Cycling with knee pain or amputation - the rehab bike

How long have you been riding a Varibike?

I have been riding the Varibike for 4 years.

How did you come up with the idea of buying a Varibike?

There were two reasons that motivated me to do this:
1. I wanted to train not just my legs, but my whole body without having to go to the fitness studio. I had been looking for alternatives to the classic bike for many years.
2. I have had osteoarthritis in the kneecap of my right knee for several years and could no longer pedal with that leg - not even with an e-bike, so I had to stop cycling 5 years ago. I really missed the sport itself and being active outdoors.
I spent a long time researching such a bike, but couldn't find one that convinced me and suited my needs, until I came across Varibike. Martin Kraiss's great advice and his great efforts to adapt the Varibike to my individual needs ultimately convinced me. I was also impressed by the bike's top quality and its design. I haven't found anything even remotely comparable anywhere.

Does your Varibike have any special features because of your knee osteoarthritis?

I have a pendulum crank for my right leg, which allows me to move my knee, but I don't have to bend it as much as with a normal crank. The crank means that the leg only moves half as far up as with a normal crank. This leg mostly moves passively, without me exerting any force. In order to be able to manage longer distances and inclines with one leg and two arms, I also had an electric motor installed.

What do you use the Varibike for?

I use it regularly to commute to work, about 37 kilometers a day, and often on weekends for excursions and tours.

And you can also climb inclines with it?

I can manage smaller inclines without a motor, but larger ones only with the support of the motor. If I could pedal with both legs in addition to using my arms, the motor would not be necessary.

With the Varibike you can switch between different drive styles. For example, you can crank synchronously with your arms, or asynchronously, or just use your legs, etc. Do you often switch between drive styles on the Varibike?

I switch regularly. Sometimes I pedal with just one leg or legs, sometimes I pedal with just my arms (mostly asynchronously). Especially on the hill, I use my arms and legs at the same time, which is the most fun.

What do you like about Varibiking?

Arms, legs, abdominal and back muscles are trained. The power with which you can ride up a hill or literally float on the flat at 45 kilometres per hour when you use both legs for a short time is enormous fun.

Wouldn't a normal e-bike have done the job?

There is no comparison because the upper body training is missing and the coordination training with all four limbs at the same time, virtually "hands-free" without having to hold on to the steering wheel, is a great feeling.

Do you have training or rehabilitation goals when Varibiking, or is it more just for fun?

At first it was about being able to continue exercising. It also meant that the knee could be moved without putting any strain on it, which led to a reduction in pain for a long time. Varibiking enabled me to postpone the need for an artificial knee joint for four years and even allowed me to go on short hikes again for a long time.

What have you been able to achieve for yourself through Varibiking?

I was able to postpone the operation for several years and, despite limitations, maintain and even improve my physical fitness. My quality of life has improved considerably thanks to Varibiking.
Three months ago I had an artificial knee joint and since then I have been able to use the Varibike for my rehabilitation, initially on the exercise bike and now back on the road. This has helped my recovery enormously and accelerated it. I am looking forward to the coming months when I will be able to use the Varibike for nice and longer tours without any motor support. I never want to be without the Varibike again.

Did it take you a long time to learn to use the Varibike?

Thanks to your one-hour instruction, I was able to ride it safely after another 3-4 hours of practice, although I initially only used the arm cranks on cycle paths. After 2-3 weeks of practice, I was able to ride it in traffic and around bends just as easily as any other bike.

Do you feel safe about this?

Yes. After a short time, switching arms and legs, as well as moving from the arm cranks to the steering wheel and the gearshift and brake handles, worked in my sleep – just like using the clutch and shifting gears in a car.

Also in the city?

Even in the city. There, however, I use the arm cranks a little less, as you often have to be ready to brake more quickly and have your hands on the brake handles quickly.

Do people look when you ride the Varibike?

Many people look at me with wide eyes when I approach them and often look after me. I am approached almost every time I ride, either by other cyclists or by pedestrians at traffic lights and intersections. People are fascinated and ask lots of questions.

Do you have any tips for Varibike beginners?

The first 2 to 3 hours are not easy in terms of coordination and are also physically demanding, but then the Varibike becomes more enjoyable every day. So: just show a little perseverance at the beginning...