And btw, if that doesn't work out for you, there's really nothing wrong about getting a trike. A bunch of people around here (the virtual "here") ride them. Either way, a bike or trike ride is good exercise and good for the mental health.

To help with the balance issue, keep your head and eyes up and level with the horizon line. When turning, point with your chin and eyes thru the turn. You will go where you are looking. Head and eyes up and level means you will be up and level. Never out-ride your ability or comfort level.

Boy, this is a refreshing thread to read! Hats off to the OP for taking the initiative to take the steps necessary to get her body and mind back in shape. Riding a bike CAN be the answer! While I've never been a fan of the "step thru" or even the "mixte" frames, if it's what gets the OP on a bike and riding, then I say "go for it". If I were Canadian (sad to say I'm not), I'd definitely be proud that the DCO bikes were made in Canada (with some Asian components, of course)! With Winter fast approaching and believing that Ontario definitely "experiences" Winter, I'd definitely go along with the OP getting an inexpensive "trainer" so that she could build up some time on the saddle before Spring rolls around. That won't help much with balance but will help with building some leg and core strength. Weight loss may be a welcome side benefit. Magnetic resistance trainers are relatively inexpensive and don't take up too much space.
i thinking that the $250 Canadian is definitely a decent price for that bike. If after developing a level of comfort and skill and wanting to "upgrade", the OP could easily sell for her purchase price and get something befitting her new comfort and skill level.

Trainer option
 

Sovende, thank you for your kind comments. Today was spent researching a few things. Got a nice little air pump for next to nothing, got info on using a trainer, and the big one, was given a magturbo seven gear trainner. Tomorrow, I will purchase a quick release training skewer and a multi-piece tool kit. The gods are on my side. Btw.. snow flurries today in Ottawa. Winter is just around the corner.ornyour k8nd comment

It's never too late to be young again. I began cycling at about age 71 or so. Gradually built up to more mileage and was surprised to be putting on muscle and enjoying a whole new activity.

I'd stay away from 6 flights of stairs until you are stronger. Maybe go back to the exercises you must have done post knee surgery? Walk. Walk fast. Google "dead bugs". Cool bike BTW. I got my dad a step through after he broke his hip. I rode it on some single track when I visited last.

stairs use
 

Hi Classtime
thanks fornyour comment. More like down stairs slowly, up two flights, across the building, and repeat, eventually three flights,etc. I need to build more flesibility and endurance. Trainer will be set up by next week. Slow and steady!

Six

Another bike to try are the feet forward or crank forward design bikes like the Electra Townie and Day 6 bicycles. The crank is located inches ahead of the seat tube. Allows you to put the foot down without getting off the saddle. I see used Electra Townies on craigslist for about $250.

Electra before it was purchased by Trek had about the 3% of the US market. I think they had a good hold of the senior bike riders.

Take it slow and wish you can ride confidently again !

Trike
 

No, nothing wrong with thetrike except lack of storage space. Already considered. I live in an apartment block. Forward pedal would be a better option but really hoping this one will work out. Just need to adjust the seat.

trike

Congratulations and enjoy the journey.

Starting off on a mag trainer is a good way to go. Get your endurance, and knee, built up a little. Learn shifting and just getting comfortable with the bike without having to think about balance. By the time you get out for a ride it will be a lot easier.

John

If you bought that bike and you are riding it, you are a cyclist. Dont let anyone tell you other wise.

Bought This when I was 70.y/o
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...86d167cb53.jpg

Happy Cyclist
 

Bought the bike! Have been out on it twice for brief but enjoyable rides. I was also given an indoor trainer for the winter. Hope to do much more riding in the spring. Cheers!

AWESOM! You look like a true professional cyclist.

I did get Paid to ride this: 67 y/o
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c35aa6049b.png

....just wanted to chime in to wish you a safe ride!
If it hasn't already been mentioned.....wear a helmet and PPE (eg. gloves, glasses, etc.)

I could not agree more. Put simply, if you set you rust.

I had knee replacement too
 

And a bunch of other ortho issues. I used to put a lot of miles on a road bike but I can't really ride like that anymore and I gave it up a decade or so ago. I got a comfort/hybrid but never got into riding it. I continued with my ortho problems and became out of shape. But my physical therapist inspired me and I got back into decent shape again, I changed my diet and walked more. The diet change seemed to eliminate the inflammation in my back and feet so I could walk again! I started going on longer hikes, I've hiked 10 miles straight.

During a recent vacation friends rented beach cruisers. I was surprised at how hard it was to ride, my knees didn't want to bend. My walking was good exercise but very limited range of movement.

I got home and dusted off my comfort bike and have been riding it every day. I don't ride fast or far as I don't want to aggravate my knees and stuff but I can still feel that my quads are getting a little workout.

Plus it's variety and enjoyable. I do neighborhood rides. I've gone a little over 10 miles at most which is fine for my purpose. I don't mind not going fast, I've had a lot of injuries from past wrecks, I don't want more.

I think I actually get more "exercise" walking and hiking but I am getting a benefit from riding. Diet is the most important thing, it takes a lot of riding to burn calories, I think most people overestimate their activities.

Since covid started I've seen a lot more casual riders while walking my dogs. They've been sticking with it, some of them are pretty old. I'm glad to be one of them. Anything beats sitting around, you can increase your miles as you are able. Sounds like you got a bike that will suit you.

Excellent point.

I live in a very nice 55+ gated community with around 135 homes. Even pre COVID, more than half of the folks here never seemed to leave their homes. And most of the rest don’t seem to do much. It’s not a financial issue. They just seem to have retreated. I can’t imagine this is how they were planning on spending their golden years.

Do stuff.

Good on the OP!

Did you happen to log that ride on the "Crazy guy on a bike" forum? Looks like it would be a good read.

Take a look
https://app.photobucket.com/u/10whee...mode=slideshow

Great pictures.