Recommend a sit-up-n-beg e-bike?

[PennyFarthing]

Hello fellow e-cyclists and lycra/crimpolene clad persons,

Have introduced myself in the introducing section - should anyone wish to know about my scandalous cycling history......

Can anyone recommend a sit-up-and-beg type e-bike, for an unwell, overweight, bad back person? It MUST have dutch type handlebars (must not lean forward to cycle due to bad back - need to be sitting upright - but not with buttocks clenched

Not sure whether to start second-hand or break the bank and buy a new one.
I have hills to contend with (described in my introduction).

Many thanks!

Penny Farthing ps: There was no scandal but bet you popped in for a look.

 

[flecc]

Hi Penny Farthing, reference your other post, there are many older people in here,I'm 75, and many overweight (though not me!), up to 20 stones and more. There are even superstrong e-bikes made for the heavy and/or large riders, the Kalkhoff Agattu XXL for example, though only the heaviest need that.

Since it appears you can just about cycle that very long hill at present, either one of the chain drive models like the Panasonic powered bikes such as Kalkhoff, Raleigh, E-motion etc will do the job, or one of the more powerful hub motor models like those from eZee and Wisper. That Powacycle you mentioned elsewhere is one of the lowest powered models around though, so I wouldn't recommend it for you.
.

 

[timidtom]

Have a look at Juicy Bikes? I went, I saw, I bought - no regrets.
Have a look at as many types as possible, try the ones you like,
rob the piggy bank!
Happy hunting,
Tom

 

[flecc]

And don't forget that handlebars can be cheaply changed to the more upright "riser" style you like. Many years ago in the trade it was commonplace to change the bars to personal choice when a customer bought a new bike.

Here's the link to Juicy Bikes that Tom mentioned.
.

 

[PennyFarthing]

Flecc - many thanks for your replies - very helpful. I'm not near 20 stone, but give me another 5 years, unwell, unfit and unmoving and I will be. Don't think I need a superstrong one (frame I presume you mean?) yet. I had a previous bike with standard tyres that used to make my family fold up with laughter as I was cycling on squished tyres when I rode it! My current bike has extra fat/chunky/slightly off-road type quality (you can tell I'm all technial speak, can't you!) and they don't squish at all. Obviously I cycle slightly slower on these tyres but it gives me a comfortable unsquished ride and copes with the numerous pot-holes our council are slow to fix.

I currently only cycle in better weather and and am fine 'going out' but coming back up the several miles of slowly increasing non-stop climb renders me exhausted/useless and puts me off cycling for a while. I just need a local runner to get behind me and give a gentle push for those miles uphill. Or an e-bike!

Where on earth would I purchase dutch-style handlebars and would they be compatible with an e-bike frame?

Thanks for the heads up on types of bikes to look at.

timidtom: thanks for your reply. I will definitely have a look at Juicy bikes. Thanks for the heads up.

More replies gratefully received.

EDIT: Have looked at Juicy Bikes: Pros: Great price! Cons: Oppoisite end of country to me and only 26" wheels. (I would prefer 28" if at all possible).

 

[flecc]

Some e-bikes already have "comfort" style handlebars, and when adjustable for height as they often are can give you the position you need. Bike dealers can obtain alternatives as well, but if not, The Dutch Bike Company UK can I'm sure help with a suitable handlebar that a local dealer could fit. They are at Cambridge, but there are alternative locations at Littlehampton and Brighton, plus all their local dealers.

Handlebars normally only come in two external diameters, the larger one for drop handlebars which won't affect you of course.

Seeing your further comments on the hill climbing, I'm sure that hill is not desperately steep, more a long slog than anything. A hub motor type like the Juicy, Wisper or eZee will leave you the least work to do on a moderate but long hill. The Panasonic type insist on you making a certain proportion of the effort, usually 50% when in the normal mode or about 40% when in the high power mode. With a hub motor you only have to provide any bit that the motor can't cope with.
.

 

[Victor]

Hi, Living in Scotland we have some cracking brae's (hills) and have just returned from my first wee trip on my new Gepida 1000.
Being my first e bike the Gepida coped nay bother up some steep steep inlines and I was very impressed.
However as I am new to this I can't give you any advice but you may wish to check out the Gepida Reptila 1000 spec.

Victor

 

[indalo]

Hi PennyFarthing.

As a back sufferer since 1983, may I suggest you don't get too hung up on the handlebar style. I now have to endure spinal stenosis symptoms resulting from that original injury in addition to the more common complaints of lumbago & sciatica.

In my experience, if you opt for the retro style bars, you will become uncomfortable in that upright riding position fairly quickly, (after just a few miles or anything further than the local shop) and will end up adjusting the bars till your posture is in a similar position to that afforded by straight bars. That position is not dissimilar to riding with drop handlebars but hands on top.

If you ever observe people using zimmer frames, you will notice that they quite often lean forward for long periods rather than stand straight up. The reason for that is quite simply that the leaning forward position is actually less stressful on the lower back than the straight up approach. Having ridden quite a few miles using different bar types, I can testify that leaning slightly forward is easier on my back although that too can become painful after a bit and I vary things by sitting up straight and pedalling easily for a spell.

If some medical type has suggested to you that sitting up straight while cycling is good for the back, then I'd find myself another medic if I were you. The pressure on the facet joints is eased by leaning forward and they are under greater compression when the spine is erect.

While it's rare for people suffering from lower back disc/nerve impingement syndrome to present with exactly the same symptoms, standing ramrod straight, although desirable in guardsmen, is not conducive to a pain-free, supple back. It may be good to stand straight for some exercises to strengthen the back but for a damaged back, it's not so clever.

The eternal advice to prospective ebike owners that one should test-ride as many different types as possible holds good, particularly so for back sufferers. I'm sure there must be plenty of back sufferers amongst forum members but I'm fairly confident that not many would wish to ride significant distances in the manner that we see on film clips of pretty young things flitting around Amsterdam.

I have bikes with straight bars and another with the retro-style bars you mention and I can get along fine with both types so my advice is simply that you shouldn't pass up some of the very decent ebikes out there, simply on account of the handlebar style.

A decent saddle and suspended seat post is worthwhile in addition to good quality suspended front forks unless you're intending to do any road racing.

Regards,
Indalo

 

[PennyFarthing]

All fantastic replies - thanks so much.

Flecc - I will check out your other suggestions - thanks!

Victor - I will check out your suggestion too - thanks!

Indalo - very useful information re how your ride affects your bike. Interesting since most of my back problems are upper, neck, shoulder and sometimes middle (with the occasional lower back if the rest is out of kilter). My current pedal ride is a dutch-style back and its the most comfortable ride I have ever had. However, its worth knowing how your lower back and spine problems decide the type of ride that is best for you.

Also, I have shorter than normal arms (cue jokes about not getting rounds in pubs...) and they are slightly twisted too. (I'm a wreck! ).

I really appreciate all the replies - thanks so much - all very helpful.

I might end up purchasing a 26" wheel but I prefer the 28" wheel - if I'm going to end up spending a lot of money I feel I ought to buy what I'm happy with. That said, if I manage to get one second-hand and it is juicy enough to suit my needs, I wouldn't necessarily turn down a 26" one.

PennyFarthing

 

[flecc]

Models to avoid are Sparta and Koga since they are very poor hill climbers for your journey, though of superb quality otherwise. Both are Dutch, probably why they don't climb well, given how flat Holland is.

In addition, removing the rear wheel for a tube change etc entails a reset of the motor electronics by a specialist dealer with the right equipment, and they are very few and far between.
.

 

[PennyFarthing]

Thanks for all the info Flecc - all very helpful!