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Road cyclists with bad backs

  • This topic has 23 replies, 19 voices, and was last updated 12 years ago by Widge34.
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  • May 10, 2014 at 9:03 am #21382
    Widge34

    I’m a Mountain biker who has dodgy back. I’ve been told by my Osteopath that in the long run I maybe better off riding a road bike. Anyone here ride a road bike and has a bad back? Are you ok riding?

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  • May 12, 2014 at 12:04 pm #791511
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    daviddb

    My back has been loads better
    My back has been loads better since I took up road cycling……

    But, moderation in everything.

    D.

    May 12, 2014 at 10:54 am #791509
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    mooleur

    stenmeister wrote:Garmin

    stenmeister wrote:
    Garmin rider Tom Danielson suffered from a bad back and so undertook a programme of exercises to strengthen his core. His book ‘Tom Danielsons Core Advantage’ is a great book for cyclists, even if you don’t have a bad back.

    Got that book, highly recommended – although I’d recommend a quick chat with a physio before undertaking it as a regime, the other half got the book on a whim to try and fix some ongoing back problems and actually ended up doing a bit more damage.

    Also worth cross checking (with youtube or the like) that you’re doing the exercises from the book in the right way as some of the pics don’t quite cover it.

    On the bad back front, I’ve actually a bit of a misplaced pelvis and if you’re not already; regular (VERY regular) stretching helps no end, keep the muscles around your spine and hips supple, makes a world of difference 🙂

    May 12, 2014 at 10:26 am #791507
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    stenmeister

    Garmin rider Tom Danielson
    Garmin rider Tom Danielson suffered from a bad back and so undertook a programme of exercises to strengthen his core. His book ‘Tom Danielsons Core Advantage’ is a great book for cyclists, even if you don’t have a bad back.

    May 11, 2014 at 8:07 pm #791505
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    arfa

    A stronger core will
    A stronger core will undoubtedly help and all the above plus pilates are worth a go. Pilates in particular helped me but my back injury was predominantly muscular. If it is a skeletal issue then how you are “sat” on the bike will be critical hence a fit. I would imagine if your back is suffering from jarring, this is far less of a problem for road bikes than mountain biking so you should be fine on the road – give it a go.

    May 11, 2014 at 6:30 pm #791503
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    notfastenough

    I used to have a bad back. I
    I used to have a bad back. I practised martial arts to improve my core strength etc, but I still had to do about 5 hours a week of stretching, plus have a custom lumbar support made for the car. Then I got back on a bike after several years away… And it stopped. Seriously, my back is miles better. The Physio reckoned it was related to being just slightly stretched out, but for prolonged periods. A decent bike fitting is essential.

    As for the shocks etc from the road surface, well you’re aiming to avoid them anyway, as much to protect the bike as anything else. Even when I don’t get chance to avoid or bunnyhop them, I usually get chance to lift up and “unweight” the bike.

    May 11, 2014 at 5:37 pm #791501
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    Widge34

    I can understand the
    I can understand the Osteopath telling me this, with all the moving about I do on a mountain bike and the jumps and drops, but surly a road bike can be quite unforgiving on bad roads (and let’s face it, most roads are).

    May 11, 2014 at 4:35 pm #791499
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    Charliegr555

    Although im 18 I have
    Although im 18 I have multiple crushed vertebrae in my back which has given me a bad back.

    the transition from an mtb onto a road bike was quite uncomfortable for the first month but after that it was the same level of discomfort I had on my mountain bike and having changed bikes for one that is a better fitting for me it’s very comfortable although on 50+ rides I still notice my back

    My advice would be to make sure to get a great fit bike for you and tell the people in the shop you have a bad back they can adjust it to be more comfortable for you but as I tell everyone who buys a bike from me the transition is a little uncomfortable to start with but you’ll quickly settle into it

    May 10, 2014 at 3:32 pm #791497
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    downfader

    I’ve suffered with back
    I’ve suffered with back problems due to work for years. I find the road bike more predictable but I guess it depends on the state of your local roads.

    With drop bars I can reposition myself, even get under the headwind a little. You do need to make sure the bike is set up right with the saddle height, stem extension and bar height though.

    Fat mountain bike tyres will still work on the road though.

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