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Back pain and stem length/saddle position

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  • April 4, 2014 at 9:53 am #21099
    road

    Hi there

    I have had my Cannondale CAAD10 for around 12 months now and have struggled a little with the fit since I had it.
    I bought it from Epic Cycles in Ludlow and had their proper fitting at the time.
    It’s a 56 frame, but I am 6’0-6’1 and my other bikes (a Charge Filter, now replaced with a Genesis Equilibrium) are a 58.

    I have regularly suffered with lower back pain which I have noticed moreso on the Cannondale. This tends to be after about 20 miles. I highlighted this to Epic a little while after I had bought the bike and they suggested moving the saddle back a bit (which I have done a couple of times) and if that doesn’t work, to fit a shorter stem.

    I am of the opinion that the frame might be slightly too small for me.

    Logic would dictate that if it’s too small for me, a longer stem might help, but Epic seemed to think a shorter stem would push me more upright, thus putting less strain on my back as I’m not reaching as far.

    I have checked as best I can, and the saddle height would appear to be ok, as my hips don’t rock.

    It has a 100mm stem on it at the moment, and I’ve just ordered a 90mm to give that a try.

    I wondered if anyone had had a similar situation and how they solved it? Would a longer stem work instead?

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  • April 4, 2014 at 10:01 am #784709
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    mooleur

    I struggled with proper fit
    I struggled with proper fit after having a regular fitting at my LBS a couple of years ago. Constantly tweaking here and there.

    I know it’s kind of expensive but I can’t recommend Retul fitting enough, if you shop around you should find someone (usually not an LBS but a lot of coaching services do it) that does it.

    I’d particularly struggled after damaging my knees and shoulders after a couple of altercations with iron horses, despite the bike being fitted no amount of fettling seemed to ease these issues. Got a Retul done and lo and behold all pain just disappeared, even my power output was higher.

    On the saddle, I find if my lower back is hurting it’s usually a wee spot too low…but I’m no Dr or expert so probably don’t take my advice there! Everyone is different.

    I’ve since bought a new bike and I’ve tried to fit it the same myself and it’s just horrendous, I’ll be taking it back for a Retul fit asap!

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