To Carbon Seat Post or Not

[DerekM]

Would appreciate advice on whether a change to a carbon seat post would assist in relieving lower back pain after a long (100km+) MTB  ride. I already have a dual suspension and my bike setup is checked regularly. I also try to play around with my rear tyre pressure (not too hard) to relieve pressure on my lower back especially when road surface is not perfect. Would the added flex in a carbon seat post assist my lower back or would the change merely be a waste of money?  I am sure there must be quite a few MTBers out there with lower back problems. How do you overcome that (weekly chiro or massages not an option for me).

[Cotic]

Strengthen your core is the only real way to relieve back problem and also spin your cranks more instead of slow more powerful gears

[Butterbean]

The added flex you're thinking might be there is a myth... Carbon seat posts are stiff and won't make a difference..

 

As above, core exercises and a proper bike fit will be key. Don't slam the stem like the pros.

 

Start with some planking every night and build up to a few minutes straight...

[Shebeen]

rear shock=>tyres=>seatpost

 

it's a distance third for sorting out back issues.

 

what bike are you on?

"dual suspension" could mean this, so maybe be a bit more specific on that one!

 

http://img.bidorbuy.co.za/image/upload/user_images/112/2168112/2168112_131108123043_8Nov2013_066.jpg

[JacBrand]

I also suffer with back issues. I have a seat with titanium rails (on a hard tail). The titanium has a different natural vibration to alu or carbon and seems to smooth out the ride. This works for me.

 

BUT... I also spend a lot of time on core strength and flexibility

[davidvh]

I always had back pain after long rides until cyclefit suggested I get a new saddle with a wider base (FIZI:K Aliante R3) for better support. I did Sani2c a week later and did not have any pain at all. So maybe a different saddle would do the trick for you too.

[SwissVan]

Would appreciate advice on whether a change to a carbon seat post would assist in relieving lower back pain after a long (100km+) MTB  ride. I already have a dual suspension and my bike setup is checked regularly. I also try to play around with my rear tyre pressure (not too hard) to relieve pressure on my lower back especially when road surface is not perfect. Would the added flex in a carbon seat post assist my lower back or would the change merely be a waste of money?  I am sure there must be quite a few MTBers out there with lower back problems. How do you overcome that (weekly chiro or massages not an option for me).

 

You wont feel the difference between the 2 (carbon and aluminium)

 

Other than the "Strengthen your core" regime, and assuming your set up is correct have you tried:

 

1. Raising your handle bars slightly (either with spacers or try a raiser bar)
2. Learn to spin more instead of pedalling heavy gears...he who spins wins and has less back pain  
3. Stretch those hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors and quads 

 

Good luck

[ABrooks]

+1 For core and possible saddle change.

 

You should be able to pedal in your normal riding position without having to hold on to the handlebar, if this is too hard or not possible at all you need to strengthen your core.

[lechatnoir]

strengthen core and do a bike fit if you've not done one.

 

Carbon seatpost does a good job of sorting out 'road buzz', but on a FS mtb the suspension does orders of magnitude more than a CF seatpost.

[AllAboutRides]

Get a POWER SADDLE from Specialized. Period

[26er]

Would appreciate advice on whether a change to a carbon seat post would assist in relieving lower back pain after a long (100km+) MTB  ride. I already have a dual suspension and my bike setup is checked regularly. I also try to play around with my rear tyre pressure (not too hard) to relieve pressure on my lower back especially when road surface is not perfect. Would the added flex in a carbon seat post assist my lower back or would the change merely be a waste of money?  I am sure there must be quite a few MTBers out there with lower back problems. How do you overcome that (weekly chiro or massages not an option for me).

Which MTB do you ride?

[Bateleur1]

Check the bike setup.  Your seat could be to far back as well.  Simple test, when seated on the bike with you hands on the bar in your normal riding position, the hub of the front well must be hidden behind the handle bar.  If the hub is behind your handlebar your seat is too far back.  

 

I have had a similar issue (on a road bike) that I experience lