Roadbike vs Mountain bike after operation

[DoubleJ]

Dagse

 

I had 2 shoulder operations early in 2015. I've recently gotten back on the gravel and I really am struggling to get back to any sort of decent type fitness.

 

Shoulder healed up okay, but it kills me when I'm on the gravel. Pain shoots trhough my neck into ear, when I get back home shoulder is swollen and I have difficulty even lifting a kettle. The Ortho says that it could be nerve damage, which he can't really do anything about.

 

I've always just been a mountie and have never had a roadbike - My question is this - would riding a roadbike on smooth tar put less strain on my shoulder than riding on bumpy gravel roads? I thought about just taking my mountain bike and start riding on the tarmac, but it feels like a sin to put nobblies on asphalt and the tar just eats up my wheels for nothing.

 

I am just scared to push through on the gravel and when I'm older and the body starts fighting back I'll regret not doing anything earlier.

 

Ek dank u.

[Lurch the stalker]

I hate to say it, but, the mountain bike on the road is probably going to be the most comfortable, maybe just get some slicks.

Road tends to be a much more aggressive position, which might make your life even more difficult, and the up side of your mountain bike is the shock(s) will soften the ride. You will be shocked (pun intended) how much you feel through a stiff road bike

You could maybe look at a commuter type road bike with flat bars instead of drops.

[rudi-h]

sorry to say, but this is something that nobody can help you with.  you need to ride different bikes over different terrain and find what works for you.

 

the level of pain that you are experiencing can't be good.  So either change the bike, or change the terrain, or change both.  Only you can work this one out

[lechatnoir]

I'd find a bike shop that can assist in perhaps lending a bike or two for you to take for a test ride. They should be keen on helping you out be as comfy as possible to stay riding.

 

Good luck and happy trails. Or tar. Hopefully it can be both in the future!

[porqui]

Is your bike set up properly - very important. It's not going to make much difference either way on a poorly set up bike. What about a hybrid bike.

You might try a shorter stem at a higher angle (could even raise stem on steerer).

[Eddy Gordo]

After my knee op last year, I started out on an IDT for about 2 months, then took the the road for short rides around 5 to 10km and increased distance when I felt stronger. When I started doing 20 to 25km rides, I started to mtb again. No hectic offroad tracks. Smooth hard stuff like gspot as one can avoid the jumps. Hoogekraal is also an option but there are some parts that might not agree with you, however could be a good test.