As soon as the sun appears more frequently in the sky, millions of people get on their bikes. Whether to work, to go shopping or for a longer cycling tour, in spring and summer bikes are a popular way of getting around. Cycling is healthy, environment-friendly, costs very little and is fun as well. Even regular short distances by bike do you good and help you feel better. However, it is important that the bike is adjusted to your own proportions and offers suitable suspension. Cycling should also be associated with fun and pleasure and not something you're forced into, as this is the only way it can have a really positive effect on mind and body. The AGR e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) offers valuable tips and useful information that you should heed when purchasing a bike to ensure that cycling will be healthy for your back too.
For back-friendly cycling, bikes with full suspension are particularly recommended as this can be easily adjusted individually. But what does full suspension mean? In contrast to comfort suspension (suspended fork and saddle support), a fully suspended bike has complete suspension of the front and rear wheel. Absolutely vital for back-friendly cycling. Jolts and vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces such as cobblestones and potholes can damage the spinal column. A study by German Sport University Cologne has revealed that bikes with full suspension reduce jolts by 35 percent - a great relief for the back. Other advantages of full suspension: it permits better roadholding and optimum grip which enhances cycling safety and can prolong the service life of the bike.
Adapting the bike to the cyclist - not vice versa
Healthy, back-friendly cycling is only possible if bike and cyclist suit each other. This means that it should be possible to adapt the bike individually at different points - an important aspect that is frequently underestimated. For an ergonomic sitting posture, the spinal column must retain its natural double-S shape. In addition, the more upright the sitting posture, the better this is for the back and cervical spine. It is also all right if the upper part of the body leans forwards slightly (maximum 30°) as long as there are no problems with the neck. It is a good idea to change sitting posture now and then; this also applies to the position of the hands on the handlebars. The ideal sitting position is made up of six parameters that can be adjusted on every good bike: seat height, saddle position, saddle tilt, height and tilt of the handlebar and length of the seat.
The seat height should be adjusted so that the legs are never fully stretched when pedalling. When adjusting the saddle it is important that the cyclist's kneecap should be perpendicular to the pedal bar when the pedal is horizontal. The tilt of the saddle is adjusted correctly if no nerves are constricted, no pressure is caused and the cyclist's bottom does not slide forwards. It is not so easy to find the right saddle. Several trial runs and specialist advice is needed here. The handlebar must be adjusted to permit an upright sitting position or with the body leaning forwards slightly, with the hands placed in a comfortable position. Other important factors when purchasing a bike include a light overall weight and a low step-through frame.
A large range of back-friendly, individually adjustable bicycles can be found is offered for example by riese und müller/Darmstadt (www.r-m.de). The fully suspended models Avenue, Culture and Jetstream have been given the coveted AGR quality seal which is awarded to back-friendly everyday products.
Electric support for more momentum
Electric bikes, so-called pedelecs, are setting new standards in terms of healthy cycling. A pedelec works like a normal bicycle, with an electric motor for more pedalling power. Cycling is much easier with less physical effort which can be adjusted individually. If you've had to forego cycling up to now for health reasons, electric bikes may be the perfect solution for you. They make it easier to return to cycling again after lengthy injuries, operations or diseases and give people with health issues (e.g. cardiovascular conditions, problems with the joints or those suffering from diabetes) and those who are overweight a chance to exercise without overdoing it. Regular cycling also promotes mobility, balance and endurance with a therapeutic effect that should not be underestimated. Pedelecs are also a valuable aid for elderly people or those living in the mountains.
The first and hitherto only electric bike to receive the AGR quality seal is the Jetstream model by riese und müller. It is very easy to adjust the intensity of drive support with the Jetstream. The greater the pedal effort, the greater the electric drive. The battery is easily removed and can be simply recharged at any power socket.
