I am 69 years old with a left knee replacement and a right hip replacement. The left hip isn't a lot better. I also could lose a few pounds, too. Anyway, I currently own a Disc Trucker that I dearly love. However, I am finding it getting more and more difficult to throw my leg over the bike. Especially if I have a trunk bag on my rack. I love the idea of cromoly and touring geometry, but I think I'm going to have to look at a step through frame/bike. Budget is a consideration, but I will probably sell the Surly. I rode a Fuji Traverse just today with disc brakes and it's OK, but I really don't know.

So, any suggestions? I still hope to do some 3 - 5 day credit card tours such as the Katy Trail, but I don't think I'll ever tour the world. Thanks in advance.

Recumbent or a recumbent tadpole, maybe?

Another walk into a bike shop, response.

Folding is like a step thru bike that wont be called 'a girls bike'..

The Raleigh Carlton Mixte 8 is $370 if you get the code to sign up for a corporate discount. It has rack/fender mounts.

https://www.raleighusa.com/carlton-mixte-8

Ummmmmm just tilt the bike down so you dont have to lift your leg so high or uuuuh set the bike on the ground walk over it and then pick it up or uuh just get a big wheel from team fisher price lolol

You could try a front rack and put your trunk bag on that.

Were you able to ride it up some hills to see how well it climbs or doesn't?


Were you able to ride at a speed you were happy with?

I've got the Surly Disc Trucker, too. I'm a bit of a klutz so there are times, when I'm not paying attention, I'll bang my shin on the rear rack when I'm dismounting. Depending on the degree of difficulty you're having getting on and off and, if you don't think you'll be carrying heavier loads, try taking off the rear rack. That should lessen the amount of "lift" you need in getting on and off the bike. A front rack/handlebar bag, or even a trailer could be used for any loads you may carry on a credit card type of tour.

I have laid the DF bike on the ground and stood it up underneath me ,

I'm Old and like the ease of getting on and off my Brompton.

This is certainly what I've done having had both hips done and 6 knee operations and am currently putting off the 7th off which will be a replacement, I used to have to lay it an awful lot lower before my hips were done but still need to lay it over to a degree ... I just happened to be looking at Gravel bikes and came across this where the top bar slopes off and having seen this thread thought it may be of interest

https://www.jejamescycles.com/giant-...bike-2018.html

The only other thing I'd suggest is buy one size smaller frame than you need and raise the seat which makes it easier to get your leg over the top bar ... personally this would be my choice anyway as you feel as though you have more control over the bike (but maybe that's just me) and the other advantage ... I have one larger frame where the seat is that much lower and there's no room on the seat post for mudguard, saddle bag and light and yet my other bike which it feels like I have more control over they all fit on easily.

This looks like what you need, but they stopped making them! https://velo-orange.com/products/mixte maybe see if somebody has old stock or a used one for sale....

Maybe a recumbent bike.