Road Cycling - Road cycling position/body effects

Hi. I am a 20 year old college student who has suffered from back pain every now and then since a back injury as a kid. In addition, I was told when I was 13 that I had cartilidge in my knees where there should be bone and this was causing me pain when running. My doctor told me to stop playing soccer and start riding........so I did! Now I love riding. Every kind of riding. Recently I have become more hardcore though as I am finally getting to purchase my own bike, but as I find the need to decide between road/hybrid/mountain bikes, I wonder if the position one rides during road cycling can cause back pain. I haven't had the opportunity to ride a road bike, but I would like to start participating in some tours so the racing style is really the best way to go I think. I would really appreciate any advice on the position of road-riding and how it affects the body. Thank you :)

Hi. I am a 20 year old college student who has suffered from back pain every now and then since a back injury as a kid. In addition, I was told when I was 13 that I had cartilidge in my knees where there should be bone and this was causing me pain when running. My doctor told me to stop playing soccer and start riding........so I did! Now I love riding. Every kind of riding. Recently I have become more hardcore though as I am finally getting to purchase my own bike, but as I find the need to decide between road/hybrid/mountain bikes, I wonder if the position one rides during road cycling can cause back pain. I haven't had the opportunity to ride a road bike, but I would like to start participating in some tours so the racing style is really the best way to go I think. I would really appreciate any advice on the position of road-riding and how it affects the body. Thank you :)

Go to a high-end bike shop (well, just someplace that knows what they're doing) and have them properly fit you. Having a bike that fits properly is crucial for avoiding any kind of pain (at least when you're riding). Road biking is the best kind of biking imo, so my advice is to get a road bike, especially if you want to go fast.

If you have back issues -and- you've got money, look into a recumbent bike that's customized for you. I know nothing about 'em, but chatted with some guys on the last organized century ride here... they're backs are all messed up and these bikes allowed them to ride for 8 hours without issues. Just a thought.

Sure- if you have your handlebars too low, you could end up with some lower back pain. If it's too high, you could end up with pain behind the neck. Luciano has good advice- if you can get to a higher end store and tell them you want a road bike and you need a bike fit, and you explain what your problems are, they should be able tto accomodate you and find you a nice road bike that won't stress your back.

Also, consider doing stretching exercises for flexibility for the lower back. That will definitely help prevent back pain!

Koffee

When I get backpain I have a big inflatable ball (probably 2' + across) I got at WalMart for like $2 that I just lay across... it really helps stretch my back out and feels great after a long ride.

You can also consider laying flat and elevating your feet on an incline- that really takes the stress out of the back, besides feeling really good. On days when my back feels like it's on fire, I'll put a bunch of pillows under my legs and sleep with my legs elevated. It works miracles.

Koffee

I used to get lower back pain/discomfort often while mountain biking. Since switching to a road bike, I have experienced really no discomfort. I have no idea why, other than that my mtn bike frames used to be too small (short top tube), and my road bike was professionally sized and feels good.

I don't know how helpful this observation is, other than it says it is possible to have a virtually pain free fit on a road bike. Whether it's due to the general road bike geometry, or simply due to a better fit, I don't know. The other posters are definitely giving good advice to get a proper fit.

You should be fit according to the length of your various body parts, considering only a few of those parts, not everything if you get me wrong. Secondly, you should also be fit according to your flexibility. Go to a professional that does a test on your flexibility and your reach, and get that person to fit you well. Especially important for people with back problems. Physiotherapy might be needed to strengthen your back. Such problems can be rid of, but you'll need commitment on your part to take good care of present injuries and to prevent future injuries.