Arthritic ol Knacker:

[GPSS]

I have slight arthritus in my left hip, and I have just given up smoking so not very fit, hence the idea to get a bike and try and lose some wieght. At the moment I am seriously considering buying a electric bike for £800, as with the power I feel it may take some of the strain off my hip. Is road riding a bike likely to knacker my hip or maybe do it some good, what would some of you expierecenced chaps reccommend.

[prand]

I would suggest that if you want to actually get fit and protect your ailing hip, that you steer away from battery assisted bikes.

A guy in my office was looking into this and very nearly bought one until I pointed out that it weighed 35 klilos - nearly half his bodyweight!

If I was you, I would look at a serious programme of stretching to ease the strain and increase mobility on your hip, and also try out some cycling (maybe in the gym to start with) to see if that aggravates or improves things before buying a lighter commuter-type bike, and build yourself up slowly from light, easy rides to longer hilly ones as your fitness and muscle endurance improves.

Edited by prand on Monday 16th June 09:29

[Marcellus]

I've got a friend who has taken up riding at the age of 65++ after he had a full hip replacement and it's apparently done him no end of good.

My advice would be 1st speak to your physio/doctor to get the ok but then if you're looking at spending £800(ish) on a bike avoid electric but buy a turbo trainer as well........the reason is you can start to excercise yoru hip in a very controlled manner getting the movement/flexibility going in the safety of your own home/garage/garden and building your strength at the same time.

Sencondly the fit will be everything for you.....find a local bike shop where the people actually know and really care what they sell..if they're any good they will loan you a possible bike for a few days for you to try...

[Xenocide]

I'll repeat what the others have said. You'll outgrow the eletric bike very quickly. The problem is that they're so bloody heavy! You'll feel frustrated because you'll slow down right after you stop pedalling if you're off the battery.