Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on October 21, 2011 at 12:30pm

I'd be interested in people's opinions on this, too.  I've been looking at some hyrbid types on sale at Performance and elsewhere in the 4-500 dollar range, with disc brakes and front shocks.

Any thoughts on these?

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1102107_-1...

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1102113_-1...

 

Or if you have a similar specific model in mind that I'd be able to find used somewhere, that'd be sweet as well. 

 

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Permalink Reply by Andrea K on October 21, 2011 at 8:51pm

I'd recommend a recumbent and one with a Euromesh seat as opposed to Reflex seat that has two sections meeting at a 90 degree angle.  If you're in Chicago, you can take some test rides on models at Rapid Transit.  I've got worn disks, and after longer rides feel fine on a recumbent.  While it's true that you work your core more on a diamond frame brake, which is a good thing, but the best way to strengthen your back is not on a bike, but to just do core exercises and stretch.  If you're uncomfortable with the idea of recumbent, then a bike in which you keep your back straight without drop down handlebars is another option.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Kaplan - Get a Grip Cycles on October 22, 2011 at 6:59am

The best thing to figure out is where your saddle should be first. Taller cyclists, by and large, tend to run saddle heights way too low. This adds to stress on the lower back. Also, the more bolt upright that you sit, the more you are unable to fire your glutes, our strongest muscles. The glutes do not fire and you fry your quads and stress the low back.

I would be happy to show you proper cycling posture on a flat bar, riser bar, or drop bar bike. You can easliy be comfortable on all types. Do not be afraid of drop bars! Bike fitting is not just for racers.

Do not hesitate to give me a buzz at the shop and I would be happy to help. 773-427-4747.

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Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on October 22, 2011 at 10:00am

Which shop do you work at?

I'm struggling with seat height and also it's position in relation to the front bars.  The higher I put it, the more unnatural the down stroke feels.  Maybe I'm not giving it enough time, though.  I've heard people recommend that the seat should be an inch or two higher than the front bars, so I've experimented with that.  Nothing I've tried yet feels completely "right", even after briefly talking to a couple different people at shops.  Maybe that's just the rub of owning only a road bike. 

Adam Kaplan said:

The best thing to figure out is where your saddle should be first. Taller cyclists, by and large, tend to run saddle heights way too low. This adds to stress on the lower back. Also, the more bolt upright that you sit, the more you are unable to fire your glutes, our strongest muscles. The glutes do not fire and you fry your quads and stress the low back.

I would be happy to show you proper cycling posture on a flat bar, riser bar, or drop bar bike. You can easliy be comfortable on all types. Do not be afraid of drop bars! Bike fitting is not just for racers.

Do not hesitate to give me a buzz at the shop and I would be happy to help. 773-427-4747.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 22, 2011 at 10:20am

The average seatpost is too short for many tall people.  I have long legs, and I have to get an extra long seatpost for most bikes.  If you are tall and you're having back and/or knee problems, it's possible that your seat is too low.

 

Regardless of your height, it's a good idea to have someone watch you pedal to figure out what needs adjustment.

Adam Kaplan said:

The best thing to figure out is where your saddle should be first. Taller cyclists, by and large, tend to run saddle heights way too low. This adds to stress on the lower back. Also, the more bolt upright that you sit, the more you are unable to fire your glutes, our strongest muscles. The glutes do not fire and you fry your quads and stress the low back.

I would be happy to show you proper cycling posture on a flat bar, riser bar, or drop bar bike. You can easliy be comfortable on all types. Do not be afraid of drop bars! Bike fitting is not just for racers.

Do not hesitate to give me a buzz at the shop and I would be happy to help. 773-427-4747.

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on October 22, 2011 at 12:27pm

If a bike is properly sized for the rider the 'average' seatpost should be sufficient for the rider unless they are of unusual proportions.  I'm 6'2" and have never had to purchase an extra long seat post.

Anne Alt said:

The average seatpost is too short for many tall people.  I have long legs, and I have to get an extra long seatpost for most bikes.  If you are tall and you're having back and/or knee problems, it's possible that your seat is too low.

 

Regardless of your height, it's a good idea to have someone watch you pedal to figure out what needs adjustment.

Adam Kaplan said:

The best thing to figure out is where your saddle should be first. Taller cyclists, by and large, tend to run saddle heights way too low. This adds to stress on the lower back. Also, the more bolt upright that you sit, the more you are unable to fire your glutes, our strongest muscles. The glutes do not fire and you fry your quads and stress the low back.

I would be happy to show you proper cycling posture on a flat bar, riser bar, or drop bar bike. You can easliy be comfortable on all types. Do not be afraid of drop bars! Bike fitting is not just for racers.

Do not hesitate to give me a buzz at the shop and I would be happy to help. 773-427-4747.

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 22, 2011 at 4:29pm

I agree with points made by h and Adam.   I have a disc problem, and am often most comfortable riding in the drops. It helps me a lot to have my torso supported proportionally more by my arms than by my core, so leaned over is better for me.  I am more likely to have back stiffness issues riding a flat bar bike, a lack of alternate hand positions may contribute to the problem.  A more upright postition also may transmit more shock into the problem area of the spine.  Standing on climbs and rocking the bike can help loosen up the back.

It's hard to generalize, especially concerning what works when injury is involved.  Try some different positions, and see what helps.       

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Permalink Reply by Adam Kaplan - Get a Grip Cycles on October 23, 2011 at 4:47am

Hi,

 

I will be at the Irving location from 12-5pm today if you want to give me a buzz.

 

Yup. I am at Get a Grip Cycles.

 

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