Changing from road cycling

[livpoksoc]

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.

 

[DCLane]

Hopefully you can get assistance and a hybrid could be OK. Have you thought of a recumbent instead, which would mean you're lying down?

 

[Paulus]

Good evening @livpoksoc
A good hybrid may well be the way forward for you. A more upright position will not be as aero as a drop bar bike, but they can be as much fun and not that much slower. You can swap as many or as little components between the bikes as long as the sizes match.

 

[livpoksoc]

Hopefully you can get assistance and a hybrid could be OK. Have you thought of a recumbent instead, which would mean you're lying down?

Thanks, not sure on this having not looked into it. Suspect it's a no as the issue with road cycling is the neck being strained for long periods. They do look cool AF mind 😎

 

[raleighnut]

Can you not fit an angled stem or 'stem extender', no need to go fully 'Corbyn' but a couple of inches might help

 

[cyberknight]

Hopefully you can get assistance and a hybrid could be OK. Have you thought of a recumbent instead, which would mean you're lying down?

my thoughts too, recumbants can be fast , only issue is of course they are not something seen on club rides ?

 

[mjr]

my thoughts too, recumbants can be fast , only issue is of course they are not something seen on club rides ?

Depends on the club, same as whether someone can keep up on a taller tourer, trekking or urban bike. Recumbents are also banned from more competitive events than other types.

 

[cyberknight]

Depends on the club, same as whether someone can keep up on a taller tourer, trekking or urban bike. Recumbents are also banned from more competitive events than other types.

indeed , we have had riders on hybrids ride with the club, if you find a group at the right pace for you you sorted.

 

[livpoksoc]

Thanks all. I am hoping to avoid a reumbent as it seems a little extreme, but I will need to speak with the doc.

If I can swap to a hybrid/tourer, are there any recommendations? Or will most manufacturers who do roadies have a similar line of the tourers etc.?

 

[bikingdad90]

Spa cycles and their aubisque 725 could be an option if you left the steerer uncut to give you a relaxed riding position and would give you the drops?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Thanks, not sure on this having not looked into it. Suspect it's a no as the issue with road cycling is the neck being strained for long periods.

With the right recumbent your neck won’t be strained at all. You can also dump all the padded stuff that seems to come with riding uprights.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Have you thought of a recumbent instead, which would mean you're lying down?

You no more ride a recumbent lying down than drive a car lying down. Riding a recumbent is more akin to riding in a reclined chair, just like driving is.

 

[livpoksoc]

On the club front, our bike club is a social group with a 'no drop' policy and I usually take a group at 13mph on a road bike. If I can stay in touch with 13mph I should be ok.

The gutting news was knowing I can't touch my bikes, and likely have to sell a new one at a loss, until I suss out a solution, so it's going to be a while.

Bigger picture of course.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

To give you an idea, here’s an old photo of my current recumbent. My neck is in a very neutral position when riding and even after 150 or 250 miles etc no neck ache (or any aches).

If you can average 13 mph on your road bike you’ll manage the same on a road recumbent.

 

[livpoksoc]

To give you an idea, here’s an old photo of my current recumbent. My neck is in a very neutral position when riding and even after 150 or 250 miles etc no neck ache (or any aches).

If you can average 13 mph on your road bike you’ll manage the same on a road recumbent.

View attachment 715147

Thanks, that is interesting to see. Do you mind sharing what the make/model is?