ngk Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 Just got done with knee surgery and am getting a set of asterisk knee braces for riding my woods bike. I was wondering if anyone has worn braces on their trials bike, and if they are too confining or bulky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtt Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 I've got two destroyed knees and wear CTis on both knees now, both on woods bike and trials. It takes a short time to adjust, but if your used to wearing them on your woods bike, it won't take you long to adjust. I'd feel naked without them now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliechitlins Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 Joe. What's a CT? I'd love to hear more. I've got ACL and cartilage reconstructions on both knees, and I can never get it out of my head that every ride could be my last. What can you...or anybody out there...tell me about knee braces? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enrico Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 Charlie, CTI is the name of a range of custom made knee braces - and ones which I cannot recommend too highly. There are also a range of 'off the shelf' braces by the same Company called 'Edge'. CTI braces are admittedly more expensive than others on the market, and as I haven't tried the 'Asterisk' range it is not for me to compare. What I would say is that my CTI has proved long lasting (over 5 years) comfortable (finished the Scottish 6-days wearing it without any problem - at least not in the knee department ) and strong. They are made to measure and IMHO worth the cost. I have had two ACL replacments (same knee twice - returned to playing soccer after the first and stretched the replacement) so cannot afford any further damage. The CTI gives such confidence that I now no longer think of the knee whilst riding. You can place the brace on its edge between two blocks and stand on it - it doesnt move - try doing that with a dodgy knee joint! Anyway, enough rambling - Technology in Motion - in the UK- have a great site - http://www.technologyinmotion.co.uk Have alook for more info. Regards, E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtt Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 Yup, enrico has it right. The CTi is a custom fitted composite brace and when fitted properly, are extremely comfy and bulletproof. For what it's worth the Asterick braces are made by the owners of CTi (Innovative Sports) and are real popular with the MX crowd. They are an "off the rack" product and use an elaborate lacing system to provide that "custom fit". They also come in pairs (CTi are one ofs) and include a patalla cup (so you've got some protection when...sorry, "if" you fall down) Webpage The cost for the CTi braces is double that of the Astericks but is often covered by Health insurance CTi site As I said, I now wouldn't ride without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliechitlins Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 Thanks, guys. I think it's time I looked into this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d. sileo Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 IF your Insurance company covers it , then the best way is to have them custom built to your specific fit and application by a Ortopedic Doctor... These offer the best protection to the individual and can be adjusted for ther exact fitment needed..... This is the way I ended up after trying many on the generic models on the market. (They just don't cut it in terms of fitment and protection) I have had a total knee replacement and continue to ride at a very competive level, or so I like to think anyway....My 2 cents ,...........D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
young girl sunt Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 Ive got nothing as serious as yuo guys but i tore my medial ligament in July and the recovery has been really slow and suffer quite bad from my knee collapsing and just randomly giving way. I went to the NHS and asked for a knee brace and they gave me a really high tech one and I wouldnt ride with out it its great. At first its really weird to ride with one on but now I dont even notice it and it really protects my knee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc2002 Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 May differ though, depending on your age? Not sure how NHS works, but isn't it if your under 18 its free, over 18 it comes out of ya wallet? Not exactly sure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
327 mag Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 You guys wearing them under or over your pants? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc2002 Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 Under, they need to support your knee itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subira Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 I did a medial ligament in April this year, been through all that collapsing stuff and re-injuring it - had lots of physio (not on the NHS unfortunately) seems to have taken forever to get better, still can't quite sit back onto on my feet but I'm working on it. I have been able to run and MTB since end Sept, and it seems to be getting much stronger now. All the pain has gone. The physio's view was that its worse than a break and to expect a slow recovery - she was right. I have resisted strapping it or wearing a brace now, as I'm worried about not developing the rotational strength again and always being likely to re-injure it walking or running on an uneven surface without the brace. My view of course and I don't compete at high level in trials, my running and MTBing is much better - you couldn't race in either of these in a brace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shercomann1103 Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 I tore the ligaments in my left knee in June 2000. After 10 months recuperation and physio was finally able to get back on my bike. Looked at all the knee braces available and finally purchased an XO-skeleton rage knee brace. Excellent fit and once it's on you don't know it's there. It's fully adjustable, comes with full instructions and video on how to fit and adjust it, it's very comfortable and light to wear, fixes with four velcro fastners, quick and easy to fit. Wouldn't go on the bike without it now. Had to send to America for it, cost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
young girl sunt Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 subira, i thought that when i did my medial that it would only be weeks before i could bend properly again but im quite dissapointed to hear that yours still isnt better properly. Its a pain not been able to crouch down and when you forget that you cant and try to it really hurts!! I am running again but only for 15 mins max, after that my knee becomes too weak and feels like it will collapse. I was advised by my physio not to run at all as its too high impact but as part of fitness training I have to do the bleep test and i cant get out of it! Ive also got a scan in january to see if i have damaged the miniscus which can be repaired by minor surgery, im just hoping i havnt done that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatbikedude Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 It is soooo common for off road bikers to have damaged their knees - when I eventually got to see a specialist (NHS) and he heard i rode off-road bikes he threw his hands in the air and said there's only one thing worse than that and thats skiing - when i told him i did some of that as well i practically got kicked out of the door - what he did say though was thta braces are not the answer - they can help support the knee but there is no better way than to build up the muscles - if you rely on braces too much it can have a negative effect. he seemed to think that unless you go for custom built ones there was not that much benefit. It has to be said that he was talking about my ACL damage - other injuries may be different. keep at it - i tore my ACL 20 years ago and am still riding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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