Cycling UK Forum

I had a hip operation three weeks ago. Has anyone experience of how long it takes to get back on a bike?
Also whether there are any constraints - for instance, i normally ride a drop handlebar tourer, so i want to continue to use the drops when descending.
The hip joint is uncemented ceramic and was weight bearing from the first day. I am walking around 5 miles a day in total over 4 sessions - helped by the wonderful sunny weather . Thanks very much

I've got a couple of friends who have had hip replacements. They started riding about 6 weeks after the op, but not on the road - on a turbo trainer, with the dropped handlebars rotated to give an upright position. They gradually increased the amount of riding and lowered their positions back to normal. started riding on the road about 10 weeks after the op and both now going faster than they did before.

Did you not ask the people in the hospital this question?

I'm sure they will know more than people on an internet forum.

sounds like you're not doing bad if you're walking 5 miles a day on it. I think my biggest worry if it were me would be the thought of falling onto it. I've known people who've had both hips done and cycled well but I don't know how soon after the op. Doctor or physio would probably be best people to advise like giles says. Sometimes their advice can seem counter intuative but they know what they're at.

Thanks to all esp BigT for encouraging stories of his friends. The hospital just says "it depends" and no-one there cycles. i was interested to find out what other people's experience was. If there is anyone with experience of getting back on a bike i'd be pleased and encouraged to hear it. Thanks annie

What have they said to you about hip precautions?

I cycle with two friends, Mick and Donie. Until I retired they used to cycle together midweek, but I could only cycle with them on Sundays.
Donie is unbelievably pessimistic in his speech, and always has been.
About 4 years ago they went out for a cycle in February. Mick had had a hip-replacement in mid-December and had started cycling in early January and was getting on great.
Donie's query was.. "How's it goin' Mick?"
"Very well Donie. I've been back three weeks and I'm doing 30 miles no problem whatsoever!" says the bold Michael.

He gets back..

"Mick boy, you might as well write off the rest of the year."

Advice.

Avoid Donies!!

Many thanks for these comments - just had news of my x-ray and I may be heading same way. 1 of our local surgeons is a cyclist so may go and see him. Falls obviously an issue anyway - a check on bone strength might be useful ? I have found SPD pedals very helpful as the other leg can take more of the strain. I have often been disappointed by the ignorance of medics on what sporting activities involve - book learning has its limitations. Also tendency of medics to play it on the safe side , rather than looking to quality of life. As a medic (now retd) I felt I should more than a bit about sporting activities - even fielding some very relevant but tricky questions on archery.

anniebike wrote: The hospital just says "it depends" and no-one there cycles.

That's bit worrying given what they say about health and cycling. Wouldn't it be nice if a medical chappie/chappess could organise a gentle ride say around Hyde Park (if in London) and discuss problems, concerns and possibilities etc as they went round. Anniebike seems very alone in this - not surprising she turned to a cycling forum.