livpoksoc
Guru
- Location
- Basingstoke
Not sure where on the site to place this as it covers several areas, however it is a request for guidance and recommendations for a new direction in the type of cycling I do due to a recent diagnosis. Thankfully nothing too worrisome for now, but it means I need to look after myself more than I had cared to think about as I'm only in my 30s.
I have been for 15 years now a road cyclist above all. However, after seeing a couple of specialists to get to the bottom of some quirky symptoms, it appears I have some issues in my neck area of the spinal cord, and the specialists are urging me to avoid riding bikes in the 'road' position. The specialist isn't a cycling professor, but he is a spinal surgeon so am taking him very much at his word. It's gutting to hear, as like many of you, I'm not a racer, but cycling is my sanctuary. My outlet to enjoy the outdoors. To have time and clarity of mind. On the positive side, he has said more upright position cycling should be fine. Especially as running is out.
I have three road bikes, one of which can flip to gravel. All of which sesmingly obsolete to me now, so look for listings when I get round to it.
I guess what I would like to know is - what bikes should I be looking at now, given I'm not chasing the peloton dream.
Are classic hybrids the right way?
Is upright cycling slower? If so, enough that I won't keep up with club rides?*
Can I retain some components from my road bikes? (Spd-sl, saddles, tyres, wheels etc.)
I won't be looking at MTB - I have a hardtail already, but given the doc's assessment, will need to discuss further what impact sports could mean.
Thank you in advance as always.
*My bike club isn't a racing club, but riders on flat bars are rare.
I have been for 15 years now a road cyclist above all. However, after seeing a couple of specialists to get to the bottom of some quirky symptoms, it appears I have some issues in my neck area of the spinal cord, and the specialists are urging me to avoid riding bikes in the 'road' position. The specialist isn't a cycling professor, but he is a spinal surgeon so am taking him very much at his word. It's gutting to hear, as like many of you, I'm not a racer, but cycling is my sanctuary. My outlet to enjoy the outdoors. To have time and clarity of mind. On the positive side, he has said more upright position cycling should be fine. Especially as running is out.
I have three road bikes, one of which can flip to gravel. All of which sesmingly obsolete to me now, so look for listings when I get round to it.
I guess what I would like to know is - what bikes should I be looking at now, given I'm not chasing the peloton dream.
Are classic hybrids the right way?
Is upright cycling slower? If so, enough that I won't keep up with club rides?*
Can I retain some components from my road bikes? (Spd-sl, saddles, tyres, wheels etc.)
I won't be looking at MTB - I have a hardtail already, but given the doc's assessment, will need to discuss further what impact sports could mean.
Thank you in advance as always.
*My bike club isn't a racing club, but riders on flat bars are rare.