Specialized or Focus or other? Best for a bad back!

georgebest

Hi there

I was after some advice about buying a road bike which will hopefully get a fair bit of use (some commutes, recreational & racing). I've ridden mountain bikes for years but am looking for a change of direction. My budget was around a grand (I'm hoping my employer sorts out a cycle to work scheme in the next few weeks).

I seemed to have narrowed it to a Specialized Allez after riding a mate's (comfort) or a Focus Culebro or Cayo (value). I'm leaning towards the Specialized because I have lower back injury (football related) that can flare up now & again & I'm aware the Specialized are comfortable (upright position) & my mate's has no problems (he's another 'sicknote'). I do like the look of the Focus bikes but have heard that they have a 'racey' riding position & am a bit concerned that I'll be feeling it after rides.

Does anyone have have any experience of these bikes or are there any other bikes that I should be considering?
Thanks in anticipation.

Not Another Hill

I've had a Cayo for last 2 years and yes they are a 'racier' riding position. Personally I don't find the position uncomfortable and have done 100 + miles sportives. But if you have back problems I would be tempted for something a little more upright. The Cayo is a fantastic bike though.

sonny73

I've had a bad lower back for years and more recently a problem with my neck, however I ride a Speciailized and I find it both comfortable and quick and would highly recommend one for dodgy back comfort reasons.
I'm sure there are others on here that could say the same for other makes too, but I can't comment on the Focus having never ridden one.
Hope that helps.
Cheers

sonny73

I should add I got measured up and had the bike properly set up accordingly and the extra bit of cash for that is worth it if you can afford to.
Cheers

georgebest

Many thanks for the responses. Really helpful & I appreciate them. It's a shame. I like the Focus bikes - they seem a bit more inspired & really good value but I guess getting enjoyment out of a bike comes down to fit & comfort.
Has anyone else got any experience of these bikes or has any other suggestions?
Thanks

fatandwheezing

Can vouch for the racier position of the Cayo, when my back is OK I can ride for ages on it, but it's not so good if I have a slight twinge.

georgebest

Great advice & insight. I appreciate it.

Anonymous

Mate of mine has a Giant defy, nice position for a bad back as he does suffer.

brownbosh

I have disc, trauma and genetic problems with my back and now have 5 bikes all of which i had to shop carefully for. If you do not know exactly what geometry will suit and have ongoing spinal issues i would guard against mail order and go to the LBS. Recommendations would depend on whether you have reach or vibration issues.

sonny73

brownbosh wrote:

I have disc, trauma and genetic problems with my back and now have 5 bikes all of which i had to shop carefully for. If you do not know exactly what geometry will suit and have ongoing spinal issues i would guard against mail order and go to the LBS. Recommendations would depend on whether you have reach or vibration issues.

+1 on the advice to go to an LBS, mine were extremely helpful and had dealt with people with similar issues before, so they had some good advice as to the best bike, fitting and set up.
Cheers

Bhima

Riding in a more "racing" position actually strengthens your back.

You're better off getting a bike with more of an aggressive position and adding spacers to get the handlebars more upright, then lowering them gradually when you feel your back can take it. You could find that it gets easier as you ride more. Once you get really low, cutting through the wind with ease, there's no going back! 8)

brownbosh

Bhima wrote:

Riding in a more "racing" position actually strengthens your back.

You're better off getting a bike with more of an aggressive position and adding spacers to get the handlebars more upright, then lowering them gradually when you feel your back can take it. You could find that it gets easier as you ride more. Once you get really low, cutting through the wind with ease, there's no going back! 8)

Rubbish.Everyones issues are caused by different conditions. Im sure its fairly easy to say 'ride in pain you will get stronger' if you have only ever had a few bits of muscular spasm or a little wear and tear on a disc . Severed nerves, fractured vertabrae, narrowed spinal columns, fractured pelvis, blocked exit foramen are not things you can grit your teeth and ride through. That would cause a self destructive boom or bust that would end in tears. If someone has a real medical condition they should have a bike fitted with this in mind and change the position over a period of months.

Bhima

I didn't say "ride in pain". Don't put words in my mouth. I said that spacers under the stem would be able to raise the bars enough to give an upright position and leave room for adjustment later if the original poster's back managed to get used to the new riding position. :roll:

The original poster mentioned that the bike may get used for racing, so it's surely better to leave your options open instead of getting a bike with a super-long headtube and being unable to get in a low enough position if an aggressive riding style is later needed.

All the original poster mentions is a "lower back injury" - could be anything. I've had some serious lower back injuries and have been able to ride without pain.

georgebest

Thanks chaps. I appreciate the healthy debate. My duff back is due to degeneration of a disc(s?) which means my back occassionally goes into periods of painful spasm. I've had it for years & manage it (in theory) by working on my core. Exercise helps & any bike riding will be beneficial but I'm concerned about overstretching when tired.

I had a really good ride of my mate's Specialized - it felt a good, comfortable fit & I felt as though I could get into a racier position (although it's probably be easier on a Focus). My mate's had problems with his lumbar but feels the bike actually helps. I know you pay a bit more for Specialized but there's no point buying a bike with good bits on if I ride it less because it hurts. I guess that's what I'm now thinking.
I appreciate all of your help - It's really helped to clarify my thinking.

brownbosh

I actually find many specialized models are a bit long for the size of the seat tube. It is possible to get something with a fairly short top tube and relatively high head tube that will be comfortable but is very raceable too. looking at even the high end focus bikes they ahve fairly short top tubes even if the headtube is smalller than you may find on a sportive specific machine. So shouldnt cause major issues. If needs be a gradual change of stem lengths to move from comfy to slinky is easily done. Just because something can be ridden all day it doesnt mean its a slouch. The new 2010 bianchi C2C at about 2.5k (a different price point i think) was given a glowing recommendation as a do it all bike. Bottom line though, if you have a good lbs, take your budget there and try several different geometries in your size and get good quality profesional advice. Once you nkow what suits, bikes 2 and 3 can come from internet deals!

georgebest

Thanks Brownbosh - good advice which I will heed.
And thanks for all the posts - really helpful & I appreciate it.

benno68

dmclite wrote:

Mate of mine has a Giant defy, nice position for a bad back as he does suffer.

+1

I got a Defy 2 last October when I got back into cycling at the age of 40. I have a history of lower back problems and was overweight (still am a bit). It's has a comfortable geometry although - with hindsight I wish I'd gone for a full carbon - I guess that the Defy Advanced offers the same riding position as the Alu models.

Mothyman

i also have low back degenerative problem - have been fine on my Spesh Roubaix....although perhaps I bbought a frame size too large which means i am stretching rather - thus helping my back but not my overall efficiency at riding..good luck

Speed_King

Just to muddle things up although i do ride speciallized and currently have a 2010 Tarmac Elite, which is superb!! The Entire range of Focus bikes are very sound indeed i have tried a couple at wiggle inc a very nice goldie coloured Izalco super record (ok abit pricey) but the quality is great and if you dont mind ordering from websites you cant loose?