Back pain & MS-150 ride approaching fast!
 

Bike shops have recommended their "fitting" which ranges from $50-$75. Does anyone have any experience with this? Recemmend it?

Here's my deal: I started biking regularly last year with a clunky, heavy Trek Navigaor. I really liked biking and figured I was ready to move up a level of bikes. So, I bought I used Gary Fisher moutain bike and had the local mechanic fit me to the bike...but just by his judgement. No lasers or software or fees involved. Ever since I started riding the GF, I've had incredible back pain. Granted this is a mtn bike and my former bike was considered the comfort type and I was sitting more upright last year.

Before the back pain started, I slated myself to do the MS ride (150 miles) and will borrow a road bike to do this. I am also wondering, if the bike fitting fee thing is worth it, I suppose it makes sense to fit me to the road bike too?

I have to say is that this sucks! I love biking and I think it's interesting how runners get their burned out and start cycling to keep fit. I am a strong runner who can't even run anymore!! To make things worse, my chiropractor is warning me against the MS ride figuring I'll be in pain even longer. He could be right, but I am not ready to give up yet. Any advice is much appreciated.

Go here http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/default.asp and click on "Get fit for Road and Mountain bikes!" It's free and will give you good information about minor adjustments to make to your bike so (hopefully) it will fit better.

Good luck with the MS150.

Without seeing your position on the bike, it sounds to me like you are too stretched out on the bike -- you may need a shorter stem, or you may be able to move the seat forward a little on the rails, or the bike is simply too big for you. Or, the handlebars are too low, since you said your previous bike was a comfort bike with a more upright position.

You might begin some core strengthening exercises to help with supporting your upper body on the bike.

If you are riding a road bike for the MS 150, then start riding it now and get the fit worked out well in advance of the actual ride!

There is lots of information on the basics of bike fitting -- do a search. It will get you in the ballpark, but if there is a qualified fitter in your area, it may be worth a few $$ to get a proper fitting (and make sure you explain your back problems).

Good luck!

Get a fitting. It's worth a shot. I had some back issues, and it was remedied by seat adjustment and a riser bar.