Originally Posted by Mr. Mxlkpix
I am a 50 year old ex-road/club rider. Three years ago I had to give up cycling due to chronic sciatic nerve/muscle pain in my right buttocks and leg. I am much better now, thank-you, and fantasize about a return to cycling, but I am leary of risking my improved health by getting back on a road bike. Does anyone in this "bent" forum have ideas or advice on whether a recumbent might be a better solution? BTW, my sciatica apparently had little to do with my back or spine. It was caused by localized inflammation and muscle-spasms in the butt, hip and leg. Thanks.
Mr. Mxlkpix
I feel your pain!! My torn hamstring turned into sciatic nerve irritation and I never realized they were different problems until I went to a sports orthopedist. Anyway, back to your problem. You've probably learned to avoid hard edge seats of any sort, sitting too upright (as mentioned elsewhere) and just sitting too long in general. I've considered recumbents for the same reason, but havn't made the change yet because putting a Brooks saddle on my bike helped so much. That said, I am only able to ride about 1-2.0 hours without risk of injury/irritation to the nerve. Also, in direct opposition to my statement about sitting too upright, doing just that on my road bike helped a great deal. I used to have the top of my bars about 5-6 cm below my seat. They are almost even now and it really helped. Thanks for that to the guys at Rivendell. I've been very encouraged by things I've read on this forum about recumbents and sciatic pain. I urge you to try out a few different bikes and post your findings. I for one, am very interested in how it works out for you.