I had my knee replaced on the Monday before Thanksgiving in 2022. I haven't posted anything since last year, because I have obviously not been riding my bike.
About a month ago the physical therapists discharged me from their care. I have achieved a 118-degree range of motion. My goal had been 120, so I didn't quite make it in the time period they allowed. I was riding a stationary bike in their office, and occasionally the recumbent stationary cycle at the fitness center next door.
I have ridden my road bike twice since then. Maybe three times, if you count the time I spent earlier this week getting a new fitting with Tom Wiseman of Cycling Solutions in Akron. The first time I rode, I rode for about 10 minutes. The first couple of revolutions were quite painful, and I wasn't wearing my bike shoes with cleats. After my knee warmed up, though, I was able to ride a little. The second time, I put on my bike shoes and rode 10 miles along the bike trail. I wasn't able to clip in for any length of time, and when I did, my right foot flip-flopped to get the leg through the rotation.
On the day of my bike trail ride, the temperature was in the high 60's, and the snowdrops were in bloom along the trail. The next day it was snowing again, and it has been cold ever since. I can't wait to get out and ride more regularly.
At the fitting, we decided to install shorter cranks on my bike so that I can turn the pedals through the rotation easier, and also decided not to ride with my bike shoes for the first part of the summer. He installed flat pedals with studs that will grip my shoe. I set a follow-up appointment after a few months of riding to see if further adjustments will be necessary. I'm waiting for Zappos to deliver a new pair of tennis shoes because the ones from last year got pretty dilapidated.
I also decided, after talking to Tom, that I will be selling my 2010 Madone. The geometry of that bike is for racing, not touring, and there is not much he can do to make it more comfortable for me.
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