best bike for a person with a back hernia?
 

Hi!, I am new to the forum. So far I have read many threads and I am very impressed with the conscious and objective relpies you guys post :)

I am 31 years old (5'6") 160 pds guy who has always practiced sports. I am from Costa Rica so I have always played soccer. Unfortunately, I have been diagnosticated with a low back disk hernia so I am currently receiving therapy to see if I can avoid surgery (last option). Hopefully, I will be back to sports in sbout 1-2 months, however, my doctor has advices me to leave soccer and I am in the need of finding a new sport for me!

My father has been mountain biking for almost 3 years now, he is in great shape and I am thinking in staring to ride with him. Given my back issue, I cannot decide which bike would be better for me. Would appreciate if you can clarify me the following:

1. I know that FS bikes are more soft to ride, but are also lot more expensive.... is it really that much difference?.. I am not planning to do any downhill or very thoug rides, but I am to have a smooth ride for my back
2. From a maintainance standpoint... how much more $$ does a FS represents against a hardtail? (let's say monthly) riding about 60-70 miles per week
3. my budget is near 1000-1200 USD... bikes in Costa Rica cost more than in the US. If I find a very nice deal on the web I might consider to buy it qand ship it to CR. Can you recommend me a trusty on line store???.... any bike recommendation??? (given my needs)

Thanks for any help, advice for me!!.... greetings

The best bike for a person with a bad back would probably be something like this.

http://www.sunbicycles.com/03/html_0...ez_tadpole.jpg


I have sold a few of these before and they are really cool. They are on this page: http://www.sunbicycles.com/03/html_0...ents_home.html ----- Basically just get any kind of recumbent bike, they will have a seat with a full back on them and will support very well. I believe the one pictured sells for around $1400 or so.

Are you looking for like a comfort cruiser type thing, becasue if you are, look at this...http://jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_explorer4.html

My friend has this bike and it is so comfortable. I could ride it for several hours and my back would never get sore or tired.

I'm not a doctor, but I have played one on the internet.

First, get the ok from your REAL doctor.
I've pulled lower back muscles, as well as slipping a disk, after that experience I don't know that cycling would be a good "recovery" sport. On road bikes the body leans too far forward to be alleviating, MTB is just hard on the body all the way around, and in fact I wrenched my back this weekend trying to muscle up a hill. If anything, the recumbent might be the best choice, but I don't know much about them.

Finally, as norco suggests, one of the upright comfort bikes coupled with relaxed pacing around the neighborhood might work out ok. Good luck!

oops, guess that didn't really answer any of your questions. Sorry.

Thanks for your replies.....

That yellow bike looks nice :) ... hopefully, according to my doctor, I shoud have no issue in using a soft tail or a FS if I can excercise my back well.....


I will let you know on the outcome later :)

Hi,

I had the surgery a couple of years ago. Biking was recommended as a great exercise. I did experience pain on my ill fitting 930, and also on most affordable hardtails. I ended up with the Specialized FSR XC for around $1000 usd. No back pain at all. Bumps that should hurt like h_ll, I don't even feel. Now I love biking again (okay, I never stopped loving biking).

I should mention that I tried a variety of recumbents and found them to be extremely painful.
good luck to you :)

Thanks jstream!

The option you gave me is the one I am considering.. will search with my local dealers... if not, I might get it through the web... :)

I am glad to hear that you are up and biking as a champ!..... After I recover, I will be in your same shoes (hopefully) :P