Bad back after riding

Dav3m
Dav3m Posts: 84
edited January 2010 in MTB beginners
Hi guys, after a couple of hrs after riding I get a really bad back. Can anyone offer advice on why this may be? I think perhaps my saddle is the right height but maybe my handle bars should be raised? THey are currently below the seat at height level.

Any ideas?

Comments

  • yeh your handlebars will need raising. A longer stem could help a bit, but not much.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Some experimentation is needed to get a set up that suits.

    I often find that an upright position is fine, a low position is fine, but some points in between can cause some pressure.


    Try raising the bars as you suggest and shifting the saddle on the rails.
  • What length Stem are you using?
    On One Inbred 456
    On One Inbred SS
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 4,069
    Are you using a camelback / rucksack. If so it may also be contributing. I can't use a camelback on my road bike for example, gives me real back grief, a bum bag is fine. Different hydration systems sit on your back in different places. The wingnut for example sits much lower down your back.

    Other than that it's a case of make alterations to your existing setup one thing at a time. Don't forget you can move your saddle backwards and fowards and rotate yours bars as well (assuming they are riser bars, wouldn't make much difference on flat bars).
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
  • stomith
    stomith Posts: 332
    I get the same.....ny Full Sus kills, but my Ht fits me like a glove.

    Somin to do with the geometry,but never fathomed out what it is.
  • this'll sound REALLY WEIRD, but try pilates for dummies. i suffered from a bad back and this is a cheap, warm, (if u get it on DVD) and highly effective way to improve core strength.
    Am i strange in that i actually ENJOY going up hills? Yes, yes i am.


    PS: Full - Sussers are for SOFTIES AND BIG GIRLS
  • diy
    diy Posts: 6,473
    + 1 for the gay yoga or similar

    Forget tuning/tweaking your bike its not the main issue for a newbie. Yes set the bike up correctly and make sure you think about cadence and smoothness when you rider. But the key weakness is going to be you - You need to work on your spinal erectors to get the required strength you need to support you.

    Make sure you warm up and stretch before a ride and make sure you spend time increasing the strength in the lower back. There are many exercises you can do using a broom handle for example.

    Most chiropractors/osteopaths wont charge the earth to give a check up and set you a few exercises. Mine charged 35 quid and found I'd popped a rib out during a recent crash which was causing a lot of nerve pain. Popped it back in and I was like new.
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    Dav3m: cycling builds huge, sinewy buttock muscles :) and they tend to pull on the lower back which doesn't really get much of a workout in comparison.

    Some easy post-ride stretches (on your back, knees together, move legs slowly from side-to-side or try gently pulling each knee up to your chin in turn) helps ease the tension that leads to back pain.
  • evade
    evade Posts: 115
    I used to get back problems after riding, really bad. My posture is a bit rubbish (I go to pilates every now and then - it really works). But I was finding on my bike that my posture was going to hell when really pushing into steep climbs and I was using my back way too much. The trick I found is to really concentrate on your stomach muscles when climbing. It took some practice but my back is fine now and I think my climbing is better too.

    Evade
    Evade
    Scott Spark 35