Mountain Biking - would switching to a riser bar help with lower back pain?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
descartes
05-22-03, 08:41 AM
I ride a 03 yeti fro. it came stock with a titec hell bent flat bar. After about 45 minutes, I start to have discomfort in my wrists and lower back. The bike store suggested I adjust the brake lever position to help alleviate the wrist pain. This seemed to help but my back still hurts after long rides. Would switching to a riser bar help this problem? How much rise? Any particular brands/models that are good?

The LBS suggested a downhill bar that sweeps back. But I don't want to screw too much with the geometry as I really like how the bike rides. I pretty much ride exclusively XC. Thanks

Chi
05-22-03, 08:51 AM
By riding in a more upright position with the riser bar, yes, it should alleviate your lower back problem. A further remedy is to use a shorter and taller stem.
Shannon-UT
05-22-03, 09:27 AM
My husband loves his riser bar. I think it's 1.5 inches, or whichever the highest one is. He said it was awkward the first ride or two. I just got a 0.75 inch riser bar, and one ride did feel more comfortable in the neck and lower back.