Hello,
I'm 35 and found out a few years ago that I have a genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which affects the connective tissue or "glue" which holds the body together. Because the tissue is flawed and so much of the human body is comprised of collagen (connnective tissue), the affects on body systems can be varied and extremely widespread, as in my case. I have some life threatening complications but am scheduled for several surgeries including brain surgery and an experimental airway transplant. My life expectancy is unknown (I was told last year that I wouldn't live through summer of 2012). I'm planning to prove that wrong.
I need to find things to enjoy in life and I really miss cycling. We were at a local bike shop and tried an e-Zip because it's what they had and I fell in love with it. being able to ride again with the assistance is amazing. (I'm on a walker and O2 dependent so it was a big deal). I wanted something as close to a crank forward/flat foot design as possible for stability reasons and found the iZip E3 Vibe which is as close as I can find to that but has the engine already built in. The other option is a DIY kit (my husband is very capable with construction etc but our knowledge of advanced bike components is minimal) with a flat foot bike (Trek Pure, Giant Suede, Electra, etc). Funds are an issue as my ongoing medical expenses are a constant drain but my husband wants to find a way to do this for me.
So, my question is, if it were you, would you go for a ready to go iZip or put a flat foot/crank forward together with a kit. We live in VT so we do have hills but I also live in town so most rides are 0.5mi to 4mi max (one way). I will be getting a dog trailer because I have a service dog that will have to accompany me. I can pedal lightly (and want to for the strength it will build and help me with upcoming surgeries) but I can't be the primary source of uumph for the bike. I need a step through frame and would like to stick to tires that can handle roads/sidewalks as well as some off road trails (truly trails...loose gravel etc but not real mountain biking). I don't see the iZip as lacking in the range for what I need but I do wonder if it is lacking for what I'll *want* (ie enjoying it so much that I want to go on longer rides). It seems to me that a year or so ago, I saw several reasonably priced electric motor kits for bikes but they don't seem to exist at that price range any longer (I was seeing $300-$600 for a good setup). I'm guessing the gas prices have affected that. But I still would love advice and opinions on which route you'd take and if DIY, which motor kit you'd look at. (to give you some idea, I haven't seen ANY Bionx kit that we can come close to affording).
So, what do you think?? I really need this as a break from constant medical appoints and treatments and a taste of a simpler life again without all of that. My drs are really concerned that I'm able to get something like the biking for those reasons. I can link to a site to verify my genetic condition and subsequent other illnesses and injuries (www.helpRachelBreathe.com) but if that poses a problem to have in here, please just delete it. It's a non commercial site (obviously ).
Thanks in advance for your advice and thoughts. I can't wait to hear!!!
I'm 35 and found out a few years ago that I have a genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which affects the connective tissue or "glue" which holds the body together. Because the tissue is flawed and so much of the human body is comprised of collagen (connnective tissue), the affects on body systems can be varied and extremely widespread, as in my case. I have some life threatening complications but am scheduled for several surgeries including brain surgery and an experimental airway transplant. My life expectancy is unknown (I was told last year that I wouldn't live through summer of 2012). I'm planning to prove that wrong.
I need to find things to enjoy in life and I really miss cycling. We were at a local bike shop and tried an e-Zip because it's what they had and I fell in love with it. being able to ride again with the assistance is amazing. (I'm on a walker and O2 dependent so it was a big deal). I wanted something as close to a crank forward/flat foot design as possible for stability reasons and found the iZip E3 Vibe which is as close as I can find to that but has the engine already built in. The other option is a DIY kit (my husband is very capable with construction etc but our knowledge of advanced bike components is minimal) with a flat foot bike (Trek Pure, Giant Suede, Electra, etc). Funds are an issue as my ongoing medical expenses are a constant drain but my husband wants to find a way to do this for me.
So, my question is, if it were you, would you go for a ready to go iZip or put a flat foot/crank forward together with a kit. We live in VT so we do have hills but I also live in town so most rides are 0.5mi to 4mi max (one way). I will be getting a dog trailer because I have a service dog that will have to accompany me. I can pedal lightly (and want to for the strength it will build and help me with upcoming surgeries) but I can't be the primary source of uumph for the bike. I need a step through frame and would like to stick to tires that can handle roads/sidewalks as well as some off road trails (truly trails...loose gravel etc but not real mountain biking). I don't see the iZip as lacking in the range for what I need but I do wonder if it is lacking for what I'll *want* (ie enjoying it so much that I want to go on longer rides). It seems to me that a year or so ago, I saw several reasonably priced electric motor kits for bikes but they don't seem to exist at that price range any longer (I was seeing $300-$600 for a good setup). I'm guessing the gas prices have affected that. But I still would love advice and opinions on which route you'd take and if DIY, which motor kit you'd look at. (to give you some idea, I haven't seen ANY Bionx kit that we can come close to affording).
So, what do you think?? I really need this as a break from constant medical appoints and treatments and a taste of a simpler life again without all of that. My drs are really concerned that I'm able to get something like the biking for those reasons. I can link to a site to verify my genetic condition and subsequent other illnesses and injuries (www.helpRachelBreathe.com) but if that poses a problem to have in here, please just delete it. It's a non commercial site (obviously
). Thanks in advance for your advice and thoughts. I can't wait to hear!!!
