I've just been diagnosed with Mutiple Sclerosis, and I'm wondering if that's likely to affect my ability to cycle to work every day. Anyone here have MS, or know a cyclist with MS? How has it affected you/them? I'd hate to splash out on a new e-bike only to find I can't use it in a few months time.

Really sorry to hear your news. I'd think it likely that none of us are in a position to advise you on whether or not you should be cycling. That's most definitely a conversation you should be having with a medical professional. Best of luck to you.

I don't know if any forum members have MS but I do know that Sheldon Brown had MS (iconoclast bicycle tech guru) - Sheldon Brown-Bicycle Technical Information

 

He dedicated a page on his web site to his health - Sheldon Brown's Journal - Health Issues

.

Thanks for the mesages.

 

Yes, I guess once my doctor gets round to talking to me I can ask him some questions, but it would be nice to know if there are any cyclists out there who can relate their experiences. Especially e-bike cycliss of course

 

I will read Sheldon Brown's journal, thanks for the link!

I'm sorry to hear your news and wish you all the best. I have read, either here or perhaps another forum I stumbled on, of a lady with very limited leg strength, although I don't recall her condition or what happened - maybe that will jog someone else's memory and they can chip in.

 

In my very limited experience of multiple sclerosis, there can be a long period of time in which I think an e-bike could well be feasible, and would also provide some independence. From personal experience of long rehab from crashing my motorbike, I know that any psychological benefits shouldn't be downplayed - it was a huge boost to me when I got my bike modified and could get out and about again.

 

I'm afraid I don't know much about most e-bikes, but I do know that with my BionX I can use it either with a throttle (so no pedalling required at all), or as pedal assist, whereby my input is measured and mechanical assistance given. With this pedal assist mode, the BionX is easily adjusted (via codes entered into the controller on the handlebars) to vary both the amount of assistance given, and the point at which it is given. So, for example, it could be set to give maximum assistance at a minimum amount of force put through the pedal. I would have thought that something like this could well help you, and may be worth mentioning to the medicos as they may not be familiar with e-bikes.

 

One other thing I wonder is if, like Sheldon Brown, a trike would suit you better as it takes away the requirement to balance - again, one for the medicos, but I hope you don't mind my suggesting it.

 

Good luck!

 

Nick

Hi aroncox,

 

I,m brand new to this site/e-bikes....BUT not brand new to MS.

 

when I was diagnosed more thna 12 years ago my hospital specialist said i would have to tsop cycling....I said NO.

 

I had to give up work....company decided that and over the years I had to give up.....climbing/running....then swimming for a while [cold water].

 

then balance became more of an isuse so i moved from abike to a Tandem [that kept me cycling for another 5 years.

then the balance issue progressed , along with other issues.........and i thought cycling was over....BUT NO.

I investigtaed and had a "George Longstaff" Trike built and after a 1st disastrous year im back on it again.

i ma now looking into the possibilities of uisng an e-bike kit [both to modify the Trike nad "fingers crossed" to alos use on my mountian bike].

 

The conclusion of this tsory is:

 

DON'T GIVE UP ON NAYTHING JUST BECAUSE THE MEDICAL PROFESSION SUGGEST SO....Keep positive , but craeful nad learn about your body and you'll have many years ahead of you to continue doing whta you enjoy.

 

cheers

 

[PS: i haven't corrected my typing as i,m sure youll understand why it's like it is]

 

:)

My wife had MS for many years and the best advice is that given by Geoff9

 

"DON'T GIVE UP ON NAYTHING JUST BECAUSE THE MEDICAL PROFESSION SUGGEST SO....Keep positive , but craeful nad learn about your body and you'll have many years ahead of you to continue doing whta you enjoy".

These guys know something about grants for MS sufferers, which I think was based on one of our forum members getting a £2000 grant for a bike in the link below.

 

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/13115-grants-ms-sufferers.html

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/12485-no-idea-bike-buy-where-go-best-advice.html

not the same but i have parkinsons and initially stopped cycling ... returned to it a couple of years ago and now find it the one thing i do that makes me forget my condition, of course there was that time i went into the canal, but we won't dwell on that ...

All I can say with ref to my wife is DO YOUR OWN THING, NEVER GIVE IN.

Hello...I know a bit about MS and riding a bike! I have known about my MS since 1995, I started riding a bike in 2006 when walking became difficult. I feel riding my bike has kept me fit both in mind and body. I recently bought a pedelec with a grant from my local MS society because I was finding riding my usual bike very difficult. It is hilly around Barnsley! And I kept falling off because balance is more tricky when going slow.

 

Remember clinicians can advise...however only people living with the condition can tell you how it is for them. If you are interested I write a blog, http://http://selfmanagementgoals.blogspot.co.uk/ Here you can read about me and my bike amongst other things.

 

Best of luck, Lynne

d8veh, you beat me to it! But thanks for posting the grant info.

aroncox, we would be happy to offer advice on the grants and suggest you talk to Lynne who has replied to this thread as she bought a bike from us and has had some positive experiences since. It was great to see her riding again after giving it up due to her condition.

I have looked at the dates...and I doubt aroncox will see these replies, unless somebody knows how to let him/her know they are here.

Hi Lynne, How you getting on with the bike, still enjoying it and managing to get the miles in?

Pete.

I LOVE my bike! Yes still getting the miles in but the weather recently has slowed me down. I have been to the Tissington trail, and managed 27 miles!

 

I will be coming back for a service soon....need to ask about the judder! Is it me or the bike?

Brake judder? V brake?

 

If so, kitchen degreaser on a plastic pot-scourer wiped 'round the rim may help:

 

Cleans off any rubber or greasy bits.