u/Vivid_Result_7632

Hi folks, I bought a Nicasio 1 basically for the frame as I couldn't afford other things. I think I'm pretty happy with how the frame rides, but I want/need to change the bars and brakes. I have some Jones bars knock-offs I'd like to put on, and I feel I need to get hydraulic disc brakes for the stopping power. I had a hip replacement 6 months ago and safety is a big deal in my return to riding, as is posture.

I got a quote of about $600 (Australian) at my LBS to do the basics that I can't do. Jones style bars mean the options for controls are limited, and the mechanic said the ones that would work were out of stock from his supplier. I guess I'll need to get another quote and hope they have stock available.

Just wondering if anyone has converted to flat bars/changed to hydraulics and has any thoughts on the outcome?

Also thanks for making a Nicasio group mods!

I'm 53F and had an anterior LTHR on Nov 10 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. I had no bruising after surgery and have a small scar. I had low blood pressure, nausea and a small temperature after surgery and was in hospital for six days. I'd taken two months off work to allow myself good recovery. Like a lot of people I had some pretty bad pain and took all the meds I was given. Looking back I think I should've been on stronger pain killers in hospital.

One big issue I've had has been "the limp". I saw my surgeon for my six month catch up last week and finally convinced him the limp was here to stay. I had an x-ray today and the radiologist showed me what was clearly a height difference, not where the joint is, but higher at the top of the hip bone. Seeing this was validating, and after the x-ray I had an appointment with my physiotherapist who looked at the x-ray and took me through what he could see. He knows the surgeon and has communicated with him on several occasions re my recovery. I have to say that having someone like him advocating for me has been a game changer.

So I will be seeing a podiatrist this week to get a lift, which should be about 1cm or so. I honestly cannot wait for this as I feel like the limp has created other issues (I got a CT scan on my right "good" hip as I was having some strong pains there). The limp has almost made me feel more affected by this whole situation than the original pain which was caused by arthritis and labral degeneration. I feel like my recovery will improve after I get the lift.

It's been a long hard road of managing the rehab. I was doing too much at one point and was totally exhausted. I've backed that off with the guidance of my physiotherapist and now do gym three times a week, swim once a week, and ride my bike for 30 minutes a couple of times a week. I'm walking more as I'm back at work and catching public transport which involves walking. My goal is to get back to commuting on my bicycle when I'm ready, and I think I might try to ease into this next month.

I don't regret getting the replacement, but obviously wish I didn't have the limp. I'm probably being a bit cautious about some things still, and I have never been so unfit in my life, but these things will progress.

It's really a journey you need to be committed to. I've learned a lot in the last six months. I was quite healthy before the surgery and trained for a year to prep for it, not hard out, but as symptoms allowed. I had confidence in my ability to recover and I still do. It just looks a bit different to what I'd hoped, but I know I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to have the surgery. This sub helped with so much information I couldn't find elsewhere. Thanks to everyone for the positive and informative posts. It helped me as I'm sure it's helped others.