Cycling despite chronic shoulder problems

Shoulder problems are very annoying and can have various causes. For example, think of rheumatism, prostheses, painful joints, artificial joints or even having to miss a body part. However, this does not always mean that cycling is not possible anymore. Van Raam has various bicycles in the product range with which cycling is often possible despite the shoulder problems.


The bicycle position

Many people think that cycling is not possible with shoulder problems. However, this does not always have to be the case. Some of the special needs bikes from Van Raam have a different seating position than the conventional two-wheel bike. At the conventional two-wheel bike, the driver is sitting above the pedals and is leaning with the arms on the handlebar. In this way, there is a lot of pressure on the arms, the shoulders, the neck and the joints. The place or places depends on the setting of the bicycle, such as the height of the pedals or the saddle. In addition to the settings of the bicycle, the purpose of the bike ride is also important: a cyclist who cycles recreational has set the bike differently than a racing cyclist. Because of this, both cyclists experience the pressure on different spots. The recreational cyclist has more pressure on the gluteal muscles than in the upper body, while the racing cyclist feels more pressure in the upper body due to the sitting position.

Van Raam offers the solution for cycling with shoulder problems

When the cyclist experience problems with the shoulder or has complaints that makes cycling on the standard two-wheel bike no longer possible, Van Raam can offer help. There are various bikes in the Van Raam product range which will make cycling perhaps possible again, so that the driver can go out of his own again. There are various possible solutions listed below:

Van Raam Maxi Comfort and Balance for shoulder problems
The Maxi Comfort tricycle above and the Balance low step through bike below

Option 1: Maxi Comfort tricycle and the Balance Low step through bike

The Maxi Comfort tricycle and the Balance two-wheel comfort bike both have a low step through so that the driver can easily get on the bike. The saddle is located slightly behind the bottom bracket. In this way, the seating position is a little bit lower than with the conventional two-wheel bicycle so the driver can get easily with both of his legs on the ground. This sitting position reduces the strain on the shoulders, the arms, the neck and the joints.

Van Raam Easy go for shoulder problems

Option 2: Easy Go scooter bike

The Easy Go scooter bike can be used as a scooter bike, tricycle and a tricycle with electric pedal support. Just like with the Maxi Comfort and the Balance, the sitting position is located behind the bottom bracket. Therefore, the driver is sitting a little bit lower than at the conventional two-wheel bike. Due to this sitting position, the strain on the shoulders, arms, neck and joints is reduced at the Easy Go.

Van Raam Easy Rider for shoulder problems

Option 3: Easy Rider tricycle

The Easy Rider tricycle has a stable and low seating position. The handlebar is positioned in front of the driver so the arms and shoulders can rest. Because the arms are behind the handlebar instead of leaning on them, there is little pressure on the shoulders, the arms, the neck and the joints. The steering is lighter than at a conventional bicycle, so you don’t need extra power, and the joints are being relieved. For smaller adults and children, Van Raam also offers a compact variant of this bike: the Easy Rider Compact.

Van Raam Easy Sport tricycle for shoulder problems

Option 4: Easy Sport recumbent tricycle

The sporty Easy Sport tricycle is comparable with the Easy Rider. Just like the Easy Rider, the Easy sport has a stable and low seating position. The difference is the steering. The Easy Sport has an understeer. There is a handle on both sides of the saddle with which the bicycle can be steered. This allows the arms and the shoulders to remain in a resting position. Because of this, the strain is being reduced on the shoulders, arms, neck and joints. For children and smaller adults, there is the Easy Sport Small available from Van Raam.  

Van Raam special shoulder control for shoulder problems

Option 5: Van Raam Special

If there is no suitable bicycle for your in the Van Raam product Range, then a Van Raam Special might be an option. This ‘Special’ is specially designed for the driver and custom made, so the driver can cycle despite their shoulder problem. Examples of Van Raam Specials are a bike with shoulder / torso control and a standing tricycle.
 
Do you want to read more about the Van Raam Specials that have been made so far? Look at our bikes below:
>> Van Raam produces special hand bike
>> Special custom fit stand up tricycle
>> Special tricycle with shoulder control

Van Raam gear wheel

Preventing shoulder problems by properly setting the Van Raam bicycle

The bicycle position and the bicycle settings are very important. If you don’t have shoulder problems, but you do experience pain in the shoulders, arms, the neck or the joints during and after cycling, it is possible that the bicycle is not properly adjusted. The complaints can arise because, for example, the saddle and the handlebar are not at the right height and that the sitting position is therefore not correct. Do you have the idea that your Van Raam bike is not set up properly? Then contact your local dealer via the dealer overview.

Go to the dealer overview

Request a free test ride

Are you curious about the possibilities for you? Our technical advisors are happy to help you figure out the options. Click on the button below to request a free test drive.

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