Is this true?

[Nix M2]

My boss is looking for a road bike, but he has back problems. his friend told him that he must get a bigger frame, and turn the stem around to give him a more upright position to reduce strain on his back.

Is this true?

It sounds a little strange to me because my bike is a little big for me, and my stem is turned around, and I seem to be stretching. So it seems incorrect.

I don't know exactly how tall he is, but I'd guess at around 185cm or so???

Can anyone assist?

[Red Zone]

Sounds like a half baked idea to me, a frame must fit you, you can raise the height of the bars and put a more upright stem on if neccasary. Different frames also have different geometry that can put you in a more upright riding position. He should go for a profesional bike fit and get proper advice.

[Nix M2]

I told him that I thought it wasn't true, and said he must go for a proper bike set up.

but he's stubborn as most bosses are, so didn't argue!!!

[Bateleur1]

Too big frame will make you lean forward too much.  Rather go for a smaller frame and maybe shorten the stem to get a more upright position.  But as Foe fighter suggested, go for a professional setup.  I he doesn't want to listen then I suppose it is his problem then.

[ORCA]

bulldust!!!

back problems go for a slightly smaller frame.

but the ideal is a custom build frame.

[PhilipV]

Tell him to go for a proper scientific setup measurement. my lbs gives a free measurement with every new bike sold. Rather make sure that the setup fits, than to buy a bike and spending money on it later to alleviate injury strain.

[Broker]

The top tube length is the critical measurement. A larger frame with longer top tube will increase his back ache due to more stretching.

[Nix M2]

i don't think he'll go for a custom built frame, but thanx for the suggestion!

[gummibear]

Let him go to his nearest LBS and let them measure him.a good biokinetest can also help.

[widget]

Depends on whats the matter medically with his back.

 

If its a lack of joint movement due to fusions, mechanical issues or poor lumbar disc mobility, vertebral issues or any kind of orthopedic problem, he would FIRST need to speak to a doctor for advice, and  then yes, he will need a specialist set up with a more upright position - I dont think the  spanner jockey at the local retailer can do this set up, best he consults a biokinetisist.

 

If its lower back pain due to either poor muscle conditioning or pain with no spinal mechanical problems, he could probably ride a normal set up and just improve his tone which will improve his muscle conditioning.    

 

I would be very wary (as someone who has spinal issues I know the complications which can arise) of just popping in to the local shop for a set up.

 

[Conti]

i had a lower back operation a few years ago and still have back problems.

i have a standard bike setup .

by having your hands on the handle bars by the brakes is actually stretching your back just enough as what normal stretching exercises would do.

whilst riding i do not have any back problems, cycling is very good for lower back problems.

rather go for a smaller frame, but don't go bigger

[Imtb]

I have a Thompsons Elite set back seat post which I have facing forward (so it bends forwards rather than backwards). I put a risor on my handle bars (not sure if this is possible with a road bike), had a set up with Cycle Lab and haven't had problems with my back since (and I did have alot of pain when I first got my bike)...it is a mountain bike but the key is that I am more upright now which doesn't put as much strain on my lower back. My saddle is closer to my handle bars but not so close so as to look like I am riding a tricycle!

I don't agree that cycling is very good for lower back problems - cycling is unlikely to strengthen your back. But with a good setup it will ease the strain on the back.... I think one needs to do some core training as well.

[Conti]

it does strengthen your stomach muscles which helps your back.

your set up needs to stretch you just enough forward so you don't strain your back.

i cant ride TT style , but with my setup , i do not have any back pain whilst riding or a 100 km race

[Canaris]

THere are actually three issues involved here.

For starters saddle setup is the first and most critical point of departure.THis is offhand calculated as follows.  Set a standard saddle up in the correct position in relation to the BB and cranks.  ie height and for and aft position.  THis should (theoretically) be about a fist to two fists above the top tube (on a standard frame), but not always the case. THere are many formula for saddle height and knee over spindles.  Only after the saddle is set can a frame be evaluated for fit.

 

Firstly, reach.  This is offhanded set be placing your elbow against the nose of the saddle.  The head set should be about at the pinky of the extended hand.  THe stem length should be between the width and length of your hand.  (this is very sketchy)

 

Secondly, drop.  THis is calculated by doing the touch your toes exercise.  If you can then your stem should be 5-10cm bellow your saddle.  (IF you can place your hands on the floor, then even more)  If you cannot then the stem should be level with your saddle (or even higher)

 

Now for frame size.  Once you have determined reach and height in relation to the saddle, it must be remembered that each manufacturer has a diferent geometery.  THe trick is to chose a frame that supports the setup you want.  YOu should not have more than about 1-2cm spacers under your handlebars, Your seat post should not be over extended or look underextended.  You should not push your saddle out of sync eith your bb.

 

Firstly is the issue of reach.   Now to set