Bicycling after RSI?

As I've mentioned previously (complained, whined, etc.), I've had quite a bit of trouble with RSI over the last couple years.  I've had to give up some of the sports I like (or would have liked to try someday) because the weight-bearing stuff makes my hands sore, sometimes for a couple days after.  The times I've gotten on my old mountain bike, I've regretted it later.  Since I live a mile away from a really great, 20-odd mile trail, it's been kind of a bummer.

Today, however, I was out rollerblading and noticed someone on a road bike who had his weight on his forearms, and then the bike actually had handles out in front of the usual handle bars (the brakes may have been up there, too).  So, he was holding on with his hands, but not putting any weight on them.

This weekend, I'm going to hit the bike shop and see if this is some kind of custom modification or if it is a new option that some bikes are offering.  I'll let you folks know what I find out.

Comments

[Randy Rasa]

Try a recumbent bicycle. This takes the weight entirely off your arms, because you're sitting back in a comfortable position, rather than leaning forward and balancing on a small saddle. It's worked for me. A good place to learn about 'bents is at http://www.bentrideronline.com/

[Ergoblog]

Thanks for the comments Randy. Yes, I've thought about recumbent bicycles, too. I may have to try to find a place around here that lets you rent them.

I found out that interesting handle bar I was talking about is an attachment that you can buy and put on most bikes. The guy at the bike shop said it was uncomfortable riding all hunched over like that though and that they were mainly favored by triathletes.

[Tony Diethelm]

Hi there.

I had to give up my road bike because of Carpal. I got a recumbent, and I'd highly recommend it. They're amazingly comfortable, still fast, and just a lot of fun. I can ride just as fast as my friends and now I can ride LONGER because of the nice seating position. There is NO weight on my arms, so no pain. My crotch is a lot happier too. :D It's completely worth it.

I would not recommend the Aerobar style handlebars. They transfer a lot of vibration right into your shoulders, and the hunched position is quite uncomfortable.

The only drawbacks to a recumbent are price (It's worth it) and that they don't fit on a lot of standard bike racks.

Get One.

-T