You're right to avoid the cheap bikes at Academy. I bought 2 of those over a period of several years and they were so unpleasant to ride they both eventually rusted away in my garage. Then I bought an Electra Cruise, realized that I loved cycling and it changed my life.

My Electra Cruiser 1 was just $200, only $50 more than a bike I almost bought at Academy. My advice is to save up some money and buy the bike you enjoy riding.

The only thing that I can say is that good for you for getting a bike for recovery and thereafter. We all hope that whatever you get you will enjoy it and ride it. Find what you like, do your research and if it ends up being more expensive, it will be less expensive per ride if you use it. It will be as waste of money and effort if you don't. That doesn't mean you have to buy the expensive alternative. But if whatever you decide is not working for you, check back in with bike forum. Perhaps a different seat, handle bars or gearing may help. If all else fails, try another bike.

Borrow bikes if you can. Test ride them bike in bike shops. Get as much experience with a bike as you can because, hopefully you will be spending some time on it. My advice is to get one from a local bike shop. They probably sell good quality bikes because they have to stand behind them and if you have any adjustments needed, they can take care of them.

Let us know how this goes.

Bike Shop can put a Crank with a Smaller so lower,easier, geared chainring on it/.

I find the inexpensive cruiser just too cramped to ride myself so i get it. Another thing to consider especially with knee issues is braking. I find the coaster brake and more so with the Electras pedal forward design to be hard on my knees so I prefer a hand brake. You will pay more at a bike shop but thy will be assembled properly and supported if there is an issue.

Cool