Help with cycling

[ianmac42]

I'm a keen cyclist and I've had RA for 6 yrs & it's mostly stable. Initially I thought I'd have to stop cycling but the meds and bike adjustments helped me find ways round that. If anyone here is experiencing similar problems I'd like to offer any help I can .

[snotts]

Hi there! I'm 33 and before being diagnosed with arthritis this summer I loved cycling around London. My arthritis affects my hands, wrists and elbows and I've not been able to cycle due to putting pressure on these areas. I ride a hybrid bike in a pretty upright position - I'd love to hear about how you have managed to get back in the saddle

[ianmac42 in reply to snotts]

Hi snotts, love the handle! I don’t know if you’ve tried adjusting your riding position at all but I’d suggest a few things to get you more upright & take weight off your arms & hands. I started out with drop bars but my wrists and hands were hurting so I fitted flats instead.

You already have flat bars of course & I assume your saddle is correctly adjusted?

Your stem may be angled slightly downwards so by flipping it your bars would be raised a small amount. If that’s not enough there are many choices of stem lengths & I’ll happily help.

If that doesn’t work you may like these, chainreactioncycles.com/erg...

They give a nice wide platform for much more of your hands to rest on and I find they keep my forearms& wrists straight. The usual round grips will allow the wrist to flex downwards & maybe cause discomfort.

Next might be riser bars again to take weight off your hands & arms. If you’re not happy doing the work yourself a good bike shop should help once they know what you want.

Most importantly, only adjust one thing at a time as if you don’t like it you can undo it but if you’ve adjusted two things then what?

I hope this helps, good luck & please feel free to ask any other questions.

Ian.

[snotts in reply to ianmac42]

Thank you so much for your suggestions, I've saved them and will call the bike shop to see about a fitting. I really appreciate your generosity with your time and expertise!

[Scottishlad in reply to snotts]

It might worth trying to find a bike shop which offers a bike fitting service and asking their advice. Simple changes such as changing the stem length may help.

[snotts in reply to Scottishlad]

Thank you, I will!

[Blocksetter in reply to snotts]

Hi, I've cycled all my life but a hip injury followed by the onset of psoriatic arthritis kept me off the bike for the best part of a year. Now that the PsA is under control, I'm back cycling, but the increased stiffness in my joints means the bike fit I had 8 years ago is probably no longer suitable. I've found a local specialist and I'm planning to have another bike fit session in the Spring when I've got some fitness back. At around £100 (plus parts), it's not cheap, but if you cycle a lot, it's worth it. As others have said, it's all about the contact points, i.e. handlebars, saddle and pedals and small adjustments can make big differences. It's difficult to get this right on your own.

[ianmac42 in reply to Blocksetter]

I know not everyone can sort their own bike but fortunately I can so by changing one thing at a time I avoided the cost of a bike fit. And was able to fit a motor kit to the bike too👍.

[Maggsie]

Hi Ianmac , my problem is brakes! I was a keen cyclist for many years but gave in when I realised I couldn't use my brakes well enough to be in control. My right hand does not open fully and my grip is v poor in both hands. Any ideas would be welcome.

[ianmac42 in reply to Maggsie]

If you don't already have them hydraulic disc brakes are very powerful and light finger pressure would stop you. Alas everything comes at a cost and you may need a new frame built to take disc brakes and brakes can be linked so one hand can operate both. If you already have vee brakes hydraulic rim brakes can I believe be fitted to your exisiting frame. Also you can get a coaster or back pedal rear brake so you use your legs to operate one brake. You can freewheel ok but if you back pedal the brake operates. They're available with gears too. If you wish please send me a picture of your bike.

[M45984371]

I bought an electric bike 2 years ago. Pricey, but a brilliant investment. Cycling is now almost effortless. I am a 60 year old male with mild RA, my main issue is fatigue. I Can no longer run, my best sport, so the electric bike is a perfect substitute.

[ianmac42 in reply to M45984371]

I also got an ebike, I bolted on a conversion kit 5 yrs ago,wonderful idea, enabled me to keep riding in spite of RA.