LOWER BACK PAIN

[mtbdave]

I'm experiencing some lower back pain on my Enduro and believe it might be the upright riding position.

I'm wondering if a custom sized bike like the Seven Duo would be of any benefit?

[C.P.]

Try changing riding position. Small adjustments to seat height,seat fore/aft,stem length, bar width, bar sweep, use/no use of camelbak etc.etc may prove to be the fix.

Read Sheldon's write up too:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/pain.html#back

If it's difficult to know which way to adjust, have the professionals help you at a LBS...IE: A custom bike fit to the Enduro.
If all else fails, then perhaps time to go to custom geometry etc...the folks at Seven Cycles would be one of the highest on my list for custom fit/custom frames.

[AA]

I have to agree with CP, get your bike fitted 1st. If that doesn’t work then look at custom sizing.

Often a major contributor to back pain is weak stomach and lower back muscles. Try doing ab crunches and back extensions. Also incorporate an overall stretching plan into your daily routine. I usually stretch for 10 minutes every night while watching TV. Believe it or not tight hamstring muscles can constrict the muscles in your lower back causing pain when you ride.

[johnbigbooty]

If the frame is basically the right size, seat post and stem adjustments/ replacements can do wonders. Are you using the stock seatpost?

Of course, if you want to buy a new bike, go ahead. The economy needs it.

[mtbdave]

Thanks for the help I really appreciate it.

I've spent time tweaking the setup but haven't gotten a professional to fit the bike to me.

The bike is stock but I am willing to purchase some new parts if it would help. I've considered putting a different stem/bar on it for a more forward riding position in hopes that it will relieve some of the lower back pressure.

My fear is that it will ride poorly given that it is designed for a more upright position.

[boingboing]

I get pains in my back when doing dh and riding my hardtail. These might have to do with medical issues more than riding but I found that wearing a kidney belt helps a bunch.

[digger]

A couple of directions to go with your cockpit adjustments that may be worth a try (if you haven't already).

Lower the saddle. Have someone watch from behind - lower until your hips don't rock any more.

Move the saddle back. A seatpost with more layback may be needed. Idea is to have no weight on your hands. This makes the ride position a bit less upright, which may be more comfortable.

This is what keeps me out of the chiro's office. But maybe you should have a checkup to make sure you don't have something more serious going on.

D - Enduro rider with some back problems

[benb]

The big one for me is to make sure the nose of the saddle is not pointing up when I'm sitting on the bike. If it's angled up I will get lower back pain. I can get knee pain after a long time if the saddle is too far forward or too low, but back pain only seems to be caused by the angle. And it happens much faster.

It is tricky on a mountain bike because the angle changes when you sit on the bike. So I end up pointing the nose down a little, and when I sit on the bike the rear tire compresses a little more than the front and makes it level. I have a hardtail, may be different for a full suspension bike. You probably need someone to look at you on the bike and help you.

Ben

[grayghostss]

I would say you definitely need another person to check your positioning with you. LBS would be best. Make sure your talking to a veteran mechanic/salesperson. It's not unlike being fitted for a suit in that someone else can stand back from you and have a full perspective of how it fits you.

I had to adjust my seat aft a bit to take some curl out of my lower back.

[knucklebuste]

This may sound nuts, but my back kills constantly. I sit at work all day 8 hours in a chair. I hate it. Office jobs will be the death of millions in this country. Anyhow, for some reason, after I go for a 2 hour mountain bike ride, my back feels awesome. Also I have mostly upper back pain. Push ups and lots of em seems to help as well. Knuck