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Finding the Right Bike

By Ellen Fix

Your body is different from everyone else’s, so your bicycle should be, too. There are now numerous unique bicycle designs that can help keep you cycling in comfort. So how do you know which bike type is right for you? Here are a few general guidelines that can help you find the right bike.

First, skip the discount toy store racks. Instead, let an expert at a bicycle shop help you determine what style of bike suits your needs and riding plans, and find the right bike size for a good fit.

A test drive will tell all, so always take a test ride before you buy. Bike shops should let you take their two-wheelers outside for a test ride. Comfort is king – no matter what your confidence and ability level – so ask yourself if you’re comfortable behind those handlebars.

Bike sizes vary from by manufacturer, but in general, for good fit and comfort, you should be able to stand comfortably and stably with your feet flat on the ground with the top bar of the frame under you. Step-through frames – once called “girls” bicycles, because they were ridden while wearing a skirt – are still available today. Unless you are aiming for high mileage, these bikes are quite stable and may be appropriate for either men or women.

Here are four unique bicycles designs with body-friendly features.

Comfort bike. Built for recreational riding on flat, smooth terrain a comfort bike (often called a “cruiser”) has higher handlebars than a race or road bike and a lower seat, all of which provides better handling and stability.

Mountain bike. Wide, knobby tires and thick frames for off-the-beaten-path cycling are the trademark design elements of a mountain bike. They are strong and usually heavy bikes with good stability and popular even on city roads, because included suspension helps cushion road bumps. The handlebars are usually upright and wide, providing stability.

Hybrid bike. With larger wheels and narrower tires, a hybrid provides more efficient travel over long distances than its mountain bike cousin. While a hybrid is stable enough for the occasional ride on unpaved terrain, it’s a good choice for casual riding in neighborhood parks. The handlebars have an upright stem, which lets you pedal in a comfortable upright position.

Recumbent bike. Although considered the most comfortable of bikes to ride, it can take some time to get used to the feel of riding this long and low bike. The wide, high-backed seat evenly supports and distributes the weight of your torso, relieving pressure on the arms, shoulders and back. Think of sitting in a reclining chair and pedaling in that position. Some pricey recumbents have an electrical power feature that provides automated pedaling assistance.

Prices vary widely based on components and manufacturer, but expect to pay between $250 and $600 for a quality bicycle.

Pani

03 Jan 2012, 04:21

Hi,

I was having psoriatic arthritis. And it recovered. I am planning to by Orbitrek elite.

Please let me know Orbitrek will help or it will create problem for psoriatic arthritis.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Pani

Mary Ellen Grayberg

20 Oct 2011, 00:55

I have worn patella's in both knees and osteoarthritis, I have lost quite a bit of weight, but, need to exercise to go further, I was told in by doc to stay off treadmill, but, i could use recumbent bike in our rec room in blding, I would like to get one or a Stationary Bike if possible but, unsure of what kind...can you help me...Thank You
Mary Ellen Grayberg

Terri

24 Sep 2011, 19:42

To: Jan Sep, 8, 2011
Bike buying can be alot of work. Some kind of crusier should work well for you if you can sit upright comfortably. There are alot of seat choices as well. Get one that is narrow or wide enough for your own needs. Other options are foam padded, gel, leather or fabric. A cruser should have handles higher than the seat. If you live in an appartment or have any steps to go up, consider the weight of the bike also. Handlebar brakes and gears will make the hills easier to concure, if you can work them with your hands. If there is an "Eric's bike shop" nearby I reccomend them, or other Pro shop, however I would still go in at least twice and speek with different tech's. Then ask why any info is different. Oh, and don't bother to go back if either Tech. does'nt take your measurments and ask you about your riding surface and health concerns. Good Luck!

Jan

08 Sep 2011, 11:11

Buying a bike is much more than I had expected. I have fibromyagia and a bad knee. My quest started at a really good bicycle shop. I told the first guy I knew what I wanted. Just a plain bike with nice comfortable seat, handlebars comfy and brake on the peadles. He guided me to what I though was the one. Of course, I have to think about it so, I left and again on my 2nd trip, one of the other guys, and I told him I had fibro he suggested the Earth Cruiser 3 with the brades on the handle bars. He stated if I rode the bike and began to hurt in one area then I would not go back to riding. I could change the gears. Oh, I cannot believe the tailspin I am in. I just want to ride in the subdivision and yes there are some little hills. What to do??????????Help

Tiny

21 Aug 2011, 20:46

Has anyone tried an electric bike? Are they easy to pedal? Do you know if they are available with foot brakes?

Thanks!

Sybil J. Bath

09 Aug 2011, 09:11

I too, would like to know about handlebars that will be easier for someone with painful hands (thumbs). Also, are bikes with the old-fashioned foot brakes still available? I can't use the hand brakes due to painful hands. I would appreciate any information on the above.

