Bikes

Hello all,

I have a knee problem and now on waiting list for someone good with knife and camera work. Any kind of walking soon means severe pain. However I hired a bike on Wednesday when staying at Bluestone in Pembs and wentr for a 9.5 ride mainly off road on forestry tracks and green lanes. No sign of any pain.

Any ideas/views on bikes for similar terrain, as I may have to part with cash.

A lot will depend on how sporty you want to be about it.  As long as it can take sensibbly wide tyres just about any bike can do that, if you're not in a hurry.

So a bit more about what you're wanting, and budget...

Pete.

Plenty of good advice on Cyclechat.net.

More important for you - get the saddle height right. Most people run them too low and with the nose pointing up, which is going to exacerbate knee problems.

Definitely agree with the comment on saddle height, probably the most common mistake.

As you haven't given much info here's a general guide:

Do you want to go over rocks/bumps much (especially going uphill as this is where it's hardest to lift your rear wheel over stuff), if so a full suspension helps but you need to spend double to get the same quality (roughly). A cheaper way of making a ride softer (if you're worried about that) is a suspension seat post, especially the cane creek models but it doesn't help lift your rear tyre over rocks.

Do you plan on jumping lots and doing technical stuff? If so get 26" wheels (you'll need the shorter distance from pedals to middle of rear wheel (chainstay length)) to allow you to lift the front wheel. If not, get 29" as it smooths things out making for a softer ride but also helps maintain speed over potholes etc. better.

For normal riding about 100mm of front suspension does most things, if you need more then you probably already know what kind of bike you want and the above isn't very helpful.

As to what model or brand, there's very little difference (especially without rear suspension), get whatever fits and is most discounted. I'd recommend spending 500pounds plus on a front suspension only (hardtail) as you start getting decent equipment at that price, I've never been happy with cheaper bikes (and I don't think I push them that hard).

Most importantly, try the bikes for size (or to do this cheaply hire a  bike and then buy the same frame size online).

A good all-rounder bike is a Specialised Tricross. It's a tourer/CX/road hybrid so reasonably good on the road and forest tracks and even easy bridleways, think blue & green at trail centres. It's not a MTB nor is it a proper road bike but it does everything well and the riding position is quite relaxed. 2nd hand examples can be found for reasonable prices if you look on the web - bike forums are a font of knowledge.
Isla Bikes make fab kids bikes but they now do an adults bike the Beinn 29. http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn29.html
Its supposed to be a great all-rounder like the Tricross but more beefy construction

Each bike is different so don't fall into the trap of thinking 18" or M always fits me.
As the geometry varies so much per frame, even within the same manufacturers range of bikes, you always have to throw a leg over the bike to see if it fits you.

For normal riding about 100mm of front suspension does most things

As does 0mm of front suspension, for that matter...

I knew there would be advice out there - cheers all.

If they can fix the knee hillwalking and backpacking will be the choice. However if not then a bike may be the answer. I have no wish to go gnarly and launch into space etc. Quiet lanes/forestry tracks/green lanes. Possibility of some touring for an overnight etc. There is probably no one bike and compromises will be needed.

I also canoe and when people ask me what canoe to get one has to start with expectations and of course budget.

I will look around and try to try out bikes before any major cash transactions take place.

Hopefully it will not be necessary.

thanks again

With what you've put then a cyclocross bike (as I think the tricross is) may be a good idea as those are likely to be quite smooth surfaces and most of those should have mounting points for touring. I couldn't ride with 0mm suspension (but then I wouldn't put the same kind of terrain you have).

I couldn't ride with 0mm suspension

So you wouldn't have ridden a bike before the 1990s?  Those of us who've been at it long enough had no choice at at least some point! Maybe not as fast as you can do it now, but you could do it.

Pete.

Have a look at bikeradar they are bikes of all sorts or ukclimbing.com they have a bike section

Try the CTC forum.

Probably the biggest with masses of non racing stuff.

More to the point I am in a similar situation. Too much running and hill going has secrewed my knees despite surgery. However I can ride all day with no knee pain.

The main advice will be not to push to big a gear. Probably sound although thats counter productive for me.

Asking what bike is like asking what boots.

 You are really going to be so so specific about your intentions. Equally any forum will be full of experts with their own point of view ( as here). Mostly good but a lot there. Thats why I suggest the CTC. A braoder experience than most.

Bob
Like with any purchase if you state your requirements and budget then you can start from there and it does get easier.
If you have £200 then a 2nd hand MTB will suffice
If you have £400, £600, £800 new options open up to you at every price point.
So far we have an idea of terrain but you also need to take into account your size. If you are 6ft8 then finding a bike locally to sit on is nigh on impossible. Local bike shops (LBS) do not stock bikes that they cannot easily sell. The large chain stores such as Evans may be more helpful in that regard.
If you can get a good deal please try to use your LBS, they often cannot match internet prices but they frequently throw in a first service, sometimes a 6 month service and occasionally some small goodies to sweeten the deal like water bottle, inner tubes etc. A decent LBS will also fit any extra items for free such as mudguards, pannier rack, lights etc. Independent LBS are a dying breed and need our help more than ever (just like independent outdoor shops)

There are some web forums that may be helpful to you:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=40042&sid=2d5fcbb902c6c26a9582b0cc7fd77b6c
http://singletrackworld.com/forum
http://forum.ctc.org.uk/
http://www.cyclechat.net/

Feel free to message me if you want any more help

I have knee problems at times.  Several physios have said biking is really good for knees - toughens the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the knee joint.  I have biked a bit on rough-ish stuff but now have a tourer and love it.  You can cover so much distance at a decent speed - slow enough to take it in, fast enough to cover the miles.  Cycling in Brittany is a favourite, flattish roads and extremely courteous drivers.

Good luck!