How to Choose the Correct Bicycle With Pain in Hip

Choose the right bike to minimize hip pain.

Hip pain and cycling can coexist if precautions are taken when selecting a bicycle. There are different types of bicycles, and many types of hip pain. Some bikes work well for some kinds of pain, some don't. It might take a few trips to the bike shop to dial in the right kind of bike for the pain that you are having. But be patient, try the different configurations of bikes and find the one that works for you.

Things You'll Need

• Road bike
• Mountain bike
• Cruiser bike
• Recumbent bike

Instructions

1. Check the stand-over height of the bike by swinging your leg over the bike's top tube. If your crotch makes contact with the top tube before your feet are flat on the floor, the bike is too tall.

2. Check the size of the bike by examining the seat tube underneath the seat; this is where the bike's size is marked in centimeters. Choose a smaller bike and check the stand-over height. When the top tube is within 1 inch of your crotch the bike's size is correct.

3. Adjust the seat height. Seat height is correct when there is approximately a 5-degree bend in your knee when you are sitting on the seat, with your leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

4. Take the bike for a short ride. If there is pain when you lean forward, the cockpit angle might be too steep or too short. The cockpit is the distance between the seat and handlebar grips.

5. Test a different style of bike with a taller stem (the part that holds the handlebars on the bike.) Try either a mountain bike, or a cruiser type bike. Adjust the seat height first then test ride. If there is no pain when you are bent forward take the bike for a test ride.

6. If your hip hurts at the bottom of the pedal stroke, lower the seat in 1/2-inch increments until the pain is alleviated. If the pain does not go away after you have lowered the seat 2 inches or less, abandon the road, mountain and cruiser style bikes and test a recumbent style bike.

Tips & Warnings

• Recumbent bikes are often prescribed by doctors for cyclists with physical limitations. If your hip pain persists, you may have a serious problem and should not be riding a bike. Evaluate the seriousness of your hip pain by first contacting a doctor about your condition before attempting to ride a bike with hip pain.

References

• "Brianmac.co.uk: Cycling -- Importance of Bike Set-Up"

Resources

• "Sports Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation"; Eric Shamus; 2001