Hi there, as the title stated I'd like to begin road riding. I have some questions though. I hope yall will forgive me as I'm sure the answeres to my questions are already discused, but my phone is my only internet connection and spending a lot of time searching on it is a pain and quite expensive.
About me, I'm a 33 year old male, 6'1" and around 205 lbs. Over the course of several deployments while I was in the Army I realy messed up my lower back, right shoulder, and both knees. I have a hard time not being active, however most of my past hobbies are becoming increasingly difficult (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking) as my injuries progress.
I have never been a fan of road riding. Infact, I was one of those guys who constantly griped about riders on the road getting in the way. My views have changed quite a bit over the past few months however after taking my mountain bike on a few short (5 and 10 mile rides) rides on wide sholdered roads. I now understand what draws yall to it! My deepest appologies to those riders who I have speed past, cut off, honked at, yelled at, and been an all around jerk to while on the road. I hope karma will be nice to me......
I would like to begin looking at road bikes and hopefully be able to buy one soon. My budget wont allow for much other than a basic bottom of the line road bike, but I wonder what features I should look for that may make my rides a little less stressfull on my back and shoulder. From watching riders while I drive it seems the forward riding possition would put a lot of stress on my lower back and shoulder. Is this about right? What do other riders with similar injuries do to try and counter act this?
Advice and tips are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
About me, I'm a 33 year old male, 6'1" and around 205 lbs. Over the course of several deployments while I was in the Army I realy messed up my lower back, right shoulder, and both knees. I have a hard time not being active, however most of my past hobbies are becoming increasingly difficult (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking) as my injuries progress.
I have never been a fan of road riding. Infact, I was one of those guys who constantly griped about riders on the road getting in the way. My views have changed quite a bit over the past few months however after taking my mountain bike on a few short (5 and 10 mile rides) rides on wide sholdered roads. I now understand what draws yall to it! My deepest appologies to those riders who I have speed past, cut off, honked at, yelled at, and been an all around jerk to while on the road. I hope karma will be nice to me......
I would like to begin looking at road bikes and hopefully be able to buy one soon. My budget wont allow for much other than a basic bottom of the line road bike, but I wonder what features I should look for that may make my rides a little less stressfull on my back and shoulder. From watching riders while I drive it seems the forward riding possition would put a lot of stress on my lower back and shoulder. Is this about right? What do other riders with similar injuries do to try and counter act this?
Advice and tips are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.