bakhurts

Guys, I am just getting back into cycling. I want to ride about 1-1.5 k per year, not race. I'll do a couple of charity rides. I tried both bikes in a parking lot, and can't decide. i will get around to trying to borrow or rent these bikes for a longer ride, but so far it is a wash. i would appreciate any information or opinions, realizing these are subjective.

i'm not young, and my bak hurts, specially when i try and go too aero. any other ideas or bikes??

thanks
bh

Brillig

I don't know, 1 to 1.5 kilometers a year is pretty light. [Badump bump]

Alright, now that that's out of the way, it's hard to say. A couple of things to keep in mind.

1. Only you know your body, but almost everyone's back hurts a little when they first start riding a little aero and then they generally get used to it.
2. I would avoid the suspension seatposts like the plague unless you never plan on going more than 30 or 40 miles at a time. Those things rob power like crazy.
3. In fact, avoid suspension altogether. If you want comfort, I wouldn't look necessarily for a comfort specific bike (although some of them might get you where you want to be more quickly). Basically you'll want wider tires to give you a softer ride and a good saddle that fits you and (I'm guessing) the handlebars placed a little higher than most. You can do all that with any bike.

Which Jamis are you looking at?

late

Hi,
Read this...
https://www.rivbike.com/html/rr_raisestem.html
Rivendell makes a great bike. Very traditional.Very kind to your back. Waterford/Gunnar is also great. You can order them with an extended headtube which gives a more upright riding position.

bakhurts

thanks for the insight. I do not know the model name of the Jamis. I think one is a Coda hybrid, the other the same frame built to road specs. My back is a significant issue, and I had to take a few days off work and lie in bed last year. I know i don't ride a lot, but am lazy.

How expensive is a Rivendell? Am i looking at the wrong kind of bike? Would a touring bike be a better option?
bh

Brillig

I was making a joke. Pretending like I misread your " 1-1.5 k per year" as "one to one and a half kilometers per year" instead of "one to one and half thousand miles per year"

late

Hi,
I have had a couple back injuries, nothing serious. But I have to hit the gym in the winter to build up strength in my back. If I don't,
it hurts too much to ride. Ab exercises, some back exercises that don't strain the back, really help. Btw, Doctors don't advise peple with back problems to lie in bed anymore. It's your muscles that protect the back, and letting them do nothing weakens them.

The position on a touring bike would be a good choice for you.
You should be bent at the hips. The lean should be between a roadie and a hybrid. And it should not put put much pressure on the hands. Like a crouch, or a little more.

The Rivendell is very expensive. I think they start at over $2K these days. The Gunnar Sport can be built up for a few hundred less using inexpensive components. I am sure all this sounds like way too much money. I have 2 thoughts on that subject. The first
is that if you have a good bike you will ride it. The second is that doctor bills, pills, and pain all have a cost. There was an old TV ad where a mechanic says 'Pay me now, or pay me later'. He was referring to an oil change now or major engine work later. In this case it's getting going, or being filleted open like a fish. Either way you'll pay.

But... I got back into biking on a moderate priced bike. I am cheap about most things; and I couldn't bring myself to spend buckets of money on a bike for years. IMHO, I was an idiot.
You will quickly find that an upright riding position is not comfortable for more than a few miles. I used to do longer rides on one, but I can tolerate pain for a while.