Cycling

[Bubble56]

I am seriously considering buying an electric bike because I can’t walk as far as I’d like to be able to and I wondered if anyone else with PMR had one and if it caused a lot more leg pain? ( I need to stave off boredom and attempt to lose a bit more weight!!!)! I’d be pleased to hear any comments- positive or negative.

[Hidden]

I haven't got one (yet..I need a tricycle) but I have seen lots of people in the countryside with them. Basically if you planned a journey based on battery life on the ups and downs, I can see they would definitely kick in to stop you overdoing things. They are getting cheaper and cheaper. The only thing I would say is of you aren't a keen cyclist already it's a lot if money (for me!).

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

P.s. I love cycling so would love to know what you think if you go ahead. 🌻

[Stifffingers in reply to Hidden]

Get one!

[Hidden in reply to Stifffingers]

Can you buy it for me 😂🤣😂

[Plawhead in reply to Hidden]

I bought a pedal assist motor for my regular bike. It is a life changer. The whole system, battery, motor and controls cost about $400.00. It makes your bike a little heavier and at first it is terrifying until you realize that you only need then it on when you are ready for an assist. I live in a very hilly area so it gave biking back to me again. I do not think I had any more leg pain with it and I think it relaxed my hip muscles.

[Hidden in reply to Plawhead]

My area is hilly too. I need a trike due to loss of balance. There was a will last year to bring the cost down. But we will see.🚵🚴

[SheffieldJane]

Personally, I think that it is a great idea, as long as you build up your cycling gradually and build in rest days - I guess rain will help with that. It wasn’t clear to me how long you’ve actually had your diagnosis. If it is early days then your disease will be pretty active still. In the early months I was pushing a pram and walking quite far on the flat. Very tired at the end of the day, but felt better than I do now 4 years on. Great to have the incentive to exercise. You are right, we do decline without it.

[Theziggy]

You can get a hybrid bike - so you can cycle normally on flat roads and then if you encounter hills you can get the electric to help you. I knew a man who had one - seemed to be a great machine. You only get the exercise when you are pedalling lol

[Bubble56]

I was a very keen cyclist many years ago, I was diagnosed with pmr in October and because of that I can’t walk much further than a mile or so and I suppose I’m looking for a bit of adventure!! My real concern is that cycling will do my leg muscles more harm than good if they are painful anyway.

[Hidden in reply to Bubble56]

Only if you overdo it. If you are on a hybrid where you cycle then glide you should be ok. You might ache for a day or two but doms does calm.

[Stifffingers in reply to Bubble56]

No . No harm done. Tiredness at first. Like anything exercise wise. Slowly slowly.

[Bubble56]

Thank you very much for all your comments btw!

[jinasc]

Remember that PMR depletes the supply of oxygen to your muscles. Quite a few people who overdo exercise end up with Claudication. I have even known PMR people who walked for just 15 mins who then had to stop and wait till the pain subsided. So if you do decide to get an electric bike..........take it extremely easy and don't push.

The best way is to walk for 45 minutes every day..........start low and then build up - so start with 10 mins there and 10 mins back . Then you willl find you can walk 45 minutes each way without any bother.

There is somewhere on hear an exercise plan. You could also buy Nordic Walking Poles, it is amazing how far you can go once you get the hang of it......Age UK used to run free lessons and walks.

Send me a pm with your email address and I will send you an article about diet in relation to Pred.

[Bubble56 in reply to jinasc]

Hi Jinasc, I don’t know if you got my reply with my e mail or not:

. Thanks for your advice.

[Hidden in reply to Bubble56]

Hi bubble, I have taken your email address off the message. You can private message jinasc. It's a safety thing Hu don't "allow" you to put your personal address etc on the forum. If you can't pm I can pass your email on. 🌻

P.s. I have passed it on.

[Bubble56 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much, I don’t know how to reply to someone privately. I’m a bit hopeless with technology 🤪

[Hidden in reply to Bubble56]

The easiest way, I think, is to click on the members picture/avatar next to their name, and it takes you to their user page. Click "message" and write your message and press reply to send it. 😊🌻

Look at the 2 speech bubbles above, there should be a message notification from me for practice. 🤯.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A good one does make a major difference - OTOH, not sure about the weight aspect as it takes almost all the work out of it! So you aren't working the leg muscles that much. I don't have one (we did buy an early one that never really worked but I was taken ill with something else soon after and never used it so it didn;t get taken back) but I see German 80+ year olds cycling up mountain roads! Do be careful though - the accident rate amongst cyclists in Germany has risen dramatically as they aren't used to the speed

Weight loss on pred = low carb diet.

[Stifffingers in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMR Pro .

Trust ......you need to use your legs a lot.

It’s not a Moped!! And it’s a workout for sure.

Love mine , been a great help ,

Regards.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Stifffingers]

You USE your legs yes - I didn't say you didn't, just that the heavy effort is removed!