Alice M. Stary

03 May 2011, 15:06

I have arthritis in my lower back and also a really sore area in the middle of my back, which makes it very difficult to sleep since I have always slept on my back. I also suffer from "Mal de Debarquement Syndrome", also known as M.D.D.S. Am 79 yrs. old and need some exercise, but have never been a bicycle rider, to speak of. I am wondering if you would recommend an "Adult Tricycle" as a safe form of exercise. It seems to be a much safer way to get the exercise but not have to worry about the "balance issue" which is definitely a factor when a person has M.D.D.S. What are your recommendations on this? Would appreciate knowing what you think.

Alice M. Stary

David Shuey

16 Oct 2010, 08:54

Bike fitting - my suggestion is that you buy a bike from a reputable bike shop where the shop employees also ride/race. A good shop techincian will be able to fit you correctly if you "tell them where it hurts". I had a bike customer measured and fitted to my needs (my orthopedic bike!)but this can be very expensive. In my experience, the key elements for proper fit are frame size (you should be able to stand flat-footed with the bike between your legs), seat height (slight knee bend at the bottom of the peddle stroke),handlebar type (get handlebars that offer as many hand positions as possible) seat height to handlebar height ratio (you probably want the seat and top of handlebar to be about the same for comfort riding)

Alison

10 Sep 2010, 12:38

I am 25 and I have arthritis in my lower back, I went to the chiropractor and he told me that I may not mountain bike as the time Im 40 I wont be able to bend into my car and Im not allowed to run on a treadmill.Is this true.

Margaret O'Rathaille

01 Sep 2010, 16:10

Hi, can you recommend suitable type bicycle handlebars for arthritic hands? My thumbs get sore holding the handlebars and also my fingers feel strained using the brakes. Thanks.

Irene

22 Jul 2010, 15:54

Hi

Can you tell me the best kind of food to eat for Arthritis of the knee, and what is the best bike to get?

Thanks

Noreen

08 Jun 2010, 15:13

I have significant osteoarthrtis that develped over time after knee surgery (bone on bone in 2 out of 3 compartments) in my L knee and slight arthritis in my R knee. The arthritis has prevented me from walking for exercise and I am very anxious to have some type of exercise in my life again.

What would the best type of bike be for me for just recreational exercise - up to aprox 30 min bike rides a few days a week?

Thanks.

Hope Aguilar

28 May 2010, 11:17

You talk about bicycle riding, how about an
exercise bic? Will an exercise bicycle help
as well.

Martha

24 May 2010, 22:15

I have trouble bending one of my knees. I can get only 90 degrees bend with considerable effort. Is there an upright bike that I can ride or do I have to stick to my recumbent?

Trace

23 Feb 2010, 01:23

Had palindromic RA for 10 years. Completed 3750 km tour of Europe last year on a flat bar roadbike. Cycling has been wonderfuk for RA,- strengthened hips & knees- but in the last 2 mths have had massive flare in wrists & fingers. Feeling a bit unsafe on the bike & am considering a recumbent also. But if your hands are good maybe a lightweight hybrid would be better for your knees.

Toni

06 Feb 2010, 07:13

I have OA and bone on bone in one knee. I have always been pretty active but recently had to stop playing tennis. I started riding a hybrid bike on trails. This has helped me tremendously with pain in my knees. Be sure to get the ride size, have the seat high enough so your legs extend during peddling, if you don't it will hurt your knees more. the legs should only have a slight bend in the knees when peddling. Even when you don't feel like exercising, push to do it. over time it will help with the pain.

David Shuey

14 Jan 2010, 18:56

I recently rode a bike across America to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. I have spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis mostly effecting my knees. I wouldn't recommend a recumbent because they are harder on the knees when climbing. Go to a good local bike shop and get properly fitted with a standard frame. I suggest you buy a cyclocross bike if you are doing road work a bit more aggressive riding frame. If you plan long tours, get a touring frame. If you are just riding on local trails or short rides around town, get a "comfort" bike (aka Hybrid)

racheal

30 Dec 2009, 03:31

I riding a bike a good idea for someone with hip OA?

D.C. Ferrand MD

30 Jul 2009, 18:39

I think that your magazine is one of the best with useful information and patient education. The information is well done and does not use extreme medical language and yet it is not demeaning. I enjoy it and reference it regularly.

Could you please have someone check bicycle heights becuase some patients can't stand well but they can ride. My question is there a leg length measurement that is available. Also if they have one good leg and one arthritic or damaged knee how do you measure. Thank-you for your time and efforts in my behalf. dcf/md

jan

16 Jul 2009, 13:23

Recumbents can be pricy. Either a Revive or Day 6 is an excellent less costly alternative.

laneyrosez

05 Jul 2009, 19:34

I am really considering if I should get a recumbent bike for My arthritis in My knees.Is this a good idea.

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Finding the Right Bike

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