Brief and concise:
As soon as it gets warmer outside, millions of people get their bikes out. Cycling is not just healthy, it is also environment-friendly, costs very little and puts you in a good mood. But if you use a poorly adjusted bike with inadequate suspension, you'll be doing your back more harm than good and pain will soon follow. The AGR e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) offers valuable tips and useful information that you should heed when purchasing a bike to ensure that cycling will be healthy for your back too. A good, back-friendly bike should have full suspension for example; it should be possible to adjust it individually or should even have an electric motor for support. For more information, please go to www.agr-ev.de
For back-friendly cycling, bikes with full suspension are particularly recommended as this can be easily adjusted individually. But what does full suspension mean? In contrast to comfort suspension (suspended fork and saddle support), a fully suspended bike has complete suspension of the front and rear wheel. Absolutely vital for back-friendly cycling. Jolts and vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces such as cobblestones and potholes can damage the spinal column. A study by German Sport University Cologne has revealed that bikes with full suspension reduce jolts by 35 percent - a great relief for the back. Other advantages of full suspension: it permits better roadholding and optimum grip which enhances cycling safety and can prolong the service life of the bike.
Adapting the bike to the cyclist - not vice versa
Healthy, back-friendly cycling is only possible if bike and cyclist suit each other. This means that it should be possible to adapt the bike individually at different points - an important aspect that is frequently underestimated. For an ergonomic sitting posture, the spinal column must retain its natural double-S shape. In addition, the more upright the sitting posture, the better this is for the back and cervical spine. It is also all right if the upper part of the body leans forwards slightly (maximum 30°) as long as there are no problems with the neck. It is a good idea to change sitting posture now and then; this also applies to the position of the hands on the handlebars. The ideal sitting position is made up of six parameters that can be adjusted on every good bike: seat height, saddle position, saddle tilt, height and tilt of the handlebar and length of the seat.
The seat height should be adjusted so that the legs are never fully stretched when pedalling. When adjusting the saddle it is important that the cyclist's kneecap should be perpendicular to the pedal bar when the pedal is horizontal. The tilt of the saddle is adjusted correctly if no nerves are constricted, no pressure is caused and the cyclist's bottom does not slide forwards. It is not so easy to find the right saddle. Several trial runs and specialist advice is needed here. The handlebar must be adjusted to permit an upright sitting position or with the body leaning forwards slightly, with the hands placed in a comfortable position. Other important factors when purchasing a bike include a light overall weight and a low step-through frame.
A large range of back-friendly, individually adjustable bicycles can be found is offered for example by riese und müller/Darmstadt (www.r-m.de). The fully suspended models Avenue, Culture and Jetstream have been given the coveted AGR quality seal which is awarded to back-friendly everyday products.
Electric support for more momentum
Electric bikes, so-called pedelecs, are setting new standards in terms of healthy cycling. A pedelec works like a normal bicycle, with an electric motor for more pedalling power. Cycling is much easier with less physical effort which can be adjusted individually. If you've had to forego cycling up to now for health reasons, electric bikes may be the perfect solution for you. They make it easier to return to cycling again after lengthy injuries, operations or diseases and give people with health issues (e.g. cardiovascular conditions, problems with the joints or those suffering from diabetes) and those who are overweight a chance to exercise without overdoing it. Regular cycling also promotes mobility, balance and endurance with a therapeutic effect that should not be underestimated. Pedelecs are also a valuable aid for elderly people or those living in the mountains.
The first and hitherto only electric bike to receive the AGR quality seal is the Jetstream model by riese und müller. It is very easy to adjust the intensity of drive support with the Jetstream. The greater the pedal effort, the greater the electric drive. The battery is easily removed and can be simply recharged at any power socket.
Brief and concise:
As soon as it gets warmer outside, millions of people get their bikes out. Cycling is not just healthy, it is also environment-friendly, costs very little and puts you in a good mood. But if you use a poorly adjusted bike with inadequate suspension, you'll be doing your back more harm than good and pain will soon follow. The AGR e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) offers valuable tips and useful information that you should heed when purchasing a bike to ensure that cycling will be healthy for your back too. A good, back-friendly bike should have full suspension for example; it should be possible to adjust it individually or should even have an electric motor for support. For more information, please go to www.agr-ev.de
