Still sick. Still no riding. Still :-(

bgreen - don't assume a higher gear is better. Pedalling faster in a lower gear is also an option. Kinder to the knees, and it might be more efficient - and certainly gives a good cardio workout! I started spinning faster in lower gears about 6 months ago, and gradually increased my speed and stamina. Eventually I just gave up on changing gears altogether, as I could go as fast as I needed in one gear and still climb the hills. Then I bought a singlespeed bike! Lots of fun!