Cycling

firestar

Hi everyone
I have spondyloarthropathy and keen to keep moving as much as possible and trying to find some exercise I can do and thought I'd try cycling.
My friend has let me a bike but I am finding it uncomfortable on my back. It is a typical road bike and the brakes are also causing problems with my hands but moving the brakes up has helped a bit but still a bit hard to squeeze them.
Any tips gratefully received.
:presents1:
Xxxx

barbara12

Its been years since I rode a bike but I can imagine it being good exercise..has long as you can sit up straight and not the racing ones were you lean over..and a good padded seat they do some good gel ones..good luck..and I think its a brilliant idea x

stickywicket

Well done on going for the exercise, firestar. My cycling days are a distant memory but why not try asking for advice/hiring one from Halfords or some other hire place. A friend recently had a standard bike customised to suit his own needs at a local bike specialist shop.

Boomer13

Hi;

There are specialty bikes for peeps with back issues; they allow you to sit up straighter with feet under your hips, which is much easier on the spine, etc.

Anna

frogmorton

Years ago there was a chap on here who had a sort of 'lying down' bike which he swore was comfortable

Love

Toni xx

Tubby

I am a cycling coach - a fairly stiff one but non the less..... A road bike isn't the best for backs unless you already have a strong core. I would go to an independent bike shop for advice as the people in them really know their bikes and there are many different types of bikes. I use a hybrid which is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike (well sort of but it gives you the idea) but there are others which have handle bars raised even higher - retro looking bikes like on 'Call the Midwife' which may suit you even better.
Be prepared to spend a little more and you really will enjoy your cycling :areindeer: Not sure I would recommend a recumbent bike though (unless it was my only alternative becaus of my disability)....as I driver it is so easy to not see them

firestar

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and tips.

I think the road bike is going to be a problem then.
As I live almost on the Olympic cycle route I was hoping to get into road cycling as I need to find something to replace all the sports that pesky SpA has stopped me doing (I know I need to work on acceptance... ).
I like the idea of a 'call the midwife' style bike.
I have a hybrid bike but it is quite heavy but the position definitely feels better.
I think it is time for a trip to the local independent bike shop and see what they have. Just in time for Santa! I'd like to see him get that down the chimney! :madnoel:

I am trying to swim and do yoga once a week and hoping to cycle regularly but some days it feels such a struggle. So if any one has any other exercise tips all gratefully received.
Xxx
:santa:

stickywicket

It sounds to me as if you're doing very well, firestar. I hope you can find a suitable bike.

daffy2

Years ago my parents had touring bikes which had levers on top of the handlebar as well as the usual brake handles so that you could either use the drop handles or have hands on top. They did make operating the brakes much easier - I don't know if there is a modern equivalent?
I've just remembered that someone on the AC course I attended had SA type problems and fibromyalgia and found that getting an electric bike made a big difference. A bit of assistance with inclines relieved the strain on the back, and if fatigue struck then there was help to get home.