Recumbent trikes

[suavecarve]

Some of you may be aware that I had a bit of an op on the back for something relatively serious called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Probably more of you are aware that we cycle a lot on holiday. We are going away at end of Feb and the cunning plan is to cycle disused railway lines and equivalents in Spain.

At present I have a Haibike Bosch motored E bike which has and is doing me wonderfully.

The back issue is likely to cause me to have to move to a recumbent. So far I have found out that there is a difference between 2 wheels at the front or 2 wheels at the back (tadpole and delta !) and I have no idea if I need or want electric on the bike. We were doing 80 odd kms a day on electric.

Do i need a folding one to get into a garage (Rollerteam 685). Does the singular wheel remove easily to adjust storage length on the longer versions ? Where can i go to see some within striking distance of Guildford ish area ? Should there be consideration of a tandem ? Any 2nd hand sales specialists ? What sort of style should I be looking at for a lower back injury and would the singular wheel be better at the back or the front for me ? Cycling in rain difficulties with these bikes ? Are these bikes cheaper in foreign countries like the E bikes are and are there any specialist shops or preferable countries for me to get a bit better value for money ?

I think we will be taking the usual E bike with us but totally unsure of how good it will be for me.

Any general advice as I really dont have a scooby what I am looking for

 

[The Wino]

Some of you may be aware that I had a bit of an op on the back for something relatively serious called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Probably more of you are aware that we cycle a lot on holiday. We are going away at end of Feb and the cunning plan is to cycle disused railway lines and equivalents in Spain.

At present I have a Haibike Bosch motored E bike which has and is doing me wonderfully.

The back issue is likely to cause me to have to move to a recumbent. So far I have found out that there is a difference between 2 wheels at the front or 2 wheels at the back (tadpole and delta !) and I have no idea if I need or want electric on the bike. We were doing 80 odd kms a day on electric.

Do i need a folding one to get into a garage (Rollerteam 685). Does the singular wheel remove easily to adjust storage length on the longer versions ? Where can i go to see some within striking distance of Guildford ish area ? Should there be consideration of a tandem ? Any 2nd hand sales specialists ? What sort of style should I be looking at for a lower back injury and would the singular wheel be better at the back or the front for me ? Cycling in rain difficulties with these bikes ? Are these bikes cheaper in foreign countries like the E bikes are and are there any specialist shops or preferable countries for me to get a bit better value for money ?

I think we will be taking the usual E bike with us but totally unsure of how good it will be for me.

Any general advice as I really dont have a scooby what I am looking for

Have you asked the medics if it's a reasonable thing to do given the timescale?

 

[funflair]

I would go for two wheels over 3 as the ride will be a lot less jiggeley especially on track and it is much easier to go around pot holes and obstacles with two wheels vs three, I found that out when I tried a 3 wheel scooter out

I have a feeling that you might be the he of the relationship so might not take to being on the front of one of these.

The frames on these concertina in and are short enough to go in a garage no problem, the seat also comes off and the bars fold in and down so actually very compact vs a solo bike unless you turn the bars.

 

[TDub49]

Not sure if you will have seen this but if not, it may help inform any decision you make:

Recumbents - Get Cycling - Inclusive Cycling Products

Our range of recumbent cycles are available for all ages, budgets, cycling ability and purposes. We offer expert advise on what recumbent is best for you.

www.getcycling.org.uk

Or this:

The Rise Of The Recumbent Road Bike: How To Choose The Right One For You

Recumbent bikes are pretty different from what most people regard as bicycles, but they have actually been around for a long time. These unusual contraptions originated in the 1800s and are making a comeback with

biketips.com

A friend of mine has a three wheeler and it is what they say - faster and easier than a conventional bike and a tad more comfortable. Seems to me a recumbent might create storage problems and the real issue is being so low down on the road, you need flagpoles to make you visible to traffic.

 

[Whitebirdyman]

I had a go on a Mike Burrows Speedy once, it was great but I am not sure a trike would be practical on a lot of routes, eg locally to me the converted rail track has pinch points that would require the trike to be lifted over.

I have had two 2-wheel recumbents, an M5 and an Optima Dragon. There is very good back support but you do brace strongly against your back to get the power. They are much more tricky to start on a hill due to the way you apply the power, you really need enough single leg power to get started then bring up your other leg, this is probably the time there is most pressure on your back. Of course an electric one would be much easier.

 

[Riverbankannie]

First of all, I echo The Wino ‘s advice above.

After my back injury last year (fractured L3 so definitely not as serious as your injury), I found that sideways wobble the most painful. We have to negotiate pillow hump road safety measures where we live and travelling, however slowly, over those with 2 side wheels up and 2 down, was excruciating.

