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Carrying a crutch while cycling

  • This topic has 26 replies, 15 voices, and was last updated 6 years ago by comanchemoon.
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  • October 11, 2015 at 8:10 pm #24908
    dottigirl

    Was wondering if anyone could help me out with this please.

    I can’t walk far, but can cycle. I usually carry a crutch to use when I reach my destination. It’s a normal elbow crutch, nothing special, that I shorten. I’ve looked at foldable crutches, but tbh, they’re either not that much shorter, or they have an open elbow brace, which annoyingly falls off.

    I’ve never found a method of strapping it to my road bike (48cm Spesh Dolce/Kinesis Racelight/others) where I was comfortable with the position it was in (going through Central London, I really don’t want stuff protruding from my bike). Therefore, I’ve been carrying it attached to my rucksack – an old Karrimor 30l.

    Unfortunately, my Karrimor is knackered, and the newer version doesn’t have the same webbing and strap arrangement. I’ve attached a picture of how I usually carry the crutch – I tuck it under the webbing, then reverse the straps, and tie the end to the top loop (so it doesn’t move sideways and turn into a joust). Tbh, it’s not the best bag, and it’s a bit of a faff attaching it, but when done correctly, it doesn’t move at all.

    Ideally, I’d like:
    – a slimline/fast and secure method where I don’t have to carry a bulky bag.
    – a new backpack (~30l) which is more comfortable.

    I’ve spent a good part of this afternoon squinting at pictures of backpacks/rucksacks. A friend has suggested a Dakine Heli Pack which has a part to carry skis, but I’m not sure where the crutch handle would go.
    (I tried a friend’s Grivel rock climbing bag and it was great with plenty of loops, but ~£65 new which I can’t afford/justify.
    http://www.outbacktrading.co.uk/product/grivel-marmolada-28/?gclid=CNuNivLEusgCFSLnwgodNC4KzQ )

    Does anyone have any better ideas please? Particularly for the less-fuss option.

    Thanks.

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  • October 12, 2015 at 11:15 am #861689
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    CXR94Di2

    The elbow, I would have it in
    The elbow, I would have it in front of the steer tube, ensuring it doesn’t snare the cables. The handle would face downwards, then either cable tie or better for convenience velcro straps to the seat tube to keep it as horizontal as possible

    October 12, 2015 at 10:00 am #861687
    0
    dottigirl

    abudhabiChris wrote:Does it

    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. 🙁

    October 12, 2015 at 9:33 am #861685
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    KirinChris

    Does it have to be a crutch?
    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.

    October 12, 2015 at 9:10 am #861683
    0
    dottigirl

    CXR94Di2 wrote:Crutches are

    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.

    October 12, 2015 at 9:09 am #861681
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    crikey

    Never mind the crutch, how
    Never mind the crutch, how does the parrot stay on?
    😉

    October 12, 2015 at 9:01 am #861679
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    dottigirl

    2 Wheeled Idiot wrote:Could

    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.

    October 12, 2015 at 6:23 am #861677
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    CXR94Di2

    Crutches are usually height
    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.

    October 11, 2015 at 10:41 pm #861675
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    Gkam84

    Skateboard backpack?
    I’ve got
    Skateboard backpack?

    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?

    October 11, 2015 at 9:15 pm #861673
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    Batchy

    You could try a
    You could try a photographer’s back pack that has straps/loops/laces for attaching a tripod ? These bags are not cheap but are usually very robust and the compartments inside can be taken out to accommodate all the usual everyday stuff. Lowepro and Tamrac etc. are good makes. Look on photography retailers sites.

    October 11, 2015 at 9:06 pm #861671
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    2 Wheeled Idiot

    Could you just use some
    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..

    October 11, 2015 at 8:59 pm #861669
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    Nat Jas Moe

    Overboard have some good
    Overboard have some good backpacks and they’re on sale at the link below has some webbing like your Karrimor might be useful. I have one of these for my commute and can totally recommend it as a bag to keep everything in it dry.

    http://www.northeastkayaks.co.uk/overboard-classic-backpack.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CLivvY6nu8gCFRSNGwodGKwIfw

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