welcome andrew! you'll learn lots here. just look at me

congrats on the weight loss. most people never get it done... it was the best thing you could have done for your health.

i hope that with what ever decision you make regarding your back that you will be able to reduce the amount of pain.

because of your back, it might be worth investing in a proper bike fitting session if you believe there is a chance to be gained from this. sounds like you do a lot of road type riding....even more reason for a proper fit for your back.

stay with it, things will get better

mx