As much as you don’t want to hear it, I would lower your expectations for this holiday. Just be glad you are still able to go, and if you really feel up to it, search online for a bike hire shop in Spain.

Sorry, I know that was not your question, I just feel concern for you.
Best Wishes

 

[suavecarve]

Have you asked the medics if it's a reasonable thing to do given the timescale?

Timescales are so awkward with this injury. I am absolutely miles ahead of most. Have walked 400 m unaided already and most people are on walkers for 6 months then crutches.
I think long term I probably need to go recumbent bike but hoping I might be able to cycle some i in March.
FIrst physio is tomorrow but the physio at the hospital (specialist cauda equina) was very happy for me to be cycling to increase the recovery from nerve end damage.
Its the back position I am more concerned about

 

[suavecarve]

First of all, I echo The Wino ‘s advice above.

After my back injury last year (fractured L3 so definitely not as serious as your injury), I found that sideways wobble the most painful. We have to negotiate pillow hump road safety measures where we live and travelling, however slowly, over those with 2 side wheels up and 2 down, was excruciating.

As much as you don’t want to hear it, I would lower your expectations for this holiday. Just be glad you are still able to go, and if you really feel up to it, search online for a bike hire shop in Spain.

Sorry, I know that was not your question, I just feel concern for you.
Best Wishes

Youre right of course, but I will do as much as I can when I can and take the painkillers after !
If we get out on the normal bikes, we may only go 10Km and then give up for the rest of the holiday if it is not working well, but then I would immediately look to for a recumbent, rather than wait til we get back, hence seeking the knowledge now so we can change tack out there if necessary.

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[Gingernuts]

As an ex ‘bent rider (kingcycle and ice trike) with a back injury, I can say it’s easier to ride on the flat and faster then a normal bike but uphill is a bit of a problem. Paths are a problem too, not wide enough and kissing gates are a nightmare (for the trike)
There is a company in Thetford,if it still exists, that hire all their recumbents out hourly, daily so you can see which style suits you
The owners is a bit elusive on the phone/ E-mail but persevere as he’s a very knowledgeable chap.
Most important rule of ‘bent riding is shoes with clips and the associated pedals otherwise you will break a leg

 

[jumar]

Only thing I can offer is Support...in 1977, I sustained serious spinal injuries...a climbing accident...I didn't work or engaged in Sport for over a year....on a positive note...I returned to work as a front line operational Firefighter and continued to climb at a fairly high standard...so enough about what I did...and continue to do right now...
Stay positive, listen to what your body is telling you....you know best...if I'd listened to what I was told, I would have been on the scrapheap....but I didn't.
Good luck with your progress and your aspirations....I hope you find what you need to get the wheels turning again...it might feel different for a while...but in time you will be appreciating what you have achieved and how kind life is to the less fortunate.
Via Verde bike routes in Spain are brilliant, would you believe we are currently parked up on one right now....plan to use part of it as a route I'm planning for tomorrow....MH official parking...VV and 18°c in January....what more is required....perhaps you....when you get sorted...

 

[The Wino]

Youre right of course, but I will do as much as I can when I can and take the painkillers after !
If we get out on the normal bikes, we may only go 10Km and then give up for the rest of the holiday if it is not working well, but then I would immediately look to for a recumbent, rather than wait til we get back, hence seeking the knowledge now so we can change tack out there if necessary.

I was worried about the shock if you went over a pothole so soon after the operation. Maybe the phsio can advise going on an exercise bike is going to be a lot different to on a track or the road. Good to hear you're recovering well.

 

[PhilMary]

Some of you may be aware that I had a bit of an op on the back for something relatively serious called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Probably more of you are aware that we cycle a lot on holiday. We are going away at end of Feb and the cunning plan is to cycle disused railway lines and equivalents in Spain.

At present I have a Haibike Bosch motored E bike which has and is doing me wonderfully.

The back issue is likely to cause me to have to move to a recumbent. So far I have found out that there is a difference between 2 wheels at the front or 2 wheels at the back (tadpole and delta !) and I have no idea if I need or want electric on the bike. We were doing 80 odd kms a day on electric.

Do i need a folding one to get into a garage (Rollerteam 685). Does the singular wheel remove easily to adjust storage length on the longer versions ? Where can i go to see some within striking distance of Guildford ish area ? Should there be consideration of a tandem ? Any 2nd hand sales specialists ? What sort of style should I be looking at for a lower back injury and would the singular wheel be better at the back or the front for me ? Cycling in rain difficulties with these bikes ? Are these bikes cheaper in foreign countries like the E bikes are and are there any specialist shops or preferable countries for me to get a bit better value for money ?

