New guy, taking a gamble in Canada. . .

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

I think aenlaasu is very correct with this; the positioning of the body in a recumbent allows maximum efficiency of the heart, and is of more assistance to those of us with compromised heart function.

As mentioned, I'm foregoing the heart bypass in an effort to create my own natural bypass, which can and does happen more frequently than many people think. I do however get angina from time to time and a hit of nitro does resolve it nicely (but gives me a headache). I read once (in the Enquirer, of all places) that if you don't have nitro, you can resolve angina just as well if you sit down, sit back and put your feet up on a chair. I did'nt believe it. However the next time I got angina I decided to try it, and it really did work, just as well as if I popped a nitro, and without the headache! THAT'S why I'm getting a recumbent - because I think it will put me in the ideal position to maximize my heart efficiency. I'm thinking I'll just keep riding; slowly, slowly, slowly . . .

Fred

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Fred,

Consider getting a trainer also. They can be very boring but they do give you the ability to increase your exercise duration and intensity with total control and safety.

Back in '93 when I first started riding again I couldn't go longer than 5 minutes and any type of hill shot my heart rate through the roof.

I picked up a used trainer and rode on it until I was able to ride for 20 to 30 minutes and in good enough shape to at least get up the hill to my house without passing out.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Fred,

One can also open the arteries up. It requires a strict vegan lifestyle. I've been on the Full Plate Lifestyle now
for over 10 years. I stopped the animal products also.
I read labels in order to avoid all animal products and unhealthy fats such as trans fats and hydrogenated fats as found in cookies and donuts and cakes. Check it out on the Full Plate Diet webpage. My resting heart rate was running in the 70's. I now see 49, 50 and 58 etc. It runs well under 100 at my pace on a flat-land metric. Interval training works well too. A 10 minute walk after each meal has its rewards. One hour of continous aerobic activity each day will get you up and running like you want to be. Take your time and be safe.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

I've noticed the same effect. My MHR is about 10 bpm lower when reclined. I'm not sure if the V-Rex counts as 'reclined' though, since it's a lot more upright than my other 'bents.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

As far as i am concern,RANS makes the best bikes around.I have owen many but the V REX is my favorite.I also owen a velocity2,which is a really neat bike.The V REX is so comfortable to ride i have fallen asleep,just for a brief second.The one i owen is a older 1996 model.As the other guys have stated there esay to ship,light weight and a really nice bike to ride.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Listen to Buddy. Riding and veggie lifestyle works. I lowered my blood pressure and cholesterol in just 3 months 30 whole points for both riding and eating mostly vegan plus lost 20 pounds. I'm only doing badly at the moment cause I had a knee injury for a year and lost my progress. It works.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Thanks, I appreciate the information on the veggie diet. It is protective.

When I was diagnosed with extensive heart disease (100% blocked LDA and 90% blocked right artery) at the age of 41(!) they told me not to even walk out of the hospital; I might have a heart attack in the parking lot. Much to the doctors dismay, I elected instead to pursue life style changes; basically low fat Ornish type diet and appropriate medications. That was 13 years ago; everything went well and I provided for and raised the family well (praise God . . .). I was on the low fat diet for 7 years and my weight went from 268 to 163lbs. In hindsight I looked pretty bad when I look at the old pictures. But it was probably better for my health in the long run.

After about 7 years, I began to tire of the discipline involved and started to eat "just a bit" more. And for the next 6 years I probably gained about 15 LBS/year. Somewhere around 210 I looked and felt really great. Now at 250, I realize I better lose the 40 lbs. before it's too late. And the heart? Truly, not that different in terms of function or angina, at either of those two weight extremes. Strange? Really, but I'm thankful everyday for a new day and the chance to pursue new dreams. Maybe it's all attitude . . . Fred

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

I have a 46 inch X Seam which works for both regular and XL V Rex models. I own a V Rex in each size. I personally like the XL better because I sit more in the center of the two wheels than the regular frame which I think gives me better handling characteristics. Also, I noticed going up our steep hills in East Tennessee, the XL front wheel doesn't get "light" on me as my regular V Rex sometimes does. That is a minor issue but the better handling is a real benefit in my book.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Thanks Jon; that response about the Xseam answers my question perfectly. I have the same 46" x seam and try as I might to accept that the regular sized model will fit "ok" I don't really believe it. My whole life I've had to purchase XL sized goods, so I don't see why that should change now. I'm actually talking with someone about his XL model right now (see other thread). Is the only difference between the two models that the XL model has a 2 or 3 inch longer boom? Fred

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Yup! I will say that I bought my second V Rex as a demo model off eBay. I paid $1,100 for it, but it is virtually brand new. I modified it with a pivoting headset instead of the fixed standard one. Also upgraded the idler wheel to a Terra Cycle idler. Had a mountain bike chainring put on and then had the Granny gear changed to a 22 tooth cog. Besides that, I left it alone!

One other thing, the new V Rex you can remove the seat but leave the seat bracket on the bike. That makes it very easy to transport and yet you won't lose your seat "sweet spot" because you have to take the whole seat off like my old V Rex does. Nice feature though I haven't had to use it yet. I will for the Jack and Back ride.

Let us know what you end up with. Good hunting!!!

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Maybe the long time period of obesity and CAD damaged the blood vessels and nerves which would cause angina to continue. However, correct diet and especially the bike riding sometimes can reverse the damage if it isn't too bad. The body can grow new blood vessels and nerves can heal and regrow. Don't ever give up. If you're going forward, you aren't going backward. It is easy to get tired and gradually start eating more. That is what happened to me and I swore I'd never allow myself to be fat. But I did. Life was just to burdensome at the time it seemed. Plus I let other people influence my eating. There is a lot of peer pressure concerning eating.

 

Re: New guy, taking a gamble . . .

Hi Firefly, thanks for the encouraging words. I like the line . . . "If you're going forward, then you're not going backward". Yes, life can sometimes get too burdensome to fight the war on all fronts. Except for the heart issue, life has been very good to me, and I've been good to it. Nevertheless, the lack of good health can be threatening; it's time I clean it up. I'll keep looking for that V-rex!!!