Saddle position causing injury?
09-06-04 | 01:18 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Faith-Vigilance-Service
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,330
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard, WA
Bikes: Trinity, Paradisus, Centurion, Mongoose, Trek
I had a mild soreness in my back earlier this week from bending over my workbench for two hours doing some soldering on my RC airplane gear, but wasn't really a major problem.
Then, the other day, I moved my saddle on my bike forward about an inch to try and make my posture on my bike more comfortable.
After my ride a few days ago, I could feel some sharp twinges in my lower back while I was riding, and my triceps were getting a bit sore after ten miles. I thought, "what the heck is the problem here?" When I got off my bike, I couldn't stand up straight, and the pain in my lower back was excrutiating.
After a few days of rest and a few Tylenol's later, my back is feeling quite a bit better, but still not quite ready. I think I may have pinched a disc in my lower back. It hurts when I sit for a long time, and standing is most comfortable.
I figured something was really wrong with the fit of my bike. So, found a fit calculator on the internet, and filled in all my measurements. It came back showing that my saddle was in fact 1" too far forward, and 2" too low. So, I readjusted it. Now my saddle is noticably higher than before, but the saddle to handle bar reach is exactly what they suggest.
I was also sliding forward a little on my saddle, ,which is why I moved it forward to begin with, figuring I needed to be coser to the handle bars. But, then I figured the nose of my saddle was probably too low as well, so I moved the nose up two clicks. Now, the nose is just slighty higher than the rear. I assume this is ok, to prvent me from sliding forward off my saddle.
My guess, is that my upper body weight was shifted forward so my lower back had more stress on it to hold me up, and my arms were sore for the same reason.
My LBS is pretty far away to go in for a measurement, so I just thought I would ask you guys and gals what you thought and maybe for a little extra advice if you have any. I just don't want to really hurt my back anymore. I want to make sure it is right before I get back on the saddle.
Can such a minor adjustment in the saddle really cause this many problems?
Has anyone ever had this happen to them?
Then, the other day, I moved my saddle on my bike forward about an inch to try and make my posture on my bike more comfortable.
After my ride a few days ago, I could feel some sharp twinges in my lower back while I was riding, and my triceps were getting a bit sore after ten miles. I thought, "what the heck is the problem here?" When I got off my bike, I couldn't stand up straight, and the pain in my lower back was excrutiating.
After a few days of rest and a few Tylenol's later, my back is feeling quite a bit better, but still not quite ready. I think I may have pinched a disc in my lower back. It hurts when I sit for a long time, and standing is most comfortable.
I figured something was really wrong with the fit of my bike. So, found a fit calculator on the internet, and filled in all my measurements. It came back showing that my saddle was in fact 1" too far forward, and 2" too low. So, I readjusted it. Now my saddle is noticably higher than before, but the saddle to handle bar reach is exactly what they suggest.
I was also sliding forward a little on my saddle, ,which is why I moved it forward to begin with, figuring I needed to be coser to the handle bars. But, then I figured the nose of my saddle was probably too low as well, so I moved the nose up two clicks. Now, the nose is just slighty higher than the rear. I assume this is ok, to prvent me from sliding forward off my saddle.
My guess, is that my upper body weight was shifted forward so my lower back had more stress on it to hold me up, and my arms were sore for the same reason.
My LBS is pretty far away to go in for a measurement, so I just thought I would ask you guys and gals what you thought and maybe for a little extra advice if you have any. I just don't want to really hurt my back anymore. I want to make sure it is right before I get back on the saddle.
Can such a minor adjustment in the saddle really cause this many problems?
Has anyone ever had this happen to them?
09-06-04 | 02:50 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Bikes: 2006 custom Walt Works roadie, 2003 Fuji Finest (road), 2002 Giant Iguana (mtb), 1986 BMW K75 (motor)
There are no solid answers when it comes to fit; however, I've really found this useful -- https://peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
If you moved your saddle up 2", well, that seems drastic. Suppose that is the right position, your body may need time to adjust. If that is true, you could suffer thru the adjustment period or do it in steps. I say drop your saddle 1" down for the mean time.
Also, try this test... get on, clip in, lean forward grabbing the bars/hoods. Try lifting your hands. If you can't, you're too far forward. If it's too easy, you might be too far back. Maybe.
If you moved your saddle up 2", well, that seems drastic. Suppose that is the right position, your body may need time to adjust. If that is true, you could suffer thru the adjustment period or do it in steps. I say drop your saddle 1" down for the mean time.
Also, try this test... get on, clip in, lean forward grabbing the bars/hoods. Try lifting your hands. If you can't, you're too far forward. If it's too easy, you might be too far back. Maybe.
