Arthritis in wrists and thumbs...

[RussJ]

I have owned a Kakhoff Pro Connect since 2011 and been very pleased with it.
However., as the thread suggests, I'm having problems with my wrists and thumbs and finding the bike increasingly uncomfortable.
I need to find a way to make the riding position more upright to take some of weight off my wrists and an alternative gear shift for the Alfine 8 speed.
The standard stem is a Concept adjustable and I guess I need a shorter one to bring the bars further back.
I believe I can convert the Alfine to a twist grip change but not sure.
Can anyone give me some advice or come up with better ideas (other than using the bus!)?
All help gratefully received.
Russ

 

[Woosh]

have you considered a geared hub bike? You would not have to change gear often if at all, and all you'd need is a good pair of Ergon grips.

 

[RussJ]

I was really looking to modify my bike rather than buy a new one..

 

[spinellino]

Ergonomic grips really make a difference

 

[JPGiant]

Pains in the hands and wrists can sometimes arise from the bikes setup.
After a few years of ownership with the same bike we can become a bit blase with regard to fit.

If I were you, I'd look into bringing the saddle forward a little bit at a time, lifting the existing stem or fitting a shorter stem with a large angle and look into fitting a decent angled riser-type handlebar.

I recently changed all the above and the flattish standard bars on my Oxygen MTB for a set normally found on Giant MTB's which we'd had previously.

As above, Ergon grips and Specialized BG gloves also helped

 

[Trevormonty]

You should be able to fit Di2 electric shifting to to Alfine. Gear change only requires button press.

If replacing bike then Shimano STEPs motor with Di2 Alfine will give automatic gear shifting. This option may also be avaliable in newer Bosch ebikes as well.

 

[MikeS]

a Knee specialist advising me about arthritis said he had bad artthritis in the base of both thumbs and swears by Voltarol BUT he said don't take the ones off the shelf, as the pharmacist for the 12 hour stuff - it's much stronger - much more expensive too. (Apologies to the op if he already knows this)
Mike

 

[oyster]

You should be able to fit Di2 electric shifting to to Alfine. Gear change only requires button press.

If replacing bike then Shimano STEPs motor with Di2 Alfine will give automatic gear shifting. This option may also be avaliable in newer Bosch ebikes as well.

I was struggling to find such a beast as I was searching very recently. Do you know any specific model currently available?

Just adding - in a small or very small frame!

 

[Trevormonty]

I was struggling to find such a beast as I was searching very recently. Do you know any specific model currently available?

Just adding - in a small or very small frame!

Raleigh Motus Grand Tour and Gepida (Repitila 900) both do 26" wheel stepthroughs with nexus 8 spd hubs and Bosch Active Plus motor.

Both Nexus hub and Bosch motor support Di2. The big question is can it be retro fitted by LBS or is it only factory job. I would start with asking Ragleigh as they have better UK support.

Ideally you want Di2 powered and controlled by bosch system. Can be powered by separate small rechargeable battery and run separate from bosch system, still get switch for switching gears but you don't get any auto shifting and need to charge battery every few months.

 

[oyster]

Raleigh Motus Grand Tour and Gepida (Repitila 900) both do 26" wheel stepthroughs with nexus 8 spd hubs and Bosch Active Plus motor.

Both Nexus hub and Bosch motor support Di2. The big question is can it be retro fitted by LBS or is it only factory job. I would start with asking Ragleigh as they have better UK support.

Ideally you want Di2 powered and controlled by bosch system. Can be powered by separate small rechargeable battery and run separate from bosch system, still get switch for switching gears but you don't get any auto shifting and need to charge battery every few months.

Yes, thanks, I have seen the Raleigh but thought you were being specific about Alfine (rather than Nexus).

Nonetheless, will ask them about Di2.

 

[Trevormonty]

I thought it was Alfine only that supported Di2 but also found Nexus does, but maybe not every model. Di2 is just motor driven shifter that fits to outside of hub, replacing cable.

Yes, thanks, I have seen the Raleigh but thought you were being specific about Alfine (rather than Nexus).

Nonetheless, will ask them about Di2.

 

[Trevormonty]

Gazelle offer Di2 in 28" wheels but not in smaller Ami 26", worth test ride and asking about Di2 option.

My wife switch from 28 wheel bike to smaller 26", made world difference. Definitely way to go if vertically challenged.
The other alternative is new 20" wheel urban bikes, maybe Di2 option there.

 

[oyster]

Gazelle offer Di2 in 28" wheels but not in smaller Ami 26", worth test ride and asking about Di2 option.

My wife switch from 28 wheel bike to smaller 26", made world difference. Definitely way to go if vertically challenged.
The other alternative is new 20" wheel urban bikes, maybe Di2 option there.

Thanks - will look. Over-large wheels always seem to be a bad idea. Currently she has been trying out a (cheap, poor quality) loan ebike with 20" wheels - and hates it! But having not cycled for ever so many years, it has had its place in regaining her confidence.

May I ask how tall is your wife? I am looking at about 5' 3"

 

[Trevormonty]

She taller than that, about 5 6".

Based on Raleigh sizing chart, 460cm/15" 26" should be spot on for you wife.

 

[oyster]

She taller than that, about 5 6".

Based on Raleigh sizing chart, 460cm/15" 26" should be spot on for you wife.

That is what I figured as well. Thanks.

 

[Trevormonty]

That is what I figured as well. Thanks.

Still pays to have long test ride (1-2hrs) before buying.

 

[oyster]

Still pays to have long test ride (1-2hrs) before buying.

Unfortunately, that will not be possible. Health issues...