

Lots of threads a search will reveal >>>

https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plu...placement.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/pills-ill...placement.html

GOOD LUCK

IcySwan1 

Thanks. I searched for this information before posting but clearly my search skills are weak.

Mike

10 Wheels

Pete at 80 (center) had both Knees Replaced. Then began Leading 100 mile rides.

Pearson100

Had left knee replaced in October 2019 and did my first outdoor ride about 4 months later. Summer riding was fine (including some centuries), only hampered by pain in my other knee. Had right knee replaced October 2020. Been riding this summer with no problems, except some occasional discomfort in right knee when getting out of saddle on hills.
Good luck!

IcySwan1 

10 Wheels, great picture of hard men. I read the earlier threads and the use of trainers figure prominently in recovery in 2017. Does anyone have a recommendation for a currently available trainer to use for rehab? I will buy one before surgery and get it set up now. Also, I have a hybrid (Roll Elite) and a road bike (Trek Domane). Which makes the most sense to set up for rehab?

Mike

terrymorse 

I used a Saris Fluid² Trainer after my hip surgery. It provides a smooth, steadily increasing amount of resistance.

I used my road bike with SPD pedals. The only difficult part was getting on and off the bike, and clipping out. My wife helped me with that, until I could do it myself without much pain. I worked up to 2 hour sessions, until I finally got back on the road.

You'll also want a wheel block for the front wheel, a pad to put under the bike+trainer, a fan, a screen to watch while you pedal (optional), some headphones with a play list of songs or podcasts (optional).

Pearson100

I bought a Kinetic fluid trainer for my recovery. I also have a Trek Domane and it set up fine.

zjrog

I was using a mag trainer for my left knee recovery almost 11 years ago. I use a Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer now, and had my right knee replaced last October. Neither slow me down now. I'm 58 right now, and the next issue is left ankle fusion. I'm hoping that doesn't slow me down anymore than wearing this stinking AFO brace...


I started with this therapy pedaler after just 15 days. Took a day to get over the top both directions, on my indoor bike trainer a week later. Slow and easy. I found Range ofcMotion easier this time around.

IcySwan1 

I just bought a Wahoo Core at a LBS. They were great and offered to set it up for me. I am glad they did. They installed the proper cassette for my 2016 Domane SL4 Disc, but more importantly they were able to slightly grind the retainer cup on the NDS of the trainer. This model Domane apparently has a slight bulge there. He also gave me a plastic chit to insert in the rear disc pad to avoid it inadvertently being closed. All in all a very positive local experience.

The whole idea is to get this up and running before surgery so I am comfortable with it and will use it for rehab. The Zwift connection stuff will be a challenge but I will attempt that today or tomorrow now I have a trainer.

The sales girl had the right attitude - we should do whatever is needed to lower barriers to riding or rehab.

Mike

HeyPapa

I had a knee replaced at 65 and was back riding after 5 months. My problem was having the necessary bend in the knee to bring the pedal over the top. It is possible to compensate by moving your foot back and forth on the pedal and reducing the amount of knee bend to rotate the pedal. That method was about a 2 -3 week process before I had good flex and felt confident enough to clip in and ride normally. Also, don't be surprised by the loss of conditioning and stamina that will occur. Good luck.

Siu Blue Wind

Moved to P and I from 50+

IcySwan1 

Mod, thanks for moving this into the correct forum. Sorry to get it started on the wrong foot.

I live in Fairbanks, Alaska and am in the process of moving to Haines, Alaska. I called my surgeon today to schedule TKR. He is retiring next year and has a full schedule. He can't do it before October. I don't mind coming back for the surgery, but PT is a problem in Haines. Realistically I probably should have it done in the Lower 48. I have an adult kid in the Corvalis, Oregon area. Any recommendations for surgeons for this procedure in Portland area, as well as a good PT outfit?

As always, thanks for any input.

Mike

IcySwan1 

I contacted a bike club in the Albany, OR area where my son lives. I got good recommendations for a surgeon. I had a partial medial knee replacement on last Monday and start formal PT on this upcoming Monday. Goal remains to ride a road bike. I clip out with my left foot, which is the operative leg. A local bike guy is a retired orthopedic surgeon. He tells me the most important vitamin is vitamin P - Patience. We will see.

Mike

OldTryGuy

+ wishing you great success and many miles with many smiles

zjrog

Vitamin P! Love it. But admit, it is the toughest pill to swallow!!!

DiabloScott

For some fun reading regarding recovery:
https://diabloscott.blogspot.com/202...-recovery.html

Broke my knee last January - and I'm still recovering.
My dad (82) had one knee replaced about a month after I broke my patella, and he was up and around faster than I was.
So I suspect your recovery will be similar to mine, although on a compressed time scale.
I couldn't even bend my knee at all for 6 weeks.
I could make the pedals of the therapy bike go all the way around at 8 weeks... but it was connected to a hand crank so my feet were moving but my hands were doing the work.
First bike ride around the neighborhood was at 17 weeks post op.
My first ride on my regular route (climbing) was 6 months post op.
I'm still only about 85% after 11 months... hope to get up to 95%.