Runners knee and a new bike

So I have come to the conclusion that after playing sports most of my life, on top of 8 years of active duty in the Marine Corps my knees are shot. I love running, and I no longer strive for the 8 or 10 miles a day that I did while still in the service. Still it seems these last few months that after every run my knees consider it their duty to remind, through pain, that I am no longer 18.

Thank you knees, and will you also mention to my back and ankles that I got the memo? In my life I have broken my wrist, nose, ankle, collar bone, blown out a knee, had two ribs cracked, and still have two herniated discs in my back, and there isn't a joint on me that doesn't pop or crack with the slightest of movement.

So after a short run this morning, the pain further emphasized my desire to take up biking as a substitute for running. The main problem is I want a decent bike and after just a little amount of research I have realized that bikes are stupid expensive. Im out at least a grand for just an entry level respectable bike and homey just don't play that.

So stuck again, or at least until I can afford to drop that kind of money on something my parents paid like 30 bucks for when I was just a wee baby ginger. Im thinking about getting a yellow set of lance armstrong tights with one of those super aero-dynamic helmets, standing at the entrances of various walmarts, walgreens and ringing a bell for bike donations.

~Paddy