Cycling can be a good form of exercise for people with AS to improve general fitness and stamina
Regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also boost your mood and keep your weight under control.
Getting started
Ideally you should check with your physiotherapist before taking up cycling to see if they believe cycling would be suitable for you, especially if you are having a lot of pain and stiffness with your AS and if you know you have quite a bit of fusion.
If you have a very stiff spine and neck do consider whether you will be able to turn to see traffic and pedestrians properly when cycling.
People with AS usually get on with cycling fairly well, but we advise starting off slowly on fairly flat terrain. Try cycling on smooth pavements or roads at first and avoid bumpy, rough ground that could jar your spine. Only use for bike for short journeys at first and build up the distance you cycle over time.
Cycling can encourage poor posture so it is important to stretch the body into good upright posture after cycling. Try lying flat on the floor to stretch the spine out for a few minutes. You might want to discuss some good before and after exercises with your physiotherapist.
Do be aware that for the first few times you may be a little sore after your bike ride as you will be using your uses muscles in a new way, but this should settle down over time. You can take mild pain killers and anti-inflammatories to help you over the initial soreness.
Stop cycling and consult with your medical team if you suffer usually high levels of pin after cycling or if you feel a sharp or sudden pain when cycling. This may mean that cycling is not for you.
Your cycle
If you don't already own a bike then do consider borrowing or hiring one first to see if cycling is for you.
If you're buying a second-hand bike or you have an old bike that's been gathering dust, consider having it serviced at a specialist bike shop to ensure it's roadworthy.
If you are going to buy a bike then a specialist bike shop will advise you on the correct frame size and help you select a bike to suit your budget and the type of cycling you want to do.
Drop down racing handlebars are not ideal for people with AS as they encourage poor posture. A mountain style bike with good suspension may offer better protection for your spine.
A gel saddle may also be a good investment.
If you do have any problems with your hips or knees that you may find it more comfortable to have your saddle raised a little higher than usual. This means that as you pedal, your knees and hips are not bending quite so far. Do take care not to raise the saddle too high. You should still be able to touch the ground with your toes. Again do ask the staff in the bike shop to help you adjust your saddle correctly.
Last reviewed: March 2011