Proper fit makes all the difference

[Andrew Pancroft]

Living in Colorado, a typical ride around the neighborhood can mean 600 feet of ascent - 15 miles out of my area get straight to 1900 ft of ascent. So, a month back, toward the back end of a 144 mile ride that included a little over 11k feet of ascent, I started developing a little lower back pain.Most told me that my 53/46-11/26 drivetrain setup was the reason. I bagged the 46 and went down to a 39. Back pain was still hanging around. So, off for a Retul. After the fit, felt good enough to go back to the 46. Two weeks, 600 miles and 21k feet later, back feels fine!!!

Get your bike fit!!!

 

[dhk2]

Afraid you post has failed to convince me of the need to invest in a pro fit. Two questions: What was wrong with your position that contributed to the back pain, and what changes did you make? And why go back to a 46 chainring? Even if you climb standing all the time at very low cadence, can't you do that in a 39 ring? Other than the novelty factor, can't see how a 46 ring is a better choice than a 39...for anyone.

 

[alienator]

What sort of cadence are you doing on climbs with that gearing?

 

[Dave Cutter]

I am amazed! I have [also] recently started having some minor back soreness while riding. I've lost a lot of weight recently, as well as changed my shoe/pedal setup. So I have wondered about my "fit". But I am also a old man.... and had thought the back discomfort was merely a result of arthritic spurs and household chores.

Please tell us more about the adjustments/changes to your bicycle.

 

[tottenham21]

I'm waiting to hear more, c'mon my back is killing me.

 

[Dave Cutter]

Since I posted here... I've cycled 2-3 times... with no back discomfort. I am guessing that in my case the back pain was a result of [me] mowing my lawn. My riding lawn mower(s) have always caused minor lower back pain.

Although... I have had several body and some equipment changes and am glad this thread has reminded me to review my fit.

 

[dhk2]

Originally Posted by tottenham21 .

I'm waiting to hear more, c'mon my back is killing me.

A trainer at a club meeting about five years ago told us that gaining flexibility and building ab strength would fix most cyclists' lower back pain, unless there was some serious underlying problem. As a result, I started a quick morning stretch routine, plus an ab workout once or twice a week at the Y. Oddly, when I first started doing the ab "crunch" machine at the Y, my lower back would hurt during the exercise, particularly if I tried to increase the weights.

After a few months, lower back pain which always seemed to start a couple of hours into the club ride became a thing of the past. It's alot more fun to ride without the nagging lower-back pain, so I'd say don't just keep suffering; do what it takes to fix it.

 

[Dave Cutter]

Originally Posted by dhk2 .

A trainer at a club meeting about five years ago told us that gaining flexibility and building ab strength would fix most cyclists' lower back pain, unless there was some serious underlying problem.

I would guess your trainer (and yourself) are correct. I do happen to also have an underlying problem. But even then... strength training, and increasing flexibility and balance can make a world of difference. It has for me! Of course... I will be the first to also admit that finding the balance between building the body and harming an already damaged body is in part just luck. I found the worse thing for my back... was to do nothing. Keeping active.... keeps me active.