What's your take on this?

I went into the LBS this afternoon to pick up a seat bag, patch kit, and bike tool and explained to the owner that I may need an adjustment in the seat/handlebars (which is detailed earlier in this thread). He replied, "You paid for the bike but I'm responsible for it. Don't make any adjustments yourself. Bring the bike in, tell me what you want, and I'll try to make you more comfortable". This was said in a respectful way and not at all in a bossy or arrogant manner.

Being relatively new to the road bike experience, and of course the LBS owner is aware of that, this was music to my ears. I felt like I was in good hands, especially considering my reluctance to make any adjustments myself, at least right now.

Is this considered going the extra mile or is it just routine and what should be expected from every LBS? Just wondering.

Just got back from a seven mile ride (I'm sure some of you will say that seven miles doesn't even qualify as a ride, but heck I'm new at this) and even though I've had back soreness and sciatica for several days, to the point where I've had difficulty putting my shoes on, I decided to see if I could ride through it.

To my utter surprise I actually felt more comfortable on the bike than I have off of it for the last few days. I'll admit that I started the ride with much trepidation because I already was in a bit of pain and I've thrown my back out on many occasions by leaning forward. But I was in no discomfort at all and that was very encouraging. Is there something about the position of your body on a bike... leaning forward, knees constantly bent...that could possibly alleviate back pain or (my fear) was this just a freak thing and I should consider myself lucky for not hurting myself even further?

The only problem I had on the ride was a stiff headwind which did a number on my eyes. Right now they feel gritty and irritated. I've been wearing my regular eyeglasses when on the bike to see the computer but I think the numbers are big enough to see without my prescription glasses. Can anyone recommend some decent eye protection...wraparounds, sports goggles, etc?

By the way, I think that's OUTSTANDING support from that owner. Of course, maybe knowing that you are relatively new to this, he's just trying to save himself some extra work from a botched repair job , but I think he has an amazing sense of responsibility towards his customer base there.

As far as the back thing, well, I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I'll theorize.

When leaning over on your own (not on the bike) you are using your back EXTENSIVELY to keep your balance, and keep everything together the way it should be. Even when you do something as simple as tieing your shoes. However, when you lean forward on your bike to the handlebars, your butt is balanced and supported the entire time by your saddle, and you torso is supported by your arms. In other words, though you are leaning, the bike is acting a bit like a second skeleton if you will, and you are perched upon it.

I would imagine, if you were to lean forward and pedal while standing on the pedals (I.e. supporting all your own weight) you may have found a way to hurt your back somewhat worse than it already was.

But, then again, I'm not a doctor.

I've never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express myself but what you said about the leaning forward position makes sense to me.

As far as pedaling while out of the saddle goes, that's a bit too risque for me right now. I'll admit to trying it for a few pedal strokes but I nearly lost control of the bike.

Oh ... the thrill to learn a new technique .... I am learning to ride backwards right now
I envy the ones that are learning to ride. ... it was such a thrill!