  |
|
PRITIKINFAN
11/3/06 3:56 A
|
|
|
|
| When I started cycling to work about 2 months ago, I had similar problems. I'm 6 feet 5 inches, so am also probably too long in the body for my bike frame. Try putting your seat back as far as possible, and make a conscious effort to ride with a straight back. I look in shop windows as I go by, to check my posture. I'm never as straight as I think I am, especially when tiring. PH
|
|
DR_SNICKERS
10/25/06 1:30 P
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The only times I've noticed my back getting sore while riding is when my seat was too far forward. When it was slid too far back, I just tended to sit on the nose of the saddle which is when I noticed it was too far back. I moved it up, but a little too far and then rode a century with it that way, boy did that hurt. Anyway, I finally got it where it needs to be and I have no more back pain. I'll tell you though, not enough can be said about a professional fitting. It would be a good idea to fork over the $50 or whatever to have someone professionally fit your bike, it only takes about 20 minutes. Mine was great until I wrecked and broke my saddle and had to get a new one. It took me several rides to get it right. One of these days, when I save up the money, I'll get another fitting I think. I just can't fit it like a pro can.
Good luck.
|
|
LOGHOUSE
10/16/06 12:09 P
|
|
|
|
Want to eliminate back pain while cycling? Get a recumbent. I've been riding one for over 3 years now (used to ride a Trek hybred). No back, neck, shoulder, or wrist pain at all whatsoever. I can ride FAR longer than I ever could on an upright bike (did 3 centuries, and many 70+ milers this year). Also, when it gets cold out, I move the bike inside and put it on a trainer. I'll likely never ride an upright bike again.
Hope this helps you continue to enjoy cycling like it has me.
Take care,
Rick
PS; My bike is like sitting in a lawnchair with my feet up. Pedals out front, handlebars at my sides, VERY comfortable seat. If it had a toilet I'd never get off !! LOL!
|
|
|
|
| I have bulging discs and a road bike. I don't like the drawbacks of a trail or hybrid bike. I've found I can control my back pain by stopping every half-hour and bending backwards, back presses. But, then that's my problem and not related to stretching muscles. Perhaps a scheduled stop will help forestall back pain. Just remember not to stop on a hill.
|
|
PIONEERS78
10/10/06 10:01 A
|
|
|
|
I like to cycle, I ride a Roaddie so I don't have the up right position of a MTB but my initial back pain was just from lack of stretching and then not stretching during the ride. My back use to get tight after the 22 mile mark.
I also agree that a Local bike shop is the best way to go in terms of getting a proper fit.
|
|
|
|
I've been cruising the cycling threads because I'm new here and was curious about what was here. I've noticed many requests for information and problems with bikes. There are lots of suggestions and helpful advise. But, there is one suggestion that has not showed up and would be greatly helpful to all:
Establish a good relationship with your LBS. They have most, if not all the answers. Oh, what does LBS stand for? LOCAL BIKE SHOP. To find a good one look for names such as Trek, Cannondale, Schwinn (that one could be tricky), Giant, and others. You'll find them very helpful and knowlegable. Even if you have a Huffy or Murry they will set you on the right track. After all, it's in their best interest to make sure your Huffy or Murry runs well. If you get into cycling you'll want one of their bikes.
Good luck all.
|
|
|
|
I've been cruising the cycling threads because I'm new here and was curious about what was here. I've noticed many requests for information and problems with bikes. There are lots of suggestions and helpful advise. But, there is one suggestion that has not showed up and would be greatly helpful to all:
Establish a good relationship with your LBS. They have most, if not all the answers. Oh, what does LBS stand for? LOCAL BIKE SHOP. To find a good one look for names such as Trek, Cannondale, Schwinn (that one could be tricky), Giant, and others. You'll find them very helpful and knowlegable. Even if you have a Huffy or Murry they will set you on the right track. After all, it's in their best interest to make sure your Huffy or Murry runs well. If you get into cycling you'll want one of their bikes.
Good luck all.
|
|
|
|
| hate to jump in here as a girl but how are your core muscles if your lower back and abs arent strong it isnt gunna matter if your adjustments are correct ( i raced road and mt bikes for 10 years and am a personal trainer) just an idea good luck
|
|
|
|
It might also be that your bike just isn't the right size. There's only so many adjustments you can make. If you can't seem to make the pain go away with adjustments it might be worth a trip to your LBS (local bike shop) to have them evaluate your riding position/fit.
When I got my MTB a couple of months back my lower back would hurt a bit after my rides (either on pavement or not). I made a few small adjustments which helped a little, but I think it mostly got better as I'm getting used to riding and my back strengthens up a little.
|
|
|
|
The latest consensus about leg extension is that it's only "super important" if you're racing or looking for the most efficiency. A lot of bikers are lowering the seat for more comfort, not too mention that when you come off a curb (or jump) the lower sit is much more friendly on the south end. =)
The other option is to raise your handlbar. You can get a new neck or extension to raise it up. The proper geometry of a bike is also important for comfort and fit.
matt
|
|
|
|
Mick,
I think you sacrafice leg extention a little by doing that but like I said it did help some. The other thing I had thought of was raising the bars up a little to further straighten my back and neck. Hope it helps.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
thanks - i'll try it tomorrow.
Mick.
|
|
|
|
HEYWORTH83,
I ride moutain bike on the road alot too and was having back pain. I ajusted my seat down a little 1-2 inches and that seemed to help some. I wasnt hunched over the bars looking up quite as much. Might be worth a try.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
i ride a mountain bike on the road, but my back aches a lot while i'm riding - the pain goes away when i stop. just wondered if it's normal or if i need a new bike/need to adjust my bike in some way?
Cheers, Mick.
|
|
