Mountain Biking - full suspension road bike

I had back surgery, so I need a full suspension bike, like what's found on a mountain bike. But I want to sit up straight, like a comfort bike. and I need the handle bars much higher to accomplish this. Is there a way to do this with a mountain bike?

the hard tails with the spring seat don't do it for me. the hybrids don't do it either. I really need a full suspension road bike.

does anyone make one, or can I adapt a MTB?

thx

[admin deleted - incorrect and possible dangerous advice for new rider]

don't listen to that guy. a 29er full SQUISH bike with road tires would work with a crazy long/steep stem and tall risers.

If you don't mind me asking, what part of your back did you have surgery on, and what type of surgery was it? Something doesn't add up right here. Did your doctor tell you that you needed a full-suspension bike for road biking?

In all honesty, I think you'd be better off strengthening your back and core before getting on the bike, so your muscles can act as suspension. Then, when you're ready, buying a bike that puts you in a comfortable position. Doubt it will have to be a full-suspension...that just seems like overkill for potholes.

Call an LBS and try to set up a fitting session. Ours does it, measures lengths of appendages, range of motion, yadda yadda. Takes about 2 hours usually. I'm sure if you work with someone like this, you can find a position on a normal ol road bike that works for you, like Zephyr said.

[admin deleted - incorrect and possible dangerous advice for new rider]

Thank you.

Three words: Air ride recumbent.

I also wonder whether upright on a full suspension is the answer to your problem, but...

The easiest way to get upright on one is to get a stem with a 25.4mm clamp and get some cruiser bars. I've only run 'em with thumbshifters but I imagine triggers and gripshift could be made to work on there.

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/medium/24093.jpg (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=24093)

You also will likely want to go at least a size down framewise to accommodate upright riding.

I am with you in the recovery arena. I broke C1 and C2 and have a compression break at T6. (Been a tough year)

It sounds like you have tried hybrid bikes as well as HT mountain bikes. I like the Full Suspension bikes as an all around bike. One other option in addition to the handlebars mentioned above (which look like a good option) is to get the biggest bar ends you can find and mount them so they are pointing towards your shoulders. You will still have to reach the flat portion of the bar \for brakes and shifting. I think the Full Suspension mountain bike is a great all around bike. If you get one with full lock out capability (Scott Sparks, one model) for instance. When your back gets better you will have a great all around bike. The lock outs give you better pedal to tire power. Then when you need comfort, you hit a couple of triggers and you are fully suspended. The Scott also lets you play with the air pressure in the (Nude) suspension so you can get more softness in the ride.

What kind of physical therapy are you doing?

Found a pic of my MTB with cruiser bars. Position was almost perfectly bolt upright. A slightly shorter stem would've got me the rest of the way there.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4003456772_2bb1676e90_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/4003456772/)

That looks like a very good option. that is one righteous trailer you got there Lester. The tires look like overkill for the vacuum.

Lester, Do you put chains on your trailer tires when you guys get heavy snow fall? :) btw, that bike does look comfortable, for real.

.... Where the hell are you going with a vacuum....?

^^^hahahaha!

With that rig, any where he wants to.....

How much squish do you need? Although not made any more, something like the Salsa Dos Niner would probably work out better as a road machine than something with 4 or 5 inches of travel. http://salsacycles.com/bikes/dos_niner/

http://salsacycles.com/images/sized/files/bikes/bikes_dosniner1-500pxx371.jpg