Selous Scout (aka LegTrap) Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 After 2 spinal fusions some years back it looks like riding a road bike is coming to an end for me.Every time I ride my road bike I get the most terrific back pain and more recently the pain is spreading down my glutes and onto the outside of my legs.I have gone for another bike set up,going to a bio every week,doing daily stretching etc,taking Slowmag etc etc. When I ride my Mtb the pain is much less.I am therefore starting to realize that I might have to stick to a Mtb for all my rides ie including on the road. I currently have a Scott 29er which is obviously a lot heavier than a road bike.What dual suspension 29ers are the lightest as I will probably use it on marathon type rides ie gravel and jeep track AND more on roads. Cycling on slicks with my buddies on road bikes is real hard work,so I thought I should just buy another lighter mtb.Any suggestions/comments please
popcorn_skollie Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 What is considered 'light' between road and mtb are very different.Having said that. The people at LOOK made an mtb that was pretty light even by road bike standards. Worth looking into. no pun intended
North Shore Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Leave your weight weenie ways for the road and buy a plush trail bike with fat tyres that won't jar your spine like an xc race focused full suspension bike.
popcorn_skollie Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 I think he intends road riding with it aswell. Maybe get a thudbuster?http://www.derfaltradshop.de/WebRoot/Store8/Shops/61212349/5195/3E5C/3D33/1EC7/82F0/C0A8/28B8/A6F8/HB-3-850.jpg
NeoOne Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 My guess would probably be the Trek Superfly if youre looking for off the shelf, no?
s14phoenix Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 the scott spark 29er in carbon is pretty light and I am not sure you could get a much lighter starting point than that... so if you are aiming to do a build for road with mtb frame that's a good start. Some sort of Frankenstein road mtb should be quite interesting... and 8-9kg should be possible on a dually but that would probably be a spare no expense build...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Lightest - most probably a Cannondale Scalpel, off the shelf.Â
Eddy Gordo Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Or alternatively put a straight handle bar or riser on the road bike
nonky Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 OK, so you have spinal fusion + referred pain down the back and side of your legs. Do you have any idea what's causing the pain, ie which part of your back? Do you have a proper diagnosis? No, "spinal fusion" is not a diagnosis. If the pain is in your hammies/back of legs, it's probably originating from your lumbar vertebra - which is caused by the "racing" position of your road bike putting strain on your lower back. IF that IS the case, your bigger concern than weight is the riding position of your new MTB. if you buy a Spez Epic or similar bike focused on XCM, you may very well find that you simply replicate the pain from your road bike on your new MTB, as you replicated the riding position. You would thus probably be better off buying a more relaxed/trail MTB - e.g. Spez Camber or Spez Stumpjumper (or similar bikes in other brands). I would recommend going to a PHYSIOTHERAPIST specialising in backs / sport injuries for a proper diagnosis of the SOURCE / CAUSE of the pain.  Once you have that info, you can ascertain which bike is suitable. Finally, I hate to break it to you but you'll probably never keep up with roadies on a trail mtb...you simple present too much wind resistance/drag. My 2c.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 OK, so you have spinal fusion + referred pain down the back and side of your legs. Do you have any idea what's causing the pain, ie which part of your back? Do you have a proper diagnosis? No, "spinal fusion" is not a diagnosis. If the pain is in your hammies/back of legs, it's probably originating from your lumbar vertebra - which is caused by the "racing" position of your road bike putting strain on your lower back. IF that IS the case, your bigger concern than weight is the riding position of your new MTB. if you buy a Spez Epic or similar bike focused on XCM, you may very well find that you simply replicate the pain from your road bike on your new MTB, as you replicated the riding position. You would thus probably be better off buying a more relaxed/trail MTB - e.g. Spez Camber or Spez Stumpjumper (or similar bikes in other brands). I would recommend going to a PHYSIOTHERAPIST specialising in backs / sport injuries for a proper diagnosis of the SOURCE / CAUSE of the pain.  Once you have that info, you can ascertain which bike is suitable. Finally, I hate to break it to you but you'll probably never keep up with roadies on a trail mtb...you simple present too much wind resistance/drag. My 2c.Aye, You do speak the truth, there!
splat Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Lightest - most probably a Cannondale Scalpel, off the shelf. This one for about R120k ?Just under 10kg
flat29 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Cube AMS R41 000 11.4 kg not bad  SPECIFICATIONS FRAME Super HPC Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold Technology, ARG, ERC FSP 4-Link, AXHCOLOR teamlineSIZE 17", 19", 21", 23"FORK Fox 32 Float 29 CTD FIT, remote handlebar lever, tapered, 15QR, 100mmDÄMPFER Fox Float CTD Remote, 165x38mm, Climb/Trail/Descend mode, remote handlebar lever, SV air canisterDÄMPFER HARDWARE front: 22x8mm, rear: 40x8mmHEADSET CUBE I-t integrated, top 1 1/8", bottom 1 1/2"STEM Syntace F109HANDLEBAR Syntace Vector Carbon, 740mmGRIPS CUBE Race Grip, 1-clampREAR DERAILLEUR Sram XO, Type2, 10-SpeedFRONT DERAILLEUR Sram XO, High Direct MountSHIFTERS Sram XO TriggerBRAKE SYSTEM Shimano XT K-M785 Hydr. Disc Brake (180/160)CRANKSET Sram XO Carbon 38x24T, 175mm, Sram GXP PressFit BB92CASSETTE Sram PG-1070, 11-36CHAIN KMC X10WHEELSET DT CSW MA 2.9 straightpull wheelset, 28/32 spokes, 15QR/X12, 622x20C tubeless-ready rimFRONT TIRE Schwalbe Rocket Ron Kevlar LightSkin 2.25REAR TIRE Schwalbe Thunder Burt Kevlar LightSkin 2.25SADDLE Selle Italia SC1SEAT POST CUBE Prolight 31.6*400mmSEATCLAMP CUBE Varioclose 34.9mmWEIGHT 11,4 kgART. NO 652400Â
Baracuda Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 If the issue is shaking and jarring, one could also try a Koobi saddle:  http://www.koobi.com/koobisaddles.aspx I bought one a few years ago, the alpha, and the 'squash balls' under the saddle get rid of most road noise, buzz and fine bumps. It takes one or two rides to wear in the leather upper, but after that it is exceptionally comfortable and you don't tire as quickly.  The comment about re: riding position is obviously important, perhaps the most important. If one is looking for a light, more upright bike with mtb bars and disk brakes, perhaps have a look at the Giant FastRoad http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za/bikes/model/fastroad.comax.1/19538/78119/
JXV Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Which 2 vertebrae were fused? I had 6 fused in my thoracic region due to fractures in T3 and T5. It makes me prefer a fairly upright stance even on a mtb. I ride with riser bars and a stack spacer or two. Some compromises are involved if a portion of your spine is no longer able to flex. I dont think I could lift my head enough to see the road if I was in drop handlebars on a road bike. Besides...us MTBers dont bite ☺ so you will likely make some new friends on the trails.I agree with nonky's advice to identify the source and cause of your backpain...this will likely suggest a solution to you.It seems to me you will get more usage from a comfy dual sus bike than a light one. If you spend enough cash you can get both in one.
NielC Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Santa Cruz High Ball...hardtail...seriously light and it is a wonderful ride.
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