chaadster

Most of you already know this, but folders are great, and I'd like to submit data point #3,080.

Four weeks and 4 days ago, I underwent an OATS procedure for torn cartilage in my right knee. Two weeks ago, I started physical therapy, and today, I took my first "real" ride, aboard my Dahon Mariner D7.

Actually, I did ride it three days ago up and down the street, but I was still having some weird clicking and pain, but since then, every day has brought enough improvement that today I was able to ride for about 20 mins easily and without pain.

Although I'm still under doctor's orders to wear a brace that's locked fully extended when bearing my weight, I can unlock the brace and bend my leg when seated, and even put muscle power through the joint. The difficulty is that I still have some pain, and the brace does restrict movement somewhat even when unlocked, but this is where the Dahon comes in perfectly.

Thanks to it's low top tube, I can mount the bike with an easy step through rather than throwing my leg up and over; the low gearing allows me to spin with very light light leg pressure; the upright, stable riding position allows me to make sure I'm on my good leg when starting and dismounting easily.

So that's it; if you're recovering from knee surgery, there's no bike more accommodating of excellent recovery than a folder!

Ride safely, friends!

Chaad

tds101 

Get better bro,...knee issues can ruin all the fun permanently. Be careful is all I'll say,...too much too soon and you'll be worse than being at square one.

chaadster

Thanks for the wishes and the reminder. I definitely want the best long term outcome possible above all else, so I'm being mindful of the prescribed regimen and the risks of deviating. Biking was probably a deviation, but not for the activity (stationary exercise bike is part of therapy), but for the risk of encountering an unexpected condition that overstresses the knee. My ride was at night, on a quiet, familiar, residential road, and was slow and easy, so I think I kept risk to a minimum. Your point is well taken, however. Thank you.