try a recumbent?

coinneach

After about 6 months of back problems, I am wondering (Hoping) that a recumbent might be a solution.
Ideally I'd like to try one to see if I can get the hang of them.
Anyone know of any possibilities?
I live in Central Scotland
Any advice appreciated :idea:

Cunobelin

How "Central"?

There are two contacts in Scotland, Kinitcs in Bearsden, Glasgow who stocks some and Laid Back in Edinburgh who not only stock, but also have a local hire / organised rides

The important thing is that they come in all shapes sizes and formats so you really need to try them out and see what suits you.

With a back problem it may be as simple as a mesh seat being more comfortable than a shell seat.

Best of luck

GarethPJ

coinneach wrote:

After about 6 months of back problems, I am wondering (Hoping) that a recumbent might be a solution.
Ideally I'd like to try one to see if I can get the hang of them.
Anyone know of any possibilities?
I live in Central Scotland
Any advice appreciated :idea:

Sorry to hear about the back problems. What's the problem exactly? It might be worth speaking to a specialist sports physio they might be able to give you some advice regarding cycling.

coinneach

thanks guys...I may be clutching at straws, but the chance to try one out in a group around Edinburgh sounds a great offer: nothing to loose
(The back problem currently is sciatica (trapped nerve?) and the physio thinks the angle of leaning over the bike may make that worse...who knows?)
Thing about recumbents, everyone riding them seems to have a smile on their face (IF you can see them!)
I'll let you know how I get on

GarethPJ

Sciatica is generally descriptive of a symptom rather than the cause of the actual pain. Which could be something like a herniated disk.

I agree with the physio that the spinal curvature introduced by riding may be making things worse, however the seats of some bents may curve the spine in the same direction and place more weight on the problem area of the spine. This may excaberate the problem

Unless you can find a riding position on any bike you may need to stay off the bike until the problem is sorted. I know that not what you want to hear, but sometimes with back problems it's the only way.

mz__jo

I would have to agree with Gareth. I used to ride a recumbent a bit, it was great for my neck and shoulders (it had the bars under the seat). However, since my arthritis has developed to the point where sitting on the sofa or in a car is uncomfortable (read shear hell sometimes in the car) I have given up the recumbent completely; I am better on a conventional frame or a motorbike. I think that in my case having three points of support as on a conventional frame or a motorbike is better than having one (my backside) as in a car or on my recumbent. I do miss the recumbent, it was very relaxed, but I don't think it would do much good for a back problem. (That said, there may be models that are better than the one I used to ride but you would have to try quite a lot to be certain).
Cheers Jo