What Kind of Bike to Purchase?

Dee wants to get back on the bike after a bit of a break, he does have a back problem and wants to know what bike we would suggest would be best for him. These are our thoughts.

Question:
Hi, I have two questions. I would like to purchase a bike again after many many years, owned a Fuji back in the day. One issue is that I have some problems with back pain in the sacral area. Could handle bars be adjusted to a better position for such problems so I am not so angled when cycling? Any suggestions are welcomed for any particular bike I should consider.

Hi Dee.

This is quite a tricky problem and I have heard four different lines of thought on the subject, here they are:

Theory 1:
Higher handle bars; this will straighten the back, more like standing and walking. This can help as you are not bending. The problem can be that all the shocks from the road will go straight up the spine which will cause pain. If this is the position you are most comfortable with then a suspension seat post could help.

Theory 2:
Leave the bars where they are leaving your back bent. The spine will then be more like a suspension bridge, with out pain from rough roads, but it may not suit your particular problem.

Theory 3:
This one I don’t like and would never agree with, “give up cycling!” I have heard this said from doctors and (allegedly) back specialists. Exercise is the best thing for nearly all physical and mental problems and for sure it great for your body’s health.

Theory 4:
Try everything until you find what suits you and you are comfortable with. Personally I have had lower, mid and upper back problems; the neck hasn’t been great either! What I have done is to higher the handle bars by a small amount from what has been my position since starting racing over 30 years ago. This could just be because of age and have nothing to do with any spinal problems. Go to an osteopath regularly and keep as supple and flexible as possible by doing stretching exercises every day and before and after riding the bike.

Add a Spacer

If you intend to ride off road then it has to be a mountain bike, on the road it has to be a road bike, but if the more up-right position suits you and you might ride on paths and on the road then take a good look at a Hybrid. They are very adaptable and you should get a comfortable position with a bit of experimentation.

Good luck, Dee, but don’t give up.

Hybrid

11 Responses to “What Kind of Bike to Purchase?”

Steve November 2, 2009

Have you given any thought to a recumbent? I’ve spoken to many riders who started their love affair with recumbents because of back pain. I’ve never been on one only because I’m afraid that I will like it too much and have to have one.

Mike Di Feo November 2, 2009

Hi dee:
I am 60 years old and have been bking for about 10 years. I found that lowering the handlebars takes stress off my lower back. I had lower back problems. Since I started biking they are almost gone. I think sitting upright puts more stres on your lower back. Also make sure to stretch your hamstring muscles at least 3 times per day and specially before you start biking. I would recommend trying biking to anyone who has back issues.
It has really helped me
Good Luck
Mike Di Feo

Dennis Perry November 2, 2009

Yes, I would recommend a recumbent. I found neck pain, wrist pain and back pain all went. My current recumbent is a Cruzbike Sofrider, but I’m saving for a Silvio. I’ve also ridden several Bacchetta recumbents and they are good too.

Peter November 2, 2009

Have you tried yoga? Personally I find it a great compliment to cycling and helps me keep my back, hip, and neck problems under control as well as increasing my overall flexibility. Give it a go – I thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

Sarah November 3, 2009

What is a Hybird bike and where would I get one? I need a bike I can ride on salkwalk surfaces and also on wooded dirt trails. I need something light weight so I can get it on and off bike rack. I’m 5′2″ female, 54, with about a 29″ inseam.

alastair November 3, 2009

Hi Sarah.
A Hybrid (not Hybird!) bike is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The wheels are the size of a road bike, but will usually be fitted with off-road tires. The handle bars will be straight and flat like a mountain bike with the gears on the brake levers and have a large spread of lower gears than a road bike. It may or may not have suspension forks.

Hybrid bikes are perfect for on road and rough tracks and paths, but not for full off-road mountain courses. Most good bike shops should sell or be able to get hold of a Hybrid bike for you as all the top bike manufacturers make Hybrid bikes.

For your inseam I would suggest you go for the smaller sized frame, if you are considering a bike with a cross bar (man’s style) one with stand over height of less than your 29 inches, probably around a 15 inch frame. If you want a woman’s style frame then the step over isn’t as important.

Good luck Sarah, see if you can get a test ride before you buy.

Eamonn November 6, 2009

Hi Sarah

with regard your enquiry ” what kind of bike”. I had a nasty accident which stopped me from riding my mountain and road bike due to not being able to tolerate the ride position. (neck and back issues)

With help from my LBS, we built a true “hybrid” by building from a mountain bike frame with a short top tube and with carbon fork and 700cc wheels with hybrid type tyres. The headset was raised using an extension and a riser bar completed the front end. To compensate for the upright ride position, we used a good quality suspension post and gel saddle.

I am back on the bike and doing what I enjoy, so much that we are looking at modifying a road bike; the plan is to use as much carbon as possible and again a more upright position. Options are available.

Between the carbon, raised ride position and seat post……. super comfy.

Best of luck

Eamonn

Lee Joo Mong November 9, 2009

Where I live, there is this Taiwan made seat with coil springs suspensions for very bumpy roads ($12 to$15). Do check if it is compatible with the seat post diameter

John Klein November 9, 2009

Sarah, look into a folder with 16 or 20 inch wheels. Some have aluminum and steel frames to choose from and all of them will suit your inseam size.

jajanghadianto November 14, 2009

HI
1. LOW BACK PAIN ( BACKACHE ), is the symptom which many possibilities etiologi, but the most important is HNP ( Hernia Nucleus Pulposus ), Before you buy your bike, I suggest that you may controlled to your doctor.
2. Unstable HNP make you Paraparese ( you can’t move your leg because cycling is traumatic to your spine )

DAN JOSEPHITES November 16, 2009

Recumbent, recumbent, recumbent….I don’t have chronic back pain, but have been a recumbent rider for 8 years, both short and long wheel base. Every once in awhile I do get a flare up up sciatica nerve/back pain. My Easy Racer Tour Easy allows me to ride with no pain at all….