Having a knee replacement and riding a MBB bike....any inherent problems here?

B

BobD

Well-Known Member
I am looking for shared experiences, references, impressions/suggestions regarding riding a MBB with a knee replacement.

I had a knee replacement about 10 years ago. Knee issues kept me off of bikes for quite awhile. Shoulder issues lead me back to recumbents, and I have ridden an ER LWB for the past year without any knee or shoulder issues.

I enjoyed riding my V2/K for the first time yesterday, and will go out in a bit for another ride. And, if I continue to enjoy and adapt to the MBB I am planning on purchasing a Silvio to replace my LWB.

As you all know better than I do, riding a MBB requires the use of many additional muscle groups as compared to a fixed BB recumbent/DF. I am enthused about this design, however with even the most optimal of designs....they are not always the best for all. So, I wonder if having a knee replacement may be a contraindication for riding a MBB?

My impression is that the absence of a fixed BB introduces ongoing leg length modifications while pedaling. I wonder if this....or another aspect of riding a MBB may be problematic for someone with a knee replacement?

I understand this is not a medical forum....however it would be great to hear from others who ride a MBB with a knee replacement. Or, if anyone has knowledge/experience or suggested references. Unfortunately, during my last physical my PCP told me that I was obssessed and referenced addiction when I told him I was training for a metric century. He couldn't understand why a 10-mile ride was adequate. I smiled and figured it wasn't worth mentioning to him that his ignorance regarding cycling surpassed his obsession with golf. So, he isn't a resource.

Welcome all thoughts/suggestions.
Many thanks,
Bob
 
MrSteve

MrSteve

Zen MBB Master
Here's a Thought

No, I don't have a man-made replacement joint installed, but you did say that you are open to all thoughts/suggestions.

Yes, I do have knee issues.
Back in '81, a car crushed my right leg.
As a result, my zombie-leg (it came back from the dead) is shorter,
has less muscle, more scar tissue and has a lot of compromised cartilage in the knee, compared
to my left leg.

My knees have long since adapted to MBB.
When my knee is screaming at me (and I listen) then I'll spin the cranks
more than mash.
When the knees are quiet, I can mash like a madman at will, if I want to.

In other words, MBB was not a roadblock for me. Not at all.

I do feel that the effort required for steering and countersteering, from the legs,
is keeping my knee joints stronger than they ever were.
It, MBB, works well for me.

----

Remembering my first rides on my Sofrider....
Pay close attention to your Telescopic Front Tube (TFT) adjustment.
If it (the TFT) is either too long or too short for you, your knees will suffer.
When you've dialed-in the TFT, make sure to check it before
every ride.
It will tend to creep under power -as the new parts bed-in-, making you reach for the pedals
as they creep away from you.

Keep in mind that I'm really addicted to riding my bicycle and,
therefore, by definition, I'm an addict....

-Steve
 
B

BobD

Well-Known Member
Good points there yakmurph....

Steve,

Good to hear the MBB has worked out so well for you given your leg hx.
And who knows, it is surely possible that the MBB may be an advantage in terms of increasing knee muscle strength....will see.

I took a close look at the TFT prior to riding yesterday. It did need some adjusting....needed some shortening. I think I was off with the inital measuring. And.....after adapting to the change I do think the bike handled better.

Looking forward to become addicted to the MBB as well!
Bob
 
Charles.Plager

Charles.Plager

Recumbent Quant
Hi Bob,
For what it's worth:

Hi Bob,

For what it's worth: Listen to your body, not the calculations. If all your calculations say put it at "8", but your body's happier at "7" (or whatever), then go with 7.

With respect to the TFT, I'd advocate moving it around a little bit to figure out where your body is happy.

Cheers,
Charles
 
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