Introductions - Hi from Minneapolis!

Hi, I've been lurking here for a while, kind of a middle-aged woman thing I guess. Most of the time I ride a 15 year-old Bianchi bike that has added fenders, bells, and mirrors. Kind of a granny commuter street bike. I changed the handlebar, stem and tires to make it more comfortable, but still, as I age, I think I need something else. I work with people with disabilities and when I hear about their back injuries, spinal compressions and ruptured discs, I think I should get one of those bouncy seat things to absorb the bump energy. I also sometimes ride an 25 year-old Trek road bike, but only when it's really hot outside and I want the lighter bike. I commute to work on two wheels most of the time, but not when there's snow on the road. That's about it.

Welcome to the forums oclabs, from a former Twin Citian. You'll find a wealth of info here. :)

For some of those with physical problems recumbents can be a God send. There are even springy thingies for some recumbents. I've ridden with two men who raced across the USA on arm power alone.

Hey! I'm a middle aged woman from St Paul who rides old bikes and has worked with people with disabilities! If you ride really slow and take lots of breaks to look the scenery, we should ride sometime! We should* have enough to talk about!

I'm a nearly middle aged guy, who used to work with people with disabilities, with one of those aforementioned back injuries and find that I am most comfortable in a somewhat forward position where I can stretch my back and let my arms provide some support.

Standing and walking are still rather painful at times.

I would avoid the really bouncy saddles as what goes up, must come down and they can also be a little harder on the knees... a better choice would be a Brooks saddle and even the unsprung models absorb a great deal of shock while the sprung models are an absolute delight for more upright riding.

Hi oclabs! I like Sixty Fiver's advice about the Brooks saddle :) . And you should try riding with solveg! I know if I lived in her neighbourhood I would be :D .

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

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