Comments on: What Kind of Bike to Purchase?

By: DAN JOSEPHITES

DAN JOSEPHITES — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:24:16 +0000

Recumbent, recumbent, recumbent….I don’t have chronic back pain, but have been a recumbent rider for 8 years, both short and long wheel base. Every once in awhile I do get a flare up up sciatica nerve/back pain. My Easy Racer Tour Easy allows me to ride with no pain at all….

By: jajanghadianto

jajanghadianto — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:28:58 +0000

HI
1. LOW BACK PAIN ( BACKACHE ), is the symptom which many possibilities etiologi, but the most important is HNP ( Hernia Nucleus Pulposus ), Before you buy your bike, I suggest that you may controlled to your doctor.
2. Unstable HNP make you Paraparese ( you can’t move your leg because cycling is traumatic to your spine )

By: John Klein

John Klein — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:09:04 +0000

Sarah, look into a folder with 16 or 20 inch wheels. Some have aluminum and steel frames to choose from and all of them will suit your inseam size.

By: Lee Joo Mong

Lee Joo Mong — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:53:25 +0000

Where I live, there is this Taiwan made seat with coil springs suspensions for very bumpy roads ($12 to$15). Do check if it is compatible with the seat post diameter

By: Eamonn

Eamonn — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:45:06 +0000

Hi Sarah

with regard your enquiry ” what kind of bike”. I had a nasty accident which stopped me from riding my mountain and road bike due to not being able to tolerate the ride position. (neck and back issues)

With help from my LBS, we built a true “hybrid” by building from a mountain bike frame with a short top tube and with carbon fork and 700cc wheels with hybrid type tyres. The headset was raised using an extension and a riser bar completed the front end. To compensate for the upright ride position, we used a good quality suspension post and gel saddle.

I am back on the bike and doing what I enjoy, so much that we are looking at modifying a road bike; the plan is to use as much carbon as possible and again a more upright position. Options are available.

Between the carbon, raised ride position and seat post……. super comfy.

Best of luck

Eamonn

By: alastair

alastair — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:12:09 +0000

Hi Sarah.
A Hybrid (not Hybird!) bike is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The wheels are the size of a road bike, but will usually be fitted with off-road tires. The handle bars will be straight and flat like a mountain bike with the gears on the brake levers and have a large spread of lower gears than a road bike. It may or may not have suspension forks.

Hybrid bikes are perfect for on road and rough tracks and paths, but not for full off-road mountain courses. Most good bike shops should sell or be able to get hold of a Hybrid bike for you as all the top bike manufacturers make Hybrid bikes.

For your inseam I would suggest you go for the smaller sized frame, if you are considering a bike with a cross bar (man’s style) one with stand over height of less than your 29 inches, probably around a 15 inch frame. If you want a woman’s style frame then the step over isn’t as important.

Good luck Sarah, see if you can get a test ride before you buy.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:37:36 +0000

What is a Hybird bike and where would I get one? I need a bike I can ride on salkwalk surfaces and also on wooded dirt trails. I need something light weight so I can get it on and off bike rack. I’m 5′2″ female, 54, with about a 29″ inseam.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:27:58 +0000

Have you tried yoga? Personally I find it a great compliment to cycling and helps me keep my back, hip, and neck problems under control as well as increasing my overall flexibility. Give it a go – I thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

By: Dennis Perry

Dennis Perry — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:55:32 +0000

Yes, I would recommend a recumbent. I found neck pain, wrist pain and back pain all went. My current recumbent is a Cruzbike Sofrider, but I’m saving for a Silvio. I’ve also ridden several Bacchetta recumbents and they are good too.

By: Mike Di Feo

Mike Di Feo — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:11:02 +0000

Hi dee:
I am 60 years old and have been bking for about 10 years. I found that lowering the handlebars takes stress off my lower back. I had lower back problems. Since I started biking they are almost gone. I think sitting upright puts more stres on your lower back. Also make sure to stretch your hamstring muscles at least 3 times per day and specially before you start biking. I would recommend trying biking to anyone who has back issues.
It has really helped me
Good Luck
Mike Di Feo