Originally Posted by Andy_K

OK, this bike is officially my back's new BFF.

I'm an overweight middle-aged man, so backache is a regular visitor to my life. I was signed up for the Worst Day of the Year Ride for this past weekend and wanted to do the hilly 45-mile challenge route. A week earlier I pre-rode the two main climbs on my LeMond Nevada City and while I made it, my back was aching when I finished. On Friday, my back was aching for no particular reason. On Saturday I spent six hours helping my sister-in-law move and by Saturday night tying my shoes was a challenge. A lot of stretching and time on the foam roller eased things a bit.

In preparation for Sunday's ride, I had embraced the Trucker lifestyle and put a rising stem at the very top of the steerer (resting on no less than 11 spacers!), putting the bars slightly above the saddle. With some trepidation I set off Sunday morning to see how the challenge course would treat me. Four hours and 45 miles later, I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, having enjoyed the ride and having experienced no back pain. Color me impressed -- this thing is comfortable! The ultra-low gears didn't hurt either, of course.