Hi everyone, I'm new to the biking world and am eager to get started. My primary reason for wanting to begin road biking is a desire to remain active, keep the pounds off, and get outdoors, but I'm limited in what medium to do that in due to my history of patella dislocations on my left knee, so cycling seems like a great option! I also suffer from slight kyphosis (genetically) that I sometimes struggle with. I enjoy the bike in the gym, but that gets boring quickly and I feel the urge to venture out!
A little about me, I'm 25 years old, 6 foot, 175 lbs. I have a history of 2 full patella dislocations on my left knee (first time in 2002 upon suffering direct-blow to the knee, and second in 2009 in a dancing accident). For those who care to read into the gory details: First dislocation warranted surgery, which consisted of arthroscopic debridement and open-procedure of MPFL medial reefing (medial patella femoral ligament). This obviously failed upon 2nd dislocation, and have undergone intense PT off and on since then. MRI results from last year show excess patellar tilt, MPFL insufficiency with chronic (minor) swelling, and a primary defect beneath the patella itself. I visited my ortho a week or two ago, and although his first statement was "honestly, your knee isn't all that unstable", he felt that Lateral Retinacular Release and possibly MPFL Reconstruction surgery would benefit me beyond my current condition. Currently, I'm seeing a new PT, and she's been helping with lots of hands-on miofascial release, and hip strengthening exercises. Honestly, I don't think surgery is necessary unless I run into further complications down the road.
I have a desire to remain healthy and active, and routinely get in the gym a few times a week and stick to cycling machine for cardio. I also enjoy tennis, and running a couple miles occasionally. Cycling in the gym gets boring, and I really want to get a road bike and start getting out, which my PT is definitely supportive of.
My goals for riding include: primary form of exercise, further therapy for my knee, building endurance, and low chance of short term/long term injury to my knee and other parts of my body. I live in Nor Cal, which is an amazing place for riding, so I want to be able to work my way up to a high level of endurance to go out for long rides. I'm not too interested in getting into racing or triathlons, but maybe if I catch the bug for that, then sure
I've been shopping around and educating myself on the different types of road bikes on the market, accessories needed, etc, and want to pull the trigger soon.
I'm looking to get an entry-level to mid-level bike, and want to be sure I don't slouch and get a good frame (carbon) with decent components (shimano 105 +). As I said, I'm not too interested in racing, so I've been leaning toward more of the plush, relaxed style of bike.
I've currently narrowed it down between two bikes at two different shops that fit great:
2010 Specialized Roubaix Elite - selling for $1860 at LBS #1
2010 Cannondale Six Carbon 5 - selling for $1800 at LBS #2
I've also tried the Cannondale Synapse, Specialized Allez, Trek Madone 4.5, and Felt Z35 & F75. The Roubaix is a great bike, and I like it's floaty and easy ride, but the relaxed posture seemed a little too relaxed, yet this may be ideal for my back and for long-term riding. The Cannondale is awesome, and is very nimble and responsive...lots of fun to ride, more aggressive than the Roubaix, slightly stiffer and a little more bumpy on the road, but may not be practical for many miles. In terms of the bike shops, they're both quite well versed, personable, and eager to please and take time to address the issues I've mentioned. LBS #1 seems to have a bit a better understanding on the fitting process (particularly related to my patella femoral concern), and their service program that comes with the bike is a bit better as well. Even though, I still may get fitted ultimately by a local PT who is one of the best in the country (Revolutions in Fitness), although at a premium of course.
In terms of my knee issue, what sort of pedals and shoes should I be considering? I hear great things about the Speedplay Zeros...are they worth getting right off the bat?
Any comments and input is appreciated