PaulRivers

I don't like the Crosscheck personal - it's heavy and I hate bar-end shifters when you could get an equivalent bike with regular brifters.

Steel is usually better than aluminum, but a good full carbon frame is better than steel, in my opinion from test riding around 15 bikes, 2 of them being steel (including the steel volagi, which claims to be the most comfortable bike possible, didn't really find that to be the case unfortunately).

You bring up a good point that's been missed - good carbon is better at reducing road vibrations, but a fatter tire is better than almost anything at eliminating sharp bumps. For all this talk of "road" bike, perhaps you should be looking at cyclocross style bikes that take fat tires, if you're willing to go a little slower.

Still, my recent test ride of a 500-carbon-level Emonda was an amazing experience in just plowing into a pothole and barely feeling it - a pothole I'm certain would have jolted me around on my other bikes. The Damone may be similar as well, just didn't specifically target a large pothole when test riding it.

So it's definitely not a bad idea to go with a bigger tire to remove harsh shocks when riding...maybe a full carbon cyclocross bike? It's mostly just a road bike with better tire clearance.

leeinmemphis

multiple emails have not resulted in a reply so I am going to see about locating another place that has one of those machines.

PaulRivers

Lol, yeah, me to. I haven't been 175 since high school, and when I was I didn't like how I looked - to skinny. (Would be happy to be 190 again, though, but 175 was a bit to low).

I remember seeing a hilarious comedy bit about walking into a gym and the guy goes "Look how fit these people are! Why are you at the gym? You're already in shape - you're fit! Done! Go home!". It's kinda funny cause it's kinda true...

I hesitate to recommend jogging as an exercise for people who are seriously overweight (more than you're talking about), because of joint issues. But biking, elliptical, swimming, etc etc are all good exercises for exercising to lose weight if that's your goal. (I'm 215lbs, and just moved to somewhere where I can more easily bike to work to try to help lose some weight - not the end of the world, but it would be nice.)

leeinmemphis

yeah running is out. Doc has me walking 2 miles a day. He says that's the best exercise for strengthening my back. I was swimming a couple times a week earlier this year. I may get back into that once the doc lets me loose to do what I want. I'm about to climb the walls being cooped up in the house. I have a little more than a week until I can start riding some.

Bobwgilmour

I've been looking for the same thing. I suggest trying the new Giant Defy Advanced 1 (with disc brakes) which is coming out in September this year at about $2600.

Bob

Pedalocity

I started on my first road bike at over 300lbs, and have found cycling to be immensely fun. Certainly there are some additional challenges in terms of getting comfortable and getting equipment that can stand up to the additional demands (particularly rear wheels), but that certainly shouldn't stop anyone from getting involved in such an enjoyable and healthy hobby.

A professional fitting with a skilled fitter may be a wise investment to develop a fit that will work around your back issues. As others have mentioned, while endurance geometry road bikes are often more comfortable for those with back issues, it all depends on the specifics of your back and a good fitter should be able to help steer you towards a bike that will work with your specific constraints.

leeinmemphis

Just thought I would post a follow up. I've been test riding several bikes and decided on a Pinarello Razha K. It wasn't even on my radar but it looks like this is the one that comes closest to everything I need. I wanted a different color than the one they had. I should be riding by the end of the week.

Shuffleman

That certainly is a nice bike. I hope that you enjoy it. Bad backs can be funny and not in a good way. I am more comfortable in a more traditional geometry than I am on a relaxed geometry bike. In fact, I can only log about 15 minutes on my hybrid or mtb before my back starts to really bother me. My road bike can be ridden for hours though with no issue. I think it is the way that my sit bones hit the seat. If I am leaning over, they do not get as inflamed. The more that I am upright, the more that it hurts me.
If you want to ride with a bad back it is best to test everything and not just go with the conventional wisdom that a relaxed geometry is better.