bike that is easy on the back
05-27-12, 05:15 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
bike that is easy on the back
Hi all,
I am new to the forum and I am search of my first bike. I used to do a lot of sports but a back injury stopped me in a jiffy. I think I am now ready to start over but I cannot do anything that is high impact so I am now looking into biking. What kind of bike would you recommend for someone with a lower back injury that it is still painful at times? If it helps I am almost 6 ft tall, 210 lbs, I have fairly strong legs (still) and I am 42 years old. I am looking for something of high quality but entry level that would fit my needs. Another member in the intro forum told me that a forward leaning bike would help me. I would appreciate if you could give me some suggestions. I live in South Florida (North Broward County) and I would prefer to buy my bike from a local bike shop (I have to do my part to help my local economy). I don't know anything about bikes but I would like to buy an America made bike, unless you have a good argument to buy something else.
Thanks!
FC
I am new to the forum and I am search of my first bike. I used to do a lot of sports but a back injury stopped me in a jiffy. I think I am now ready to start over but I cannot do anything that is high impact so I am now looking into biking. What kind of bike would you recommend for someone with a lower back injury that it is still painful at times? If it helps I am almost 6 ft tall, 210 lbs, I have fairly strong legs (still) and I am 42 years old. I am looking for something of high quality but entry level that would fit my needs. Another member in the intro forum told me that a forward leaning bike would help me. I would appreciate if you could give me some suggestions. I live in South Florida (North Broward County) and I would prefer to buy my bike from a local bike shop (I have to do my part to help my local economy). I don't know anything about bikes but I would like to buy an America made bike, unless you have a good argument to buy something else.
Thanks!
FC
05-28-12, 04:46 AM
#2
Asphalt Hero
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Russia, Moscow area
Posts: 51
Bikes: Trek 4400
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have some problems with back too (intervertebral hernia). The bike must fit to your hieght that you back to be straight. Do not use heavy backpack. Always install soft saddles with springs. Prefer to ride by normal qualiry roads. Intensive cross-country is not for you.
05-28-12, 09:44 AM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you AH. At this point I would like to start narrowing down my list of options. Any bikes I should definitely consider? Any bikes I should stay away from?
05-29-12, 08:39 AM
#4
Asphalt Hero
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Russia, Moscow area
Posts: 51
Bikes: Trek 4400
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you exclude half-laying road racer seat you can select any non-road bike with high steerer. But full suspension bike is the softest so it's the best for you.
Last edited by Asphalt Hero; 05-29-12 at 09:36 AM.
05-29-12, 06:21 PM
#5
Member
Thread Starter
It is a Specialized Crosstrail with front suspension. I still have one more shop to visit and I will probably make the purchase this weekend.
05-31-12, 05:35 PM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you for the Bacchetta recommendation, but I feel weird about a recumbent. Besides, I sit all day anyway...
06-01-12, 09:46 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 269
Bikes: Schlitter Encore, RANS Seavo tandem, Fisher HKEK, Spec. Roubaix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-15-12, 01:36 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 66
Bikes: Motobecane Vitus 979, Bridgestone MB-1, S-works Roubaix, Wabi Lightning SE
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have found that conditioning has helped a lot with my back pain. Initially I was unable to ride more than a few miles without pain, but I am now increasing the distance to over 25 miles pain free. One thing you might consider is getting drop handlebars instead of the mountain bike type in the Crosstrail. I find having multiple positions to place my hands is helpful for my back, rather than basically one position with a straight handlebar.
07-15-12, 01:46 PM
#12
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The Homeland
Posts: 42
Bikes: Trek 830 MTN bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can't go wrong with that Specialized model. We were looking at that one, when I last visited the local bike shop.
Hey, I thought the Jamis Coda Sport, was a great bike for about the same monies.
Hey, I thought the Jamis Coda Sport, was a great bike for about the same monies.
07-15-12, 09:45 PM
#13
Senior Member
I have one suggestion. Get a bike with the largest frame you can still fit on. By doing this, you seat will be lower relative to the handle bars.
08-20-12, 03:38 PM
#14
Junior Member
Look for a cruiser bike where the cranks are ahead of the seat tube. Your position will be in between a regular bike and a recumbent. They also have handlebars that sweep towards you and is high up so your back will be in an almost straight up position.
They usually have balloon tires and spring saddles which cushion the ride . Also google crankforward bikes.
I too just moved into such position due to a bad back.
Here's a link to a good description of this crank forward design
https://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/townie-bikes-electra
They usually have balloon tires and spring saddles which cushion the ride . Also google crankforward bikes.
I too just moved into such position due to a bad back.
Here's a link to a good description of this crank forward design
https://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/townie-bikes-electra
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wildrider
Fifty Plus (50+)
8
02-18-13 04:30 PM
