Message from discussion Back problems

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From: 20cents <nore...@bigpond.com>
Newsgroups: aus.bicycle
Subject: Re: Back problems
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Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:35:14 GMT
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In article <4a480b8...@dnews.tpgi.com.au>,
 Caulfield Man <Bicyc...@twowheeler.com> wrote:

> Folks
> 
> I have a 15 year old Giant Yukon MTB and a Trek Road flat bar racer. I 
> like the stance of a MTB and I am principally a commuter so when the MTB 
> seemed too old (and there was coin in my pocket) the flat bar racer 
> seemed a sensible move. Trek bike is 2 years old. They have a similar 
> frame size and are both in excellent condition. (I think...)
> 
> 
> Question is this.
> 
> I can ride the MTB endlessly and feel fine when I get off it. These days 
>   when I ride the Trek I end up with almost crippling back pain.
> 
> Do I consult my friendly bike shop guy? See a medico? I'm not sure 
> whether the skinny wheels and structure of the flat bar racer mean more 
> road vibration ends up in my back whereas,  the MTB has reasonably fat 
> tyres which seem to soak more of the vibrations up. (The MTB has no 
> suspension)
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> Cheers

Are the handlebars at the same height relative to the saddle on both 
bikes? You might have a more upright posture on the MTB (handlebars 
higher than saddle) and are not used to bending over further on the Trek.

In addition, I would also compare the distance from the saddle to the 
handlebar grips to see whether that is causing you to reach further.

I assume 'crippling back pain' is muscular and goes away after a short 
time off the bike and not sciatic/ pinched nerve pain that drops you to 
the floor (speaking from experience).

regards,
20cents