Is cycling the next step after your knees develop osteoarthris from all the running.

No, it isn't wrote:

Cyclists complain about bad knees even more than runners do.

Proper fitting can fix most cycling-related knee problems. For example, most cyclists I see have their seats far too low.

Cyclists need to either be pro or have incomes above 150k to be able to be competitive. Shit is so expensive and a bike fitting and tinkering costs A couple hundred bucks as well. Same thing for triathletes. These athletes drop 5 G's for a lighter set of wheels.

The hobby cyclists and hobby triathletes dress like they are pro. It's not something us runners would understand because it is like the equivalent seeing a 25 min 5k dude with a full NikePro Racing Kit off eBay worn by Bernard Lagat at your local 5K road race.

There are a variety of orthopedic reasons for having to let of of running. Here in San Diego we have a group called DRCC - Dead Runners Cycling Club. It is mostly 55+ elite and semi-elite former runners who no long can run because of knee, hip, whatever orthopedic issues that have compelled the riders to give up running.

Not even close! It's jig saw puzzles. Face the facts: When you're done running...you're done. End of sentence. You can't even come close to making up for all you've lost with not being able to run. Sad but true.

Differences of sports wrote:

Cyclists need to either be pro or have incomes above 150k to be able to be competitive. Shit is so expensive and a bike fitting and tinkering costs A couple hundred bucks as well. Same thing for triathletes. These athletes drop 5 G's for a lighter set of wheels.

The hobby cyclists and hobby triathletes dress like they are pro. It's not something us runners would understand because it is like the equivalent seeing a 25 min 5k dude with a full NikePro Racing Kit off eBay worn by Bernard Lagat at your local 5K road race.

True if you want to be competitive. If your only goal is to enjoy riding and get some exercise, you can get away with spending a lot less.

Agree with the previous poster who noted that whilst running is not a contributor to developing knee oa it can contribute to hip oa. The only caveat I would add is that some peoples hips are just not meant for running due to significant fai, dysplasia and or oval head shape - it is this population who are at real risk of oa which running may accelerate.

In addition re the comments regarding knee surgery, whilst sold as a protector for knee oa, in many instances represents a bit of a turkey, with meniscus and all repairs potentially accelerating oa vs leaving an injury to heal. This area of medicine potentially represents some of the least benefit for dollars spent.

Differences of sports wrote:

Cyclists need to either be pro or have incomes above 150k to be able to be competitive. Shit is so expensive and a bike fitting and tinkering costs A couple hundred bucks as well.

A basic fitting to set your seat height, crank length, and stem size is maybe a couple of hundred bucks, and is well worth it. Non-clearance running shoes are about $120 today, which is in the same ballpark.

I agree on the "competitive" part, but keeping up with your buds on the weekend doesn't require carbon wheels and a frame of exotic materials. An aluminum framed bike with carbon fork and factory wheels and reliable components will set you back about a thousand dollars. All the major manufactures have an offering in that range. Used bikes are cheaper, of course, but you need to know your size.

I think when my knees finally go, I'll forego the biking and just hike. It seems like a better way to get out, but without all the equipment needed for cycling.

That is one expensive sport. Plus you might save your knees but you are at risk of being hit by a car.

so yeah, once I'm done running and racing I'll hit the trails and hike (or 'run ultras' as come call it, same thing.)