Bad back - looking to buy my second bike.
markymark34
Posts: 8
I currently have a Cube Road pro (straight bars) which i bought because i have a bad back but it has turned out to be bad for my back as the seat is so much higher than the handlebars plus i want a proper road bike.
So im looking for some adivce. I see the specialised bikes have a sloping top tube and most i see riden seem to have seat and handlebars at similar heights so im assuming this would be better for my lower back (and wrists)?
Am i right in thinking i would be better to have saddle and handlebars at similar heights if i have lower back problems?
going to buy a bike £600 - £900, any advice is welcome.
Mark
So im looking for some adivce. I see the specialised bikes have a sloping top tube and most i see riden seem to have seat and handlebars at similar heights so im assuming this would be better for my lower back (and wrists)?
Am i right in thinking i would be better to have saddle and handlebars at similar heights if i have lower back problems?
going to buy a bike £600 - £900, any advice is welcome.
Mark
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Comments
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Specialized's Secteur and Roubaix are popular choices with their long headtubes providing a more upright riding postion. However, I suspect spending even £100 or more on a good bike fit session might prove more worthwhile than just purchasing a Roubaix and taking a stab at the seatpost height and saddle fore/aft.
I might have imagined this but my understanding was that you go through Spesh's BG fit session and end up buying a bike, the cost of the sfitting was deducted from the cost of the bike if you end up buying a Specialized?0 -
Thanks for the quick reply. Ill have a look and see what shops (Im in belfast) offer fitting services. Has to be one that will do the ride to work scheme as well.
Specialized Roubaix looks nice but its a bit pricey!0 -
The Tifosi CK7 frame has a long head tube relatieve to the frame size and a built-up bike would be in your price range. I have a bad lower back and its a comfy frame for me.0
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McConveys on the Ormeau Road provide a bike fitting service. I purchased a Specialized Allez Sport from them a month ago (although I did not use their bike fitting service).
Good Luck0 -
Specialized Secteur is essentially just an Alu version of the Roubaix. Easier on the wallet.
The shop you buy it from should give you a reasonable fitting service as part of the price. Obviously not going to be a super analytical biometric thingymabobby. I'd try getting it set up with the stem flipped (riser). See how that feels. Maybe ask about compact bars too. I don't know if Secteurs come with compact bars. But i'm sure they'd let you try some out but they'd probably be added to the price.
Also, it's not geometry based but ask about the fitting 25mm tyres for added comfort. A less harsh ride may help keep your back from grumbling.
Pay attention to saddle tilt and saddle fit. For starters a poorly 'fitting' saddle which doesn't support your sit bones is going to make your back tense as it is but small changes in the saddle tilt angle can really work wonders for back issues. Obviously you don't want it nose diving or pointing north - just subtle angles. I've found a very slight forward tilt suits me as opposed to the spirit level flat advice (which is a great starting point).
Good Luck0 -
Great advice guys thanks. Ill head over to McConveys. EKIMIKE thanks for the advice on the stem riser. Would i be right in thinking you can normally swap the stem around anyway on most bikes putting the bars higher?
Mark0