I think we will be taking the usual E bike with us but totally unsure of how good it will be for me.

Any general advice as I really dont have a scooby what I am looking for

Recumbent tricycles are heavy in comparison.
80 MILES in a day is easily doable on a recumbent , less back ache less arm ache.
Faster than a road bike due to aerodynamic position.
One or both wheels drop out just as a road bike
(Although I carry mine on the back of the motorhome as is.)
This is my "old" one, light weight, 700cc wheels. Low racer type
It's for sale at £1500.

 

[PhilMary]

I would go for two wheels over 3 as the ride will be a lot less jiggeley especially on track and it is much easier to go around pot holes and obstacles with two wheels vs three, I found that out when I tried a 3 wheel scooter out

I have a feeling that you might be the he of the relationship so might not take to being on the front of one of these.

View attachment 859884


The frames on these concertina in and are short enough to go in a garage no problem, the seat also comes off and the bars fold in and down so actually very compact vs a solo bike unless you turn the bars.

Forgot to add J. D. Tandems in Gargreave (near where the picture was taken) do all my service work on the recumbents and the tandem)

 

[funflair]

Forgot to add J. D. Tandems in Gargreave (near where the picture was taken) do all my service work on the recumbents and the tandem)

We had just picked it up from them and were out on a shakedown ride.

 

[suavecarve]

Quick update for any future readers, I had my first physio yesterday and spoke through our upcoming cycling holiday and she was happy for it to go ahead as well. She was getting nervous about me flying ! but that was soon put to bed.

This is a different physio to the specialist at St Georges, but her knowledge of the injury appeared to me, to be very good.

She advised not going for a recumbent bike at this stage because of the pressure on the nerve ends of my legs, but to try a static bike first to make sure of the back position and to adjust the back position to make it the most comfortable.

She was pleased to hear it is electric bikes and disused railway lines and that I will give up very quickly if it is not helping

 

[Red Sonja]

suavecarve. I've found that the physios are far better than the Doctors at diagnosing the correct spinal problem and are also spot on with their advice and exercises. They know what was done and what your body can cope with.

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[suavecarve]

suavecarve. I've found that the physios are far better than the Doctors at diagnosing the correct spinal problem and are also spot on with their advice and exercises. They know what was done and what your body can cope with.

2 GPs looked at my back and said painkillers.
One physio said "Get yourself to A and E and mention your symptoms you told me"

The nerve damage if I had stayed with GP would be significant.

I owe that physio a beer.

I used to work with a remedial gymnast many years ago and we had a sports rehabilitation clinic at the sports centre I worked at so found out a number of things during that time, but I didnt know about cauda equinas

 

[dalspa]

With regard to your riding position that you are concerned about, would an upright position be better rather than leaning forward? Wife has a Raleigh Motus step through which is upright and has a suspension seat post. Your existing bike may be able to achieve a more upright position by using a shorter stem and sliding your seat slightly forward. Modifying your existing bike, for this holiday, could be done with minimal expense and as the mileage increases you could quickly lengthen the position to suit.
We have always done a lot of biking whilst away - last year doing just under 400 miles in three weeks (not up to your distances though). Wife rides an ebike but, up to now, I have ridden on normal hybrid. But I’m now looking at transitioning to an ebike due to recent knee problems. Can’t imagine not being able to bike so, like you, got to find a solution.

 

[Grianan]

2 GPs looked at my back and said painkillers.
One physio said "Get yourself to A and E and mention your symptoms you told me"

The nerve damage if I had stayed with GP would be significant.

I owe that physio a beer.

More than a beer …. my dad’s GP put it down to arthritis. He ended up paralysed from the waist down. I can’t describe what he and my mum went through.

 

[suavecarve]

More than a beer …. my dad’s GP put it down to arthritis. He ended up paralysed from the waist down. I can’t describe what he and my mum went through.

It seems, from what I can work out from the Cauda Equinas Survivors Group, the general consensus is the quicker you have the op when you lose control around the saddle area, the more chance of a "good" recovery. Mine is going really well. I still have numbness on my outer left quad and it occasionally goes down my shin (like at the moment) but I think my back pain has gone and my stitches come out on Friday so will learn even more then. I did 2 walks today of 400 m and 800 m with my newly purchased walking poles and they seem to keep my posture better.
I ve chatted to work and told them I am off sick til 28/2 and then taking annual leave for a month as I would rather pay for my leave with leave days than go on holiday and claim them back sick. It just seems wrong to do that

 

[suavecarve]

With regard to your riding position that you are concerned about, would an upright position be better rather than leaning forward? Wife has a Raleigh Motus step through which is upright and has a suspension seat post. Your existing bike may be able to achieve a more upright position by using a shorter stem and sliding your seat slightly forward. Modifying your existing bike, for this holiday, could be done with minimal expense and as the mileage increases you could quickly lengthen the position to suit.
We have always done a lot of biking whilst away - last year doing just under 400 miles in three weeks (not up to your distances though). Wife rides an ebike but, up to now, I have ridden on normal hybrid. But I’m now looking at transitioning to an ebike due to recent knee problems. Can’t imagine not being able to bike so, like you, got to find a solution.

