I say "road biking" because I've been biking for a long time now, just not with anything with drop bars
So, following the input of some of you wonderful individuals, I recently purchased a cross bike to meet my commuting needs (this one to be exact:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._pro_ti_xi.htm)
Assembled it, tuned it up (and then had a lbs check on my job
). Small problem, though, which is this terrible pain in my lower back that's occurring after virtually no time riding at all (talking like 10 minutes into the ride).
Prior to riding it (and then again after) I read / watched videos about setting up saddle height, headset height, etc. etc. and thought I had things around where they should be (I attached a picture below...not sure if it's useful at all, but thought it couldn't hurt).
Following the first ride I brought the stem/handlebars up since I figured they might be too low (and since, at least as far as I can tell, my seat height is about where it should be). This didn't really help though (maybe a little).
I don't feel as if I'm resting all my weight on my palms, and there's virtually no strain in my neck or shoulders. It may not be clear in the picture, but my arms definitely aren't locked out when I ride.
So, couple questions:
1. I'm assuming at least part of this is due to the fact that I've never ridden in this type of posture before. I mean, I'm in pretty good shape (core is decent), but still, how much of this could be simply a "lower back isn't used to this type of thing" issue? The only thing about that theory is that I would think fatigue / soreness would set in a lot slower (seriously talking about a mile or two into the ride, max).
2. How much could my actual saddle be contributing? I really kind of hate the saddle that came with the bike (super uncomfortable, and it seems likes it's too almost too long). I was planning on replacing it anyway, but I wanted to at least give this one a chance since I've read a number of posts about saddles being uncomfortable at first and then you getting used to them (after dropping $1700 on a bike I'm not super enthusiastic about spending more money at the moment).
I'm really tempted to go to the lbs and have them fit the bike for me, but again that's more money. I've never had lower back problems before, which is why I'm so surprised by this. After a short period of time riding though my back reminds me of the days when I was doing deadlifts improperly (if anyone does barbell lifting they probably know what I'm talking about). So if you guys have any suggestions I'm all ears
thanks
