Need some advice here

**thinkerlady**[$] · #1 04-12-2006, 03:00 PM

Anybody know anything about recumbent stationary bicycles? The kind with back support?

I saw an orthopedic doc and he has recommended using a stationary bike with back support--instead of a usual bicycle seat.

Just looking for advice here before I start shopping.

**taurusmoon** · #2 04-12-2006, 03:32 PM

I have one (insert disclaimer that I haven't used it in years) and it's far easier on both the knees and back than a traditional stationary bike.

Especially when you don't use it.

Oh, and it makes a much better clothes rack.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #3 04-12-2006, 03:42 PM

Ha!!! What kind do you have?

I just made an appointment with a physical therapist for my back, on Monday. But I wanted to check into this bike thing.............

When you DID use it, did you like it??? Brand???

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #4 04-12-2006, 03:58 PM

I used the recumbants at the gym, they were nice. You don't end up burning as many calories per hour, but they're more comfortable.

**taurusmoon** · #5 04-12-2006, 04:08 PM

I'm drawing a total blank as to the brand. I'll take a look at it when I get home tonight. It was on the moderately inexpensive side. We bought it about 6 years ago on sale for somewhere in the low $200 range.

And, yes, when I am moved to use it (is that moved to move?) I like it very much. I have lower back, knee and neck issues. It's very kind on all of those. And, you still get an excellent workout.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #6 04-12-2006, 04:21 PM

Oh ok, thanks Sara. I have arthritis in my lower back, and I have decided to do something about it--hence the pt, and doc, and bike. I was walking last summer and fall, but evidently it was not good for my back. I may have done more damage.
There are many brands out there, in all price ranges! I wonder--maybe I should check EBay.

**taurusmoon** · #7 04-12-2006, 04:24 PM

Anything you buy on ebay -- unless it's a local purchase you can pick up directly -- will cost you a small fortune to ship. Those suckers are heavy.

You might want to check your local paper or supermarket bulletin boards for a good used one in your neighborhood.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #8 04-12-2006, 04:27 PM

craigslist!!!

**lynnzop**[$] · #9 04-12-2006, 04:32 PM

Maybe you could relieve Sara of her clothes dryer and get in a twip to the big city all in one shot.

**lynnzop**[$] · #10 04-12-2006, 04:33 PM

Maybe you could relieve Sara of her clothes dryer and get in a twip to the big city all in one shot.

I'd say let Amy drive, but that's a little dangerous.

**taurusmoon** · #11 04-12-2006, 05:19 PM

Actually, I recently excavated mine. It is completely free of random objects.

I'm in "psyching myself up to get started" mode.

Btw, I remembered the brand name. It's ProForm. Decent. Solidly built. Inexpensive (unless it's just a clothes rack -- then you can do better for the money

)

**thinkerlady**[$] · #12 04-12-2006, 05:47 PM

I have driven with Amy in the past. We'll take the train!!! (Sorry girlfriend!)

I didn't think about the shipping, and yes, Sara, when I looked the shipping would be probably as much as the cost.

I am going to check Sears, and Sports Authority, to see what I like, and then see if I can get one second hand. I just don't want to lay out big buck. My hubby will probably have a fit at me wanting to buy yet another piece of excercise equipment, but I really think time has come to pay the piper. If I want to continue to walk, I have to do something.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #13 04-12-2006, 05:49 PM

Freecycle!

**taurusmoon** · #14 04-12-2006, 06:00 PM

Quote:

mjfrombuffalo said

Freecycle!

Is that a stationary bike with no wheel?

**taurusmoon** · #15 04-12-2006, 06:04 PM

When you go for your test ride, Angie, make sure you consider that the seat needs to be properly adjusted for your body. Check to make sure that the model you're looking at has a length adjustment and fiddle with it for your height before you try to pedal it. That really does make a big difference both in your comfort and the wear and tear on your body.

**taurusmoon** · #16 04-12-2006, 09:32 PM

This is the model I have.

It's an antique now, so I'm shocked I could find any available new. Like I said, it's pretty basic, but it does the job.

The current models are still pretty reasonably priced and perhaps a bit more refined in design.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #17 04-12-2006, 09:40 PM

Thanks Sara. I appreciate the info.

**Prepoia**[$] · #18 04-12-2006, 09:53 PM

I just sent you an email that has the link to free shipping on Sara's model. Use it or not but it's only good for today.

It's never too late to make ourselves better.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #19 04-12-2006, 10:06 PM

Thank you Sandy, I will check it out.

**Helen_B**[$] · #20 04-13-2006, 01:48 AM

Here's a suggestion, if you already have a traditional excercise bike. #3 designed his own recumbent bike to rehab from a knee injury. He removed the seat from our old exercise bike, placed the bike in front of an armchair, sat in the armchair and pedalled away. With the seat removed, his knees couldn't bump into it. Since the floor was carpeted, the bike wouldn't scoot away, and he could position it to get the leg length just right. (He did this because sitting on the bike seat was really uncomfortable.) It worked great for him. He could lean back in the chair, and pedal in comfort.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #21 04-13-2006, 08:56 AM

That is a very inventive idea Helen. I have a traditional bike, but it is a dual action bike. It might work, if my legs were longer, but I don't think I could reach the pedals. My bike is very old, from the late '80s when the dual action thing was "in".

**theworm**[$] · #22 04-13-2006, 10:37 AM

craigslist!

I sold my treadmill on Craigslist.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #23 04-13-2006, 06:17 PM

Ok-this is what I did. I went floating around the internet checking out websites. Then I broke the news to hubby that I was on the prowl to make a search.

He went hunting, and we settled on one that looked good, but was way more than we had hoped to spend. BUT................ it was on sale. So I carted myself and over to Sears, and it was indeed on sale. I sat in it, and did the adjustment thing, and the seat has a lumbar cushion thingee that felt oh so good on my back. It wasn't really fancy, but it is really fancy, if that makes sense. It is the Schwinn 213. I used it there, gently, and my back didn't hurt. Soooooooooo................I bought it. $449. It is regularly a $600. bike. It is still in the back of my car. I have never really made big purchases without hubby.................So I guess I am growing up!!!! He has to put it together, and so help me, if I don't use it he will divorce me. That much I know for sure. He didn't want to add any more exercies equipment to this house. But I just did!!!!!!