Recumbent ok for back problems?
04-01-03 | 03:07 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 424
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From: Biddeford, Maine, USA
Recumbent ok for back problems?
Hi; I commute daily to work via bicycle. One of my employees wants to join the ranks of bike commuters, but has two ruptured disk in his back. He wondered if a recumbent would work for him. He seems to do ok sitting, but can not talk walking any long distances or riding a conventional bike for any length of time.
I welcome any thoughts or suggestions any of you might have. Thanks.
I welcome any thoughts or suggestions any of you might have. Thanks.
04-01-03 | 05:28 PM
#2
TC,
He should ask his doctor, he could try a few bents to see if he has any pain. I would look into FS bents, with the shock set to the softer side
He should ask his doctor, he could try a few bents to see if he has any pain. I would look into FS bents, with the shock set to the softer side
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Bentbaggerlen
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." - Arthur Conan Doyle
Bentbaggerlen
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." - Arthur Conan Doyle
04-04-03 | 02:33 PM
#3
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 116
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From: Houston, TX
I know my LWB has so many adjustment that can be made to the seat back you would almost be sure to find something that was comfortable. I would have them try riding some to see what feels good, and see how much adjustment can be made in case longer than trial rides prove still painful.
05-21-03 | 03:44 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,054
Likes: 164
From: Mountain Brook. AL
He may have a problem evaluating as bents are more demanding of the rider
early on. Most people take a few hundred miles to get used to balance and
steering differences. The butt takes some acclimation as well both to the seat and to the fact that bents make more demands on the gluteus muscles than DF bikes do. So initial impressions change after 500miles. Since you can't stand to avoid bumps, passive or active suspension may be useful. My Pursuit has very good passive suspension. Steve
early on. Most people take a few hundred miles to get used to balance and
steering differences. The butt takes some acclimation as well both to the seat and to the fact that bents make more demands on the gluteus muscles than DF bikes do. So initial impressions change after 500miles. Since you can't stand to avoid bumps, passive or active suspension may be useful. My Pursuit has very good passive suspension. Steve
06-01-03 | 02:01 PM
#6
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10
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From: Florida
I have spoken with many riders, which is to say more than 5, who suffer with various back issues. I have read numerous posts over the last four years about how recumbents have been the answer for so many who could not ride the DF bikes. Lastly, there have been more than one Chiropractor go online and write glowing reports about how they recommend recumbents to patients suffering from back pain. While it may require more action from the gluteus max, that's not the back. Bottom line, it's his back and he's the only one who can have the final word. It would seem he has everything to gain and little to loose.
