Originally Posted by
DeadGrandpa
I'd like to address the most recent posters who either have had a crash or know someone who had a crash, resulting in major alterations to their cycling habits.
I'm 72 and I was forced (by health issues) to convert from riding two wheels to three wheels about 3+1/2 years ago. It was either that, or quit riding altogether. I can't afford to crash, but life without pedaling is not worth living. I have e-assist on my trike and it helps me keep up with my wife on her traditional bike. Since my conversion, I have put just under 11k miles on my trike odometer.
Honestly, I never thought I would ride a trike or need e-assist, but theI can still ride my 2 wheel gravl bike money I've spent on my trike has been the best money I've ever spent. I normally ride paved roads, but changing my tires to knobbys and lowering the pressure let's me ride the more civilized gravel on Forest Service Roads and rail trails without much discomfort. There are trikes with more sophisticated suspension than mine has, for those who need it.
I'm guessing that most members of this forum would reject the need to get e-assist or convert to three wheels, but if your life situation changes, you may find a solution on the path that I've followed. I find the experience remarkably similar to pedaling a bike, and it's definitely better than not riding at all. That's just my opinion.
I'm in a similar situation. Although I can still ride my 2 wheel gravel bike for my regular 25 - 35 mile rides, I'm going to be at a point where a 3 wheel trike will probably be my only way to get out on the bike trails. After several surgeries, another one this past week, and knee replacement coming in November, it's inevitable that is what is in store for me. I sat on a Catrike at a shop a couple years ago and it felt really comfortable. I'm hoping an e-bike is not what I will need. I realize that they are necessary for some people.