I took my breaks off my bike for some time. I found that my shoe treads were wearing down fast, as they were essentially the new breaks. Also, I found myself having to slow down more and anticipate the movements of others. It kinda puts a little bit ... more »

I wanted to add that it might be a good idea to get some elbow and knee pads (here I am giving advice that I don't even use). Having the proper protection can help enormously with confidence. And if you know you're going to fall, might as well be safe ... more »

Could have been a blessing that the bike was stolen; your knees could get some much needed rest and recovery. Riding actually doesn't cause me discomfort when sitting down and peddling at a low to moderate pace. Reverse peddling is also okay, so long ... more »

Did you ride at all while you were recovering? If so, at what intensity?

The brakes are only to avoid the $480 fine. I'll be trying to figure out what I can do with them. Try a foam roller, target your I.T. Band and quad areas. Tight spots in those areas can create knee issues. I'll give it a try. Have heard this suggestion

Good idea. I'll give it a try. You guys have been so supportive despite my crazy ideas. Thanks.

It's basically a Franken-BMX-Suicide bike.

Here is the bike. Obviously, the stem riser and long seat post are weak points. I'll likely take the stem riser off and lower the seat once my knees are better and stand when peddling. The break cable could then go through the stem to allow for gyro-type

Looks like it will be very rugged the way you've positioned your 2x4s. Would like to see updates as they come, and I'm sure others would too. I would recommend a decent sized platform at the top of at least one of the half-pipes if that wasn't already ... more »

Buying a fixed gear bike would be more expensive and create more problems as I see it: the fixed gear bikes I've seen still take a BMX type stem, so the handlebar issue would remain the same. Also, a fixed gear bike generally has a more slack head bar ... more »

I'm riding tomorrow regardless. It'll be very light riding involving riding backwards. I just don't want to stay in the house and vegetate.

42 here and just getting back into it. Some inspiration for us 'old' guys (see him ride at 0:50, 9:40, and 16:15): https://youtu.be/xTlTsdcb_Ok &feature=youtu.be&t=569

Actually, that's what I was planning to do—great minds think alike?

The pills aren't for pain but inflammation. And I am vegan—been vegan for over 10 years. You rode 200km on the frankenbike? Do you think your bike modifications may have something to do with this pain? Are you tall? Your legs may not be fully extending

Agreed. But I do like the compactness of my BMX. I live in an apartment and have to store this bike and go on an elevator with it. So far the bike is about 80% of what I want in it without the extra size. And I just don't like the thought of having to ... more »

I wish I could find one that just straight went up, but what is more important is that the stem is flat on the topside where it attaches to the bar; I want to be able to surf with it, and having a big bump in the middle of the bar is no help.

Wish I knew this before. Oh, well. Live and learn... It seems that peddling whilst standing up hurts my knees and sitting down doesn't, or at least not nearly as much. So standing is not an option for me at the moment. I've currently raised my seat as