TechieTechie

Hi all....

I'm on week 3 of my cadaver ACL rehab and I'm allowed to start 'cycling'. Well, if you can call sitting on a bike and doing partial revolutions to increase blood flow to my knee cycling, well, then, let's go with that

I have my slightly dusty training setup, a Travel Trac/Ascent rear trainer and a Cycle Ops climbing block....but I am REALLY nervous about the stability of the setup getting on and off the bike (I'm still on crutches with minimal weight bearing, so stability is important). I wish I kept my 20 year-old, 5 piece Performance trainer that bolted together (front fork mount, rear axel mount) as that thing weighed a ton and was rock solid.

So, BF question...any suggestions for making your trainer setup as stable as possible? Don't need to worry about speed, distance, watts, anything at this point. It will be at least 2 months before I actually start riding. But I want to minimize any risks getting on or off the trainer. My plan is to put my old Specialized road bike on it, as it fits me like a glove.

Thanks,

Techie

'02 nrs

why not start with a diff. type trainer then when your more stable switch to a rear wheel trainer on your personal bike? https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Cycling-Bicycle-Fitness-Stationary/dp/B07X34CGHB?ref_=Oct_NReleaseC_3407781_1&pf_rd_r=4C69DS6ZVRE39TH9V5PF&pf_rd_p=d371436a-e57e-5900-a5eb-00fb5783d435&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=3407781&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

KC37XX

I had the same procedure 9/23. I got back on the wahoo trainer after week 1. Hit the road on week 2. Built up strength and mobility enough to do a week trip to the blue ridge mountains on week 5. And now I’m training to ride the bike leg of a hilly half Ironman on 12/8.

Im 45, and in average condition for this forum- which means good condition for the general population.

I used a wahoo trainer with cyclops holder for the front wheel. Used it quite a bit week 2-3 before getting on the road. Be sure to set pedal release tension to the lowest level or used flats at first. Through week 4 I was removing my foot from my shoe rather than twisting to click out.

speedy recovery!!!

63rickert

Why are you asking here? Do you have a physical therapist? Whoever is in charge of your rehab should be totally responsive to the sort of question you are posing. If they don't have a good answer off the top of their head they should find one for you. Medical advice from random online experts?

I blew out my ACL, or one of them, in 1995. 100% loss. Cycling gave me enough collateral strength the joint did not become unstable for 4 years. Orthopedist prescribed physical therapy only. While visiting him recently for an unrelated problem he did the 20 year followup. I had to ask him which knee it was.

Jicafold

It's not medical advice, it's bike advice. He's asking how to make his trainer stable.

I would think that having objects nearby to grab onto would be nice. Chairs, couches, a spouse, etc.

zjrog

Was your trainer similar to this Performance trainer? I originally bought this at a thrift shop for my wife's bike, as it is quite stable. She used it until she fell getting off of it 2 years ago. She broke her ankle in 3 places, requiring surgery and a rehab center. But I digress.

I began using it almost immediately after that, as I was at my heaviest and afraid I was going to fall over on the standard trainer... I switched to a fluid trainer recently. I'm giving a lot of thought to fabricating the brackets needed to fit the fluid head to the Performance trainer. I miss the stability. Even at 134 pounds lost...

What helped me get on and off the standard trainer, was having it next to our treadmill. I could readily steady myself against the treadmill.

Cycling is great for knee recovery. Certainly listen to your Therapist...