Back Pain

ROK ON

Need some advice re bike pain. I know that there was a thread, but I couldn't find it on the search.

Anyway. New bike, and getting bad back pain. Only out on it 4 times.
Will get a measurement in the New Year to set it up appropriately. But in the meantime, what can I do to alleviate the back pain.

I get a bad pain in my lower back during and after cycle. It does feel as if the hoods are far away (arms at full strech). However, the bike has a smaller frame than my other (pain free) bike. Should I move seat forward, or up/down or both?
Thanks

CheGuedara

I'm not sure that adjusting the saddle height/position is the way to go, it may cause more problems, impact on your pedalling efficiency and not address the one you have.

I would consider looking at either moving the stem higher on the steerer or failing improving the situation this way investing in a shorter/raised stem both of which should bring the bars closer to you and reduce the stretch on your back

ROK ON

Cheers - I will try bring the bars up (there has been some room left to do this on the bike). It looks as if bike is a good fit. My chin is directly above the stem, and when I am hoods and I look down I can barely see the centre of the wheel. Similar position on my other bike (larger frame), and I have not suffered back pain. Really sore after descending (which is a pain - given that I like descending as I am barely adequate at climbing).

niceonetom

bike fit is too complicated to really get into here - and even if it were, i wouldn't be the man to explain it but...

the saddle position should be dictated entirely by the best position relative to the BB - to give the right pedalling motion. then handlebars should be adjusted relative to the saddle - to give best position for comfort, handling, aerodynamics et&.

basically don't move your saddle for the sake of your back, move your bars. (if, on the other hand, you were having knee problems the saddle would usually be the first thing to get attention).

the most common advice given to people with lower back pain seems to be to get a shorter stem (to bring the bars closer) or to flip their existing stem over (to raise the bars higher - presuming the stem is currently angled down, that is). i've also read that this may not always be the solution though, as a long stem can straighten the back and therefore relieve pain... there's no magic bullet i suppose.

if you have a comfortable bike that you are confident fits you correctly then you could try to replicate its riding position. it's not that difficult with a plumb line and a tape measure. i've done this to make sure that my saddle height and horizontal distance behind the BB is identical on all my bikes. then measure the distance from the tip of the saddle to the centre of the handle bars, and the vertical drop.

ROK ON

Thanks Niceone. Sounds complicated though. Maybe I should leave it till New Year and take bike and myself to Cycle Superstore to get a fit. I presume that they will fit a bike (for a fee) even if not bought there.

victorcarrera

Lower back pain veteran here with some additions to what's already been said. Various combinations of the following works for me.
1. Consider fitting sprung seat post.
2.Try a saddle with a little more give.
3.Choose routes with smoother road surface.
4.Dont pump tyres too hard.
5.Get out of saddle and straighten back more often.
6. Back friendly frames in this order.
Soft = Mild steel.
Med = Aluminium and alloys.
Hard = Carbon.
7. If it cant be cured try to manage it.

Lumen

Do not screw around with your back. If you can't get comfortable, stop using the bike until you get it sorted.

CSS charge for bike fitting. ISTR €60-€100 depending on level of technology they use. And they won't do it at weekends (too busy).

ROK ON

Thanks for your help folks.
I will take it to CSS for a fitting. In the mean time I will raise the stem and take bike on a short spin to see if it helps, if not it will go in the shed until after the fitting.
Back pain is not a problem that I have had before, it maybe due to the fitting, it maye due to the fact that I am getting used to a carbon bike for the first time.
Anyway, thanks or the advice.