I was diagnosed with a herniated disk and other issues in my neck. I currently ride a 2005 carbon synapse. I am considering a Cannondale quick carbon as a way to get more upright. I don't ride with a group anymore, so performance isn't that big of an issue. I just need to get back on a bike... any bike.

Do you think there would be enough difference in geometry to make a difference (quick vs synapse) to help the neck issues?

Thanks for any insight.

Why not simply just adjust your current bike for a more upright position? Bring the bars up and back a bit and see how that feels before investing in another bike.

You could test ride it and see. Hybrids tend to stretch you out less and place the bars up higher which will place you more upright. When looking at hybrids make sure the head tube height isn't any smaller than your Synapse if you're worried about your neck. The Synapse has the taller head tube than a road race bike and could probably bet set up the same way as the hybrid (or at least more upright than you have it now.) I would start out with trying to get the bars level with the seat on the Synapse and go up or down from there.

My wife has the same problem... herniated discs at C4-C5-C6. The more upright geometry worked for her.

I agree with what folks are saying above... try to "modify" yours first. This might be ugly... but give one of these a try:

Play around with the height adjustments until it feels good... then, if the "look" of the adustable stem bothers you, find a stem/spacer combination that will get your bars in the same spot.

Then you could consider adding an in-line brake lever, to allow you to brake without moving from the flats:

Thanks for the replies - i appreciated it.

Good advice - I am going to try an ajustable stem this weekend.

Thanks again!

This is probably more radical than you would want to go, but... just in case. My wife has herniated discs and also has bad knees. This is what she is using nowadays. It's a Giant Revive and she loves it. Giant doesn't make it anymore, but they come up on Craigslist all the time around here in the Bay area for around $300 to $400. The combination of the big seat area, the backrest, super adjustability, and the spring suspension are really easy on her back.

I also ride it since it is very adjustable (she is 5'10" and I am 6'2"). You can slide the seat up and down that silver track. Also, the whole handlebar assembly can adjust forward/back and up/down with the one black lever on the side just below the handlebars. Amazing design.

It is also a real conversation starter. She has people asking about it constantly.

And, its got nice 110PSI, 20" Maxxis Hookworm tires on it, so it rolls real nice. Something to keep in mind...

I'd as soon have a full recumbant like an easy racer....




or




friend of mine rides these. he books some serious mileage on them, he used to be a hard core mountain biker, but his back and neck can't take it anymore.

I'd recommend trying a "different angled" stem on your current bike first! My bike came stock with a 120mm 10 degree stem, HATED it!!!
I have two forms of arthritis that effect all the major ligs and tendons in the joints, including my neck. I had the LBS put on a 110mm 35 degree stem and that solved the pain problem in my neck for riding. You can get a non-adjustable stem up to 50 degree angle, yes, the LBS will look at you like your from outerspace at first, just cause the "racer boys" gota have 10 degree of less to get LOW but that's NOT what YOU need! JMHO, YMMV.

+1 for recumbents. I have had ADCF at C5-C6, and I can't ride a road bike, or even a hybrid for more than 20 minutes or so, but I can ride my Catrike Pocket all day.