Carrying a crutch while cycling

DaveE128 wrote:

Do you have a pannier rack?

<snip>

Top tube might be the way to go if you have traditional geometry.

No pannier rack, and I struggle to lift my leg over the wheel to get on/off some days (I often lay the bike over slightly). So panniers would be a no-no, sorry.

Geomertry is compact on all bikes (sloping top tube). I just can't get the crutch to sit in any position on the bike where it's not interfering with me or the bike.

DaveE128 wrote:

Hmmm, perhaps a bike trailer then? A lot of extra weight to pull though

Same problem in laying the bike over, I'm afraid. Plus being a smaller frame, there's no room on the seatpost for any more attachments.

BBRAP wrote:

Can you not modify the crutch so that it comes apart (thus making it more transportable?). The height adjust on that type of crutch is a tube within a tube, if you used the same method (the little spring buttons locking into holes in the outer tube) you could separate the top section by cutting in half and using a thinner inner tube with spring button to join it back together. All the bits you need could be cobbled together from a spare crutch. Any half decent engineer type could do the mod in less than half an hour.

Not totally sure how to do this, but I have spare crutches so will have a think. Not sure how much it would compromise the integrity of the crutch to have extra joins though.

crikey wrote:

Any rucksack with the capability to carry an Ice Axe will do; check out Decathlon for cheaper versions. Basically you stick the long thing be it axe or crutch through the bottom loop then twist it upwards and secure it using straps. Ice climbing or mountaineering packs tend to be narrower than day sacs and are much better on bikes. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-313376-mountaineering-backpacks Look at the Simond range..

nopants wrote:

I'd second the Decathlon mountaineering/ski packs. I've had a couple of different models for years and they've been really robust (and cheap!)

Thanks to you both. When I checked Decathlon before, they didn't pop up.

I've ordered one of the Simonds - it'll be a little small for my shopping, but should be fine for my trips into London. Fingers crossed!

abudhabiChris wrote:

Does it have to be a crutch?

Could you use a collapsible walking stick?

After busting my hip I found a very light carbon fibre stick that folded up easily into a briefcase or backpack.

I feel more stable with a crutch.

Admittedly, there's probably a psychological element to this - a crutch looks more temporary than a walking stick. I'm still in my thirties.

CXR94Di2 wrote:

Crutches are usually height adjustable. Set it to low and strap along top tube. It will hang out past the seat but unlikely go beyond the rear wheel.

Thanks. If you look at the pic, you'll see I've already shortened it as much as possible. My top tubes are also sloping - the end of the crutch hits the wheel or goes into the spokes. I've tried it horizontal, but there still isn't clearance.

The crutch is about 85cm long, but there is a handle and elbow brace which complicate matters.

2 Wheeled Idiot wrote:

Could you just use some toestraps and lash it to your bike frame on the top tube and seat tube so it follows the frame direction...
It may not work tho coz it could get in the way of your knee's or could also interfere with the cabling in front of the headtube or could just be too long..

Thanks. The latter part applies - as mentioned, I ride a 48cm which simply doesn't have the room, even when the crutch is shortened (to 85cm). I just haven't been able to find a way to sit it along any of the tubes without affecting steering.
I don't want it to interfere with or change my pedalling either - with joint problems, that's almost-guaranteed to set off pain elsewhere.

Batchy wrote:

You could try a photographer's back pack that has straps/loops/laces for attaching a tripod ?

Will have a look at them, thanks.

Nat Jas Moe wrote:

Overboard have some good backpacks and they're on sale at the link below has some webbing like your Karrimor might be useful.

Thanks. Have looked but there's not enough straps to secure it (needs something at the top and bottom) as the webbing alone isn't usually enough.

Gkam84 wrote:

Skateboard backpack?

Ooh, now that could be a possible, thank you. A google shows me they use two thick horizontal velcro straps - I'll have to find a shop which sells them to try one out. Upside-down, the handle would stop it dropping out, but I'm not sure how near-vertical it would stay.

I popped to Snow & Rock today and found a Deuter climbing/hiking rucksack which had enough straps to work, but the actual backpack was a bit flimsy.

Gkam84 wrote:

I've got a Karrimor Urban 30l and also a smaller version sitting here there hardly get use if that might be of help to you?

With compression straps? That would be very kind of you.