popbreed

Been browsing for the past couple of weeks so decided to join. I am a 67 yr old retired plant manager who has not ridden a bike much since middle teens. For the past few years, I have ridden casually with my oldest grand daughter but always less than a mile or two. About five years ago, I bought used his and hers Free Spirit bikes (what we used to call "English Bike" 3 spds). I used to walk 2 miles a day for heart maintenance but a rare problem with my right hip resulted in range of motion problem. This gave me an "odd" walking motion which resulted in a lower back problem. Surgeon said no more long walks so I switched to my bike. The limited rage of motion does not effect my cycling capability as long as I do not attempt to stretch out my right leg. I need to ride in the upright position. I am at the point where I ride 6 1/2 miles per day, 7 days per week all on black top roads. I am ready to buy a different bike to better suit my size, weight, physical limitations, and comfort. I currently ride alone and would like to increase my endurance and comfort to be able to ride in road events. I am positive you all will be able to provide valuable guidance.

making

Welcome to BF. If you don't get many responses here let me or any mod know and we can move it.

10 Wheels

67 y/o here. Two bad disc's in my back.
Found that the forward lean on a race bike was good for the back problem.
Started riding 20 months ago. Now have logged 23,000 miles.
Get a road bike and find some older riders that you can try to keep up with.
Took my legs 1,000 miles to get strong.
Ride safe, ride slow.
PM me for anything.

AndrewP

I suggest switching the cranks so you have a normal 170 mm on the left and a youth's 152 mm on the right, to suit your motion limits. This may also require a new bottom bracket if the RH crank requires a different spindle length. I changed my wife's cranks from 170 to 152 to suit her arthritic knees.