I have a bad back injury with severe chronic Sciatica and I am currently looking for a new bike.
I am currently biking about 100 miles a week/ up to 50 mile rides and just started training for the AIDS/ Lifecycle in June (7day/ 545 mile ride). I got into biking about three years ago and have been riding a $700 mountain bike (GT Karakoram, slicks, no suspension), but as I am upping my mileage it is time to upgrade.
I don't know much about bikes and have just started visiting bike shops and doing some test riding. Budget is whatever it takes, preferably under $2000, but I want to it to be the perfect bike for the next ten years.
So far I have been pointed towards a relaxed road bike, full carbon frame, Shimano 105 or Ultegra components, $1700-3000 price rang (Like a Specialized Rubaix) Since I have never ridden a road bike before, I have no idea what to look for, and more importantly how it will affect my back on the long trips. I am also really tall for a woman (6'1) with long legs and short torso.
Any advice?
Thanks!!!!
Some more background:
I have an annual tear in my S1/L5 disk that causes severe Sciatica.
I gave up running when it happened about three years ago and now do a lot of swimming, rock climbing, hiking and biking and found over time that the more I move the better it gets.
After three years of doctors, PTs and chiropractors it is becoming evident that it is a chronic problem and there are no surgical options. I got two epidurals, but they did not do anything.
I am currently biking about 100 miles a week/ up to 50 mile rides and just started training for the AIDS/ Lifecycle in June (7day/ 545 mile ride). I got into biking about three years ago and have been riding a $700 mountain bike (GT Karakoram, slicks, no suspension), but as I am upping my mileage it is time to upgrade.
I don't know much about bikes and have just started visiting bike shops and doing some test riding. Budget is whatever it takes, preferably under $2000, but I want to it to be the perfect bike for the next ten years.
So far I have been pointed towards a relaxed road bike, full carbon frame, Shimano 105 or Ultegra components, $1700-3000 price rang (Like a Specialized Rubaix) Since I have never ridden a road bike before, I have no idea what to look for, and more importantly how it will affect my back on the long trips. I am also really tall for a woman (6'1) with long legs and short torso.
Any advice?
Thanks!!!!
Some more background:
I have an annual tear in my S1/L5 disk that causes severe Sciatica.
I gave up running when it happened about three years ago and now do a lot of swimming, rock climbing, hiking and biking and found over time that the more I move the better it gets.
After three years of doctors, PTs and chiropractors it is becoming evident that it is a chronic problem and there are no surgical options. I got two epidurals, but they did not do anything.