I have an upright riding position on a cross bike at the moment. I reckon I will do a suck it and see but my current theory is to raise the handlebars up and lower the seat, which should verticalise the back a tad more. How much I can stand a vertical back is all about time but a lot of my weight will be taken by by cute but perfectly formed derriere so I m hoping spine compression is going to be less of an issue and the legs nerve endings can have a good workout

 

[Steve and Denise]

Being an igneramence why would anyone want to put themselves in a totally vulnerable position on the road?
These things are totally stupid on todays roads.
Before anyone replies most road users do pay a VED to use the roads that gives them more entitlement to be on the road than a cyclist no question

 

[dalspa]

Being an igneramence why would anyone want to put themselves in a totally vulnerable position on the road?
These things are totally stupid on todays roads.
Before anyone replies most road users do pay a VED to use the roads that gives them more entitlement to be on the road than a cyclist no question

Most cyclists also have a car so also pay VED. Just because they are not in their car does not mean they shouldn’t be on the road. We have two cars and a motorhome for which we pay a significant total amount of VED for the miles driven - probably less than 10k in total for the three vehicles. VED is not Road Tax.

 

[Red Sonja]

The Drs at Kings College thought I had Cauda Equinas as I had all the symptoms. Even an expert I saw privately at the Shard was convinced. I had multiple MRIs but they could only find wear and tear on my spine.

However NHS physio ordered An MRI on the top of my body. I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital after the MRI and was blue lighted back to London. It must have been 6 months of investigations before this was found and both Physios I saw were convinced it was spinal. Mine was top of spine and I had operation through my throat. I was lucky and can only praise the Physios I saw both private and NHS

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[jongood]

I would go for two wheels over 3 as the ride will be a lot less jiggeley especially on track and it is much easier to go around pot holes and obstacles with two wheels vs three, I found that out when I tried a 3 wheel scooter out

I have a feeling that you might be the he of the relationship so might not take to being on the front of one of these.

View attachment 859884


The frames on these concertina in and are short enough to go in a garage no problem, the seat also comes off and the bars fold in and down so actually very compact vs a solo bike unless you turn the bars.

We got one of these at the same time, absolutely love it (as you know Martin) it wouldnt work with Sue on the back because shes wouldnt be strong enough to manage my weight on the front and she's the wobbly one.

suavecarve I'm with those saying to give yourself more time to heal, failing that

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C2TZTVHX/

 

[Steve and Denise]

Most cyclists also have a car so also pay VED. Just because they are not in their car does not mean they shouldn’t be on the road. We have two cars and a motorhome for which we pay a significant total amount of VED for the miles driven - probably less than 10k in total for the three vehicles. VED is not Road Tax.

I think you will find there is no such thing as road tax
Also VED only covers the one car / bike it it is registered to

 

[dalspa]

So, therefore, a vehicle owner paying VED but choosing to ride his/her bike instead has just as much right to be on the road as if being in said vehicle. I think the OP rides most of his miles(kilometres) on cycleways on foreign soil so VED is even more irrelevant. End of.

 

[suavecarve]

We got one of these at the same time, absolutely love it (as you know Martin) it wouldnt work with Sue on the back because shes wouldnt be strong enough to manage my weight on the front and she's the wobbly one.

suavecarve I'm with those saying to give yourself more time to heal, failing that

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C2TZTVHX/

Its not the spine recovery that is driving me to physio and movements. I have lived with an aching back for 20 years and that is manageable.
It is the nerve end damage to legs, bladder and bowel that needs the physio so the opposite approach of rest and relaxation is required to train those nerve ends to work.

 

[The Wino]

I think you will find there is no such thing as road tax
Also VED only covers the one car / bike it it is registered to

As ved varies from vehicle to vehicle in the same class and is free for some vehicles how can it have anything to do with paying for the roads? We have one car at £20 a year the other a lot more it doesn't mean one has more right to be on the road than the other.

 

[Steve and Denise]

As ved varies from vehicle to vehicle in the same class and is free for some vehicles how can it have anything to do with paying for the roads? We have one car at £20 a year the other a lot more it doesn't mean one has more right to be on the road than the other.

I did not say it did