I've been riding since July 2012, crossed the 4k mile mark today, woo hoo! I finally got a fitting last month and he raised my saddle a full 2 inches and kept the handlebars at the same height. I never really broke 13mph before the fitting, then afterwards went out and did a 40 miler at 14.5 mph, it was amazing how fast the bike was rolling with the same or less effort. The honeymoon was short-lived however. I started having lower back pain and now, 250 miles later, I'm fighting it constantly. I feel like I'm falling forward and putting too much weight on my hands, although the saddle is now farther behind the bottom bracket than it was before. I'm wondering if the more efficient saddle position is allowing me to transfer more power through my lower back than previously, and my 42 year old back is having trouble matching it. If I slide back far enough on the saddle to get the weight off my hands, then I'm well behind the pedals and have to almost lock my elbows to reach the handlebars, unless I lean way over.
I've started yoga for core strength, but I'm only going to get older I can't get the handlebars up above the saddle like they were before because the stem won't go that high. I used to be able to ride 40-50 miles before I had back issues, but now, it's constant, although I've picked up a full mph on my average speed.
I'm hesitant to lower the saddle, but feel I may have to. Any advice?
Thanks,
Jon