United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was wondering how people are doing with their bicycles, if they've had them adjusted or if they've just braved it riding with one arm? I have a gorgeous 3 speed cruiser with pedal brakes that I used to love riding all of the time, and I really miss it. I just don't feel steady enough on it to ride a distance on a road (I feel like I need to go back to training wheels...) The Christopher Reeve Foundation has grants available for modifications to athletic equipment, but I don't know exactly what I'd be requesting here. Can people tell me about their experiences with their bicycles after injuries? I have absolutely no use of my left arm after a major motor vehicle accident last year. Thanks~

I ride a road bike one-handed, with both breaks & gear shifters on the one side. It didn't cost much to do this modification.

I taught myself to ride again (I was 30 when I got my TBPI) in a parking lot, just playing around/practicing for a day. It helped to have no moving cars or other bikes around.

I got a mountain bike at first, since it felt much more stable. The more upright position, wider handle bars & fat tires all made it more comfortable for me at first.

Hi Genevieve,

I ride a regular road bike, thin tires and all. My left arm is a complete, so I just wear a sling and then ride with one hand.

I set my bike up just like Heddi, both brakes on right side, it is a tandem bike brake that works both front and back. I also have both shifters on the right side. I use a grip shifter for the rear gears and a mountain bike front derailer for the front gears.

I would make sure you have the clip in pedals if you are riding a road bike. That was one of my big mistakes when I first started riding, I get all my brakes lined up and shifters done and I go for a ride with the strap in pedals, first stop sign I come to, down I go, because I could get my feet out of the pedals. Didn't do that again, I went straight to the bike shop and bought new pedals and shoes.

Like anything, it takes practice, so with some time, patience and determination, you'll be flying down the road!

Dan

Thanks for the replies.

Hello Dan -- I'm a little confused about the types of pedals you discuss. You mention both clip in and strap in pedals, and I wonder if you could articulate that a little better? Even with my mountain bike I prefer the open pedals without a strap, is that what you's recommend?

If you are going to start riding hard, I would recommend the clip in shoes. If you are training or competing, you want your feet attached to the pedal. Best way to do that is with the clip in pedals.

I would not use the straps.

Dan

I ride every day and have my bike set up nicely.

For the brakes I have had a tandem lever fitted so the two brake cables go into the one lever.

Although I have a road bike I have flat/straight handlebars. This allows me to use a twist grip for the rear changer and a rapid fire thumby for the front changer.

All of this has been put on the left hand side. This makes it slightly more awkward as the twist grip had to be put on upside down as you can't get a 7/8/9 speed twist grip for the left hand side. Not really a great problem!

As for riding the bike, I have a brace on my arm which supports and protects it very well. This allows me to rest my wrist on top of the handlebar.

Hope this helps.

Mike