[Cyclegirl54]

Hi there, I would add that apart from potential extra tired leg muscles, my own cycling pmr experience was an increase in my shoulder and upper arm discomfort/pain from keeping steady and upright( I didn’t master no hands on the handlebars🤣). My neck got a bit achy too. Apart from that, go for it as everyone’s experience is different. 😀All the best and keep well 😀

[Cyclegirl54]

I would add that after being diagnosed with GCA six months into my PMR journey, the Pred dosage made me feel quite weird so riding my bike would have been downright dangerous!

[Bubble56 in reply to Cyclegirl54]

Thank you for your comments- I have actually gone ahead and bought a bike this afternoon!😱🚴

[Constance13 in reply to Bubble56]

Let us know how you get on. Take it VERY slowly at first. Enjoy!

[Cyclegirl54 in reply to Bubble56]

You go for it and enjoy 😀

[Bubble56 in reply to Bubble56]

Thanks.... it’s just arrived and I’m so excited at the thought of getting out and about again without walking too far!😂

[alvertta in reply to Bubble56]

Have fun. I bought one last fall. Just plugged my battery into charge.

[Candleford19]

I have an electric bike I bought from Halfords some four years ago. Contrary to some of the posts, you do have to peddle but can get the bike to give you as much assistance as you need. I’d thoroughly recommend, especially if you have hills around you!

[cool4bob]

m.youtube.com/watch?v=z4IHo...(Not working as expected?) I’ve got one of these, it’s great.

[Lizzery]

An electric bike is the best thing out. I’ve had one for about 4 years or so now, and it’s such fun. My PMR goes through phases, but I’ve always been able to get out on the bike, although I am a fair weather cyclist.

Hope you enjoy your new purchase.

[Bubble56 in reply to Lizzery]

Thank you, I am sure I will.

[Stifffingers]

Hi,

Yes I can advise. I was bought one as an incentive to get myself moving. Had to get a “Dutch” bike, ie I step through it , as wasn’t able ) still unable) to get my leg over a crossbar. You still need to peddle, but the battery gives you an assist. I only went short distances at first But now as I’m on my final days ( G-dWilling) of lower Pred. , am able to venture out further. Mine has 4 power options . Eco ( good luck!!) Tour ( ok for a flat road) sport & Turbo. It’s only the last 2 that really give one a boost. Warning though on Turbo your battery time is very much reduced. Take your time with it. They are very heavy bikes aswell, and early doors I did struggle to hold the thing . Tip squeeze the breaks to stabilise.

Mines a Rayleigh .

Lovely feeling cycling through the countryside.

Tip 2 RiD users have no patience . Wear a helmet .

[bakingD]

Hi I find cycling does me no harm at all in fact less pain than walking and completed a v long hard bike ride last year with no flare of my symptoms which are in my shoulders

[Loco99]

I have a Halfords electric bike and it has saved my knees. I was heading for serious OA and riding the bike has helped build up the muscles around my knees meaning they are much more stable and almost completely pain free.

Bike riding hasn’t caused any problems in relation to PMR.

I did have a few teething problems with an uncomfortable saddle and handlebar grips which I replaced with ergonomically designed ones. I also have a helmet, gloves and proper padded cycle shorts.

My husband is a keen cyclist and emphasised the importance of having a comfortable riding position which is related to the saddle and handlebar position.

I suggest that you go to a proper bike shop to get a suitable bike which you can (in the case of Halfords) try out before you buy it.

Bike shops are allowed to be open during lockdown so you should be able to find one near you.

[Ebiker]

Hi Bubble. Just read the posts. Sorry I did not reply earlier. I bought an e-bike a year ago, less than a couple of months after starting on pred. I live in a country area and was concerned that I might not be able to walk far.

It was a smart move. It took a while to adjust to it, as it is a different riding experience because of the weight. Mine is a Gepida with a Bosch pedal assist with 4 levels of assist....similar to others mentioned. I find I need the high level of assist at times because I live in a hilly area. Others have mentioned important tips. Most important is getting saddle and handle bars set correctly.

Initially I had to accept using the assist more, rather than push too hard on the pedals as that meant wobble. Hi viz jacket, gloves and helmet are essentials. I did not experience any pain, only some stiffness in the upper arms. I endorse the advice given by others.

Got the bike out again a couple of weeks ago after winter and it was magical being able to cycle our almost deserted country roads with only the sounds of birds and lambs. I was amazed at how comfortable and easy I found it after the break....managed 5 miles no problem.

Enjoy.

[Bubble56]

A catch up on electric bikes! I bought one and it is the best investment I have made in years. I love the freedom it gives me and the thrill of cycling again. It’s so much easier than walking long distances and can be as much or as little strain on your muscles as you want because you just turn the power up a bit if you need to. Any of you that are considering buying one should ask a bike shop ( they seem to be all open) if you can have a trial ride. 🚴‍♂️😃

Buying padded trousers is a good tip!!!!