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Has anyone had experience with the Alinker walking bike?

Posted by gravity3 @gravity3, Dec 28, 2024

I need some help with leg strengthening in general and pre tkr if it comes to that. This is pricey but it may be worth it in the long run. Does anyone have experience with the Alinker walking bike?

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joanland | @joanland | May 4 1:26pm
In reply to @bethg94619 "I wish they were more common in the States, but they are catching on slowly. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for bethg94619 @bethg94619

I wish they were more common in the States, but they are catching on slowly. I got mine from the website and have found the company easy to communicate with any questions. I would also recommend finding a good bicycle shop in your area, I take mine from in for an annual safety check where they check the nuts and bolts (literally) and tighten the break cable when needed. It isn't expensive and keeps the bike in top condition. All my best if you decide to give it a go!

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Thanks for the suggestions and your continued encouragement.

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backalley | @backalley | Jul 6 10:59am

I purchased an Alinker in April 2024 and participated in the Stanford study. I have degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, lumbar stenosis and lumbar spondylosis which make it extremely painful to walk or remain standing for more than 5 minutes. The Alinker did not alleviate my walking pain and was useless as a walking aid. Foot and leg still become numb and uncontrollable after 10 minutes on the bike.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 6 12:12pm
In reply to @backalley "I purchased an Alinker in April 2024 and participated in the Stanford study. I have degenerative..." + (show)
Profile picture for backalley @backalley

I purchased an Alinker in April 2024 and participated in the Stanford study. I have degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, lumbar stenosis and lumbar spondylosis which make it extremely painful to walk or remain standing for more than 5 minutes. The Alinker did not alleviate my walking pain and was useless as a walking aid. Foot and leg still become numb and uncontrollable after 10 minutes on the bike.

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Hello @backalley, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience with the Alinker walking bike. Sorry to hear the bike didn't help. I have difficulty walking also with my degenerative disc disease and arthritis but it normally doesn't cause the extreme pain, just is difficult for me to walk any distance. I can ride my recumbent exercise bike for 45 minutes to an hour but if I had to walk that long I would pretty much be toast.

Have you found any other walking aids that help you?

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backalley | @backalley | Jul 6 5:13pm

I've tried several walkers and rollators as well without success. I'm also able to ride a bike. I typically spend 90 minutes a day on a stationary bike, usually working out with Peloton classes though I have a Keiser. I have difficulty mounting a standard bike and fell three times last time I tried to ride outdoors. I'm fine once I'm on the bike and moving, just need to figure out how to get there.

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joanland | @joanland | Jul 6 5:37pm
In reply to @backalley "I've tried several walkers and rollators as well without success. I'm also able to ride a..." + (show)
Profile picture for backalley @backalley

I've tried several walkers and rollators as well without success. I'm also able to ride a bike. I typically spend 90 minutes a day on a stationary bike, usually working out with Peloton classes though I have a Keiser. I have difficulty mounting a standard bike and fell three times last time I tried to ride outdoors. I'm fine once I'm on the bike and moving, just need to figure out how to get there.

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You might want to try out a recumbent tricycle. They don´t look like a tricycle, they are low to the ground and the non-tadpole version has the pedals in front. With only the pedals in front it means you can walk into the bike seat by putting the pedals between your legs and walking backward and sitting down in the seat. It is easier to do than it is to explain. Find a recumbent bicycle shop that is willing to work with you, get the chain adjusted to fit your leg length, and give it a whirl. You just might find you like it!

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laurietm | @laurietm | 11 hours ago

I have used the alinker walking bike for about 2 years. I have the use of one leg. It has changed my life - I would otherwise be in a wheelchair. But I am improving my health every time I use it - engaged core, balance, at eye level with others. I feel such freedom. The bike is ethically sourced and the individuals at the company earn a living wage and are all alinkers users. I would pay much more for the freedom this bike has given me. Life changing!!

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laurietm | @laurietm | 11 hours ago
In reply to @backalley "I purchased an Alinker in April 2024 and participated in the Stanford study. I have degenerative..." + (show)
Profile picture for backalley @backalley

I purchased an Alinker in April 2024 and participated in the Stanford study. I have degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, lumbar stenosis and lumbar spondylosis which make it extremely painful to walk or remain standing for more than 5 minutes. The Alinker did not alleviate my walking pain and was useless as a walking aid. Foot and leg still become numb and uncontrollable after 10 minutes on the bike.

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@backalley so sorry to hear your experience with the alinker.

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backalley | @backalley | 8 hours ago

It was worth a try at the time. I had spinal surgery on Nov. 18 which will hopefully alleviate the problem. The following were done.

OPERATION PERFORMED:
1. Application of prosthetic device L5-S1
3. Anterior lumbar arthrodesis, L5-S1
4. Bilateral foraminotomy, L5-S1
5. Bone morphogenetic protein and allograft
6. Fluoroscopy.
7. Intraoperative neuromonitoring

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tillymack | @tillymack | 7 hours ago
In reply to @bethg94619 "During the pandemic my legs atrophied. I work remote and with a spine riddled with osteoarthritis,..." + (show)
Profile picture for bethg94619 @bethg94619

During the pandemic my legs atrophied. I work remote and with a spine riddled with osteoarthritis, fusions, and artificial disks, I thought I'd never really be able to walk any distance or without pain again. My daughter sent me the link for an Alinker and I winced at the price, but as a nurse knew if I got into a wheelchair, I'd have a difficult time coming out of it. I gambled. Best money I've ever spent, hands down. There's a learning curve and yes, just like any bike seat, a transition for your hindparts to get used to, but it gave me my life back. At first it was trips to a mall to get used to it and develop some leg strength, but after 3 years I have built my legs back and have used it to climb the sand dunes I'd set as my original goal. Besides walking/riding it, I find using my cane easier because my muscles throughout my legs and back have strengthened as a result of walking vs riding an electric scooter. My favorite question when people ask me about it is: where are the peddles? And their surprised faces when I say, "I walk". I take it everywhere, shopping, dining, doctor appointments, you name it. If something happened to it tomorrow, I'd replace it immediately. That's this owner's experience. 😉

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@bethg94619

Do you live in a very walkable city? I'm trying to imagine how that might work for me living in a suburb with almost nothing of interest other than thousands of houses, townhouses or apartments accessible to this type of bike.

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