20 Best Bikes For Bad Knees (2023 Updated)

I looked and looked and read tons of reviews. I finally found the Vive website and so glad I did. The bike is very quiet and I can sit and pedal for a very long time. I did put an airline size pillow on the seat and can ride even further.

The only two things I want to mention is that the strap that goes over your shoes isn’t long enough and the seat doesn’t go far enough forward to reach the bars in the front. I hold onto the side bars which is totally fine.

My husband and I put it together fairly easily however the piece that goes over the tension would not fit. We left it off and I think it is ok. There is not much difference in the tensions though. My husband is 6 3 so he uses it all the way.

Back and I am 5 foot 5 so have it much closer. It is a little hard to move it so we used a little WD 40 on the edges and that helped some. I don’t need much tension so it is ok for me. It rides very smoothly.

The video was very helpful for putting it together. The seat is very comfortableaa.

I purchased the recumbent bike to aid in my double bypass recovery. The bike is similar to the exercise machines I use at a cardio class I take. I prefer a recumbent bike over a standard bike or a treadmill.

The former is uncomfortable and the latter is hard on my knees. The unit is sturdy enough to take and give a rugged workout and the screen information is perfect for my needs. Assembly was not difficult and the price of the bike was pretty good too.

The packaging is very poor. Both of the bikes on my order were scratched. There are not enough options available, had to purchase my “add ons” at local bike shop. No options for taller handlebars, no options for cargo racks.

The bike is nice, but there is alot missing. The saddles are garbage. The cranked distance from the front wheel is sooooo bad. Your feet will contact the tire if you are not pedaling on the ball of your foot.

Garbage geometry. The bikes look cool, but they really missed the mark on quality and design.

This bike is great! I LOVE the look/style of it, very smooth while riding, it was a. somewhat easy set up. The only thing I do not like about the bike is the incorrect sizing chart. Sole says what they recommend for what size bike you should get, and its pretty wrong.

I should’ve have bought a bike the next size chart up, but i was nervous because it was out of my size range & I didn’t want to get the wrong size. Now I have to deal with my feet hitting the WHEEL every time I turn.

I have fallen off quite a bit, so its safe to say-do your research here! Overall a nice bike for cruising around. I give it a 6. 7/10.

I really wanted this to be a great cruising bike, but it was not great by any means. I was so excited to get it and ride to work. I set up the bike and went for my first ride. It was slow a very poorly made bike.

After my first ride. I was pretty upset, with the way it handled. I have spent the Same on another brand that was so much better. I honestly don’t even want this bike.

The Duke II exemplifies the term “blah. ” It’s just ok. There are no bells or whistles to mention or highlight (literally). It doesn’t even have a kick stand. It is the most basic, uninspiring bike I’ve ever seen.

It works, so I can’t say it’s all bad, but that’s about it. Regardless, I do not plan to purchase another bicycle from Sole.

This bike is nice. I traded in The Aventon Pace 500 v2 for this Level. 2 bike mainly to get the new torque sensor. The torque sensor is much better for my taste than the cadence sensor for pedaling – a much smoother, less unpredictable assistance – seems less dangerous.

The drawbacks of this bike for me are: 1. the “large” frame is a little small for me when compared to the Pace 500v2 bike’s large frame. I am 6′ 1″ tall. 2. The handlebars are way too low for me – straight bars.

The Pace 500 had an adjustable stem and raised bars. This bike does not. I fixed these issues by replacing the handlebars with some 6″ riser bars for about $50 – Great now. 3. The seat is not good, not even as nice as the one on the Pace 500 v2 (lower priced bike).

I fixed this issue by replacing with a new springy seat and a suspension seat post. To sum it up, the level. 2 bike is great with a few modifications if you are tall or have a bad back and want the torque sensor and other options.

If you don’t care about the torque sensor (biggest reason for me), the included fenders, rack, and shocks on the forks, the Pace 500v2 is better out of the box for a tall guy and seems sturdier. The Pace 500 is a stiffer ride though.

It is too bad Aventon did not include the adjustable stem, raised handlebars, and better seat on their more expensive level. 2 bike. Though, I would still probably replace the Pace 500 seat also. The torque sensor is worth getting this bike, at least for now.

I have put over 100 miles on it so far without issues. I can go 20 miles and still have about 70% charge left – don’t know how accurate that reading is. We’ll see how the bike holds up over time.

The bike seems well built, and I was very impressed with Levi in shipping. There was some confusion when I ordered, and the bike I wanted was not in stock and would take a while to get. Levi was on the phone shortly after my automated text message saga began.

He explained that he had the bike I wanted in the next taller tire size, and after asking my height, I still fell into the parameters of a good fit. My bike and hunting cart packages were sent out the next day.

Kudos to him on his customer service and the speed at which this went out. Now for the bad, the hunting cart. The actual box and frame seem adequate, the problem is the rims and tires. Both rims have been heavily touched up with spray paint.

My 6 year old neighbor kid could do a better job, massive overspray on the tires and a heavy coat just aren’t visually appealing. While this wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for me as they won’t stay shiny for long, the real problem is one tire is unable to have more than 10psi air pressure in it without blowing off the rim.

I believe it’s and out of size tire, inconsistent tolerance. Hopefully warranty takes care of this, and I will gladly change my review if they do.

“Purchased a Storm and took it scouting in hilly terrain. The ebike has a comfortable ride with the added rear suspension. Every accessory in fact, from the motor to brakes to pedals, shocks and tires are of the highest quality.

In very hilly terrain this ebike climbed every one. It’s torque is amazing and is never jumpy. I did believe I that the battery life than I was expecting in terms of distance, but Bakcou customer service asked me to send the suspect back and they would immediately ship out a new battery.

The Bakcou Storm is a beast of an ebike. ”.

Firstly, Emma Rocks. I would say this vehicle aka (Bike) is MILSPEC. appears to be the Multi tool of E bikes. Instills confidence just examining the robust components , fit and finish and rugged pedigree that literally attacks your senses on opening the shipping box.

Am awaiting a full charge and fine tuning personal adjustments. This unit is built for apex predators. Trailer is an integral part together with the Mule , almost I might say, my new “Weapon System” also quality built.

Thanks for an awesome product.

I’m 5’11” 165lbs and ride the large. I like the geometry and it fits me perfectly. I replaced the saddle with SDG Duster and installed XT pedals. total weight = 25. 4lbs. I wanted a short travel, light, good climbing, fast trail bike, which led me to many hours researching ‘downcountry’ bikes – Spur, Ripley, Tallboy, Top Fuel, and the Epic EVO.

It was tough decision since I had no opportunity to test ride any, but with everything I read and watched, I went with the Epic EVO Expert. As I type this review, the Epic EVO can only be found among private sellers.

I got lucky and found one on Pinkbike at a great price. I’m very happy with my choice. This bike is so much fun to ride – it climbs like crazy and handles downhills without a hitch. The front and rear travel is perfect for the numerous north Metro Atlanta trails, and I have no qualms about taking it on the Blue Ridge gnarly trails with some killer downhills.

I highly recommend the Epic EVO.

I have the 2020 version (different rims) – this is my first full susp in many years. While I normally ride a 20lb Hardtail, this thing in many ways is as fast, or even faster! I swapped the crankset, cass, made it tubeless and it weighs about 23.

6lbs (sans pedals). It absolutely inspires more confidence than my hardtail, and picks up downhill speed much better. Locking out the susp, I’ll even pass road bikes uphill on the way to the trails – this thing is not a slouch! Climbing dirt, this out climbs all of my friends trail bikes, and has really helped my technical climbing skills.

18 months in, I have 3300 happy miles. Not so good. The seatpost died after about 1800 miles, and has been replaced by a fox (much less play). The rear susp has been leaky since the first day. While it functions well, there ARE NOT SPARE parts available right now! Would have been nice to have the lighter fork and save 170g.

Purchased two of their bikes. This one and a step over model. Purchased them as a way to get to the neighborhood pool. We are both 55+ and bikes are used only for limited distances. The step over bike had bad bearings in the pedal mechanism at time of delivery and had to be replaced.

After three uses both bikes got flats. The spoke wheel tape they use is worthless. Both flats were caused by spoke wheel cuts. Spent $150 to have all four wheels spoke tape replaced and new better tubes replaced.

Was trying to avoid spending $500 per bike for something that was just going to be ridden around the neighborhood. I Probably should have just went ahead and purchased a better quality bike. I’m not sure I’d purchase them again.

Bike arrived in great condition and quick. Love the bike! Love the color! Love the simple design. I had read reviews about issues with the tires. Thought I’d take a chance. After riding the bike for about two weeks both tires went flat.

After airing them up I walked the bike home at the half way point with a front flat and rear flat quickly approaching. Bike shop said cheap foreign tubes caused the tire failures. I spent $80 replacing tubes with heavy duty tubes.

Retrospec would be well served to spend a little more on the tubes used in the tires.

Mikes Bikes has always been my go to place for my bicycle needs. Great service and value. As for the Specialized Roll Elite this is the bike I have been searching for for a lifetime. I am 60 years old.

I am not a competitive rider, I am out for the scenery and the ride. My ride may be an old country backroad or a trip to the farmers market. This is the bike, 9 speeds rather than 21, firm hydraulic disc brakes, upright seating position on a comfortable seat and large tires for a very smooth ride.

Perfect for who I am and what I need.

This is a great bike for a casual ride on the weekend. The seating position is upright, so you are not bent over and resting on the handlebars as you would be on a typical mountain bike. That makes for a much more comfortable ride without sore wrists or sore back.

In fact, the seat is probably the best thing about the bike. You do not get a sore backside from this ride. It is a 7 speed which is plenty for most, but is not ideal for long hills. I am definitely happy with my purchase.

Love my Roll! I’m super short and it is sooo comfortable. Rides great on street and gravel paths. The whole process of buying this bike was smooth! The guy in the shop was super helpful. The only thing I found bizarre was that I couldn’t just simply call and talk to someone in the store.

I had to call a switchboard that called the store then called me back. I found the lack of direct communication strange. Otherwise great!.

I loved my last bike to death (Carerra Zelos). Pretty much literally as that thing broke on me pretty much right as this Orbea arrived. The difference between the two bikes is huge. This thing is comfortable (this model came with the raised endurance handlebars), light, responsive, and cool as heck.

I bought this due to its placement as a bike that can do it all. A road bike when you want it to be and if you put on some 35mm tyres then a gravel/rougher bike too. I’ve tried it out on both terrains and I’ve been impressed on both counts.

The hydraulic disk brakes are such an enormous step up from rim brakes. Rain isn’t a problem anymore. Pulling sick skids in some gravel has never been more fun and pulling up the front end of the bike to do a little jump really surprised me with how easy it was.

You could criticise that this has a tiagra groupset in spite of its price. That would be a fair criticism. I bought it as I saw the investment in the frame to be worthwhile. Components can be upgraded.

Another criticism I’ve heard is that the wheelset is heavy. Not so sure that’s a fair criticism. It might be true, but I’m of the school of thought that wheel aerodynamics are significantly more important than weight.

So I guess a better criticism could be that the wheels could be more aerodynamic. But I don’t care enough to make that point. This bike is very cool and I like it.

Absolutely love this bike, best I’ve ever ridden / owned (upgraded from a Boardman SLR 9. 0 2019 Model). The build quality and finish (in raw Carbon / Titanium) is first class. Went for Frame size 55 – I’m 1.

80M and it’s spot on. Look forward to racking up plenty of Winter Miles. Note re the Sigma Sports aftersales Customer Care Team (James N) – whilst un-boxing, noticed the front tyre was flat. Thought it may have been purposely deflated for transit / safety etc, but on re-inflation it quickly went down again.

When I removed the tyre the bead was damaged with visible wire on inside edge (which may have been the cause perhaps when fitting the Vittoria’s and hence nicked the tube, not sure?). Quick trip to my local shop had a couple of Continental Gator Skins (700 x 28) fitted on the same day and was away.

Dropped the Sigma Team an e-mail (primarily as feedback to let them know, in case of similar problems from other customers), and they proactively arranged for a refund to cover the replacement cost – Excellent Customer Service!, Thanks again.

I rode the local loop on my son’s Orbea Avant, then a week later on new Orca. Instantly 10% faster, and I then carried on knocking off minutes. I’m a commuter new to ‘proper’ road cycling, and this just puts a massive smile on my face when I take it out for a joyride.

When I’ve been pedalling my aluminium behemoth up to London all week this feels like it has a discreet motor drive built in somewhere. Great components and comfort. Mine came with a Fizik saddle which has more curve than the standard Sella saddle, and also has a central groove.

It is so comfortable, I just don’t notice it. Which is great as that’s the one feature I would have liked to swap out for a better saddle, but doing so would have extended delivery date from Orbea by an unknown length of time.

It helps that Sigma’s my local shop.

I am writing this review from the prospective of a road biking enthusiast who for many years bicycled the roads in Maine (where I live), Portugal, Montreal, and California together with my wife. We do day trips on both easy and challenging routes and have not lost our love for the sport even as e-bikes have begun to proliferate to older riders of our generation.

The reason I purchased a Alventon Soltera 7-speed was for a totally different experience in the immediate area where I live, surrounded by a number of “killer” hills that even the young, physically fit Amish riders strain to climb.

Normally we load our bikes on a car rack and travel a short distance to country roads where the hills are less daunting. So being able to hop on an e -bike in my driveway and take off in either direction for a short neighborhood jaunt is an attractive alternative.

Also, before we do a road bike ride I need to change into my riding outfit, fill my water bottle, make sure I put my clipless pedal shoes in the car, and place two bicycles on the rack. With my e-bike ride I only need to put on my helmet.

I chose a 350 watt bike over the 500 as I wanted something closer to a regular bicycle and not a motor scooter. I also chose an Aventon bike for its comparatively low cost as this was not going to be my primary two-wheel vehicle.

I already own two carbon-framed road bicycles and my wife has two carbon-framed hybrids. We each keep one in Maine and the other in California. So here’s my review after assembling a Soltera and taking four 10-12—mile rides up and down some fairly steep hills.

First on the plus side. The video on how to assemble a Soltera is excellent. It took me a couple of hours but I was working methodically to make sure I did it right. Everything fit into place although all the controls on the handlebar were set in awkward positions.

The numerical readout for the manual shifter, for example, was placed upside-down. All had to be readjusted. The bike ran well, did all I wanted it to do, and my wife liked it too. We agreed to share it and not get a second one.

Coordinating the manual shift with the assist to make a smooth ride takes some practice. I used 30% of battery power on a 12-mile trip with both uphill assist and downhill coasting. That comes close to the bike’s 40-mile average range, according to the company.

The customer service appears to be very good. When I called about the charger that wasn’t displaying a fully charged battery they quickly offered to send me a replacement. However, I am still waiting to receive it.

On the negative side, the motor whines a little too loud although I am used to a more silent biking experience. On very steep hills a fairly strong pedaling assist is needed even when the power is set at 5, the max.

(That’s where the 500 watt would have come in handy. ) For safety, it’s good to ride with the rear red lights and front light on in daylight although the display dims when these lights are on and makes it hard to see in bright light.

The battery does not come on and off easily as the front tire gets in the way. All things considered the Aventon Soltera 7-speed is a good value for the money and fun to ride around the neighborhood.

The more expensive e-bikes, as much as $10,000 so I am told, have their place but I would rather invest my money in bikes requiring total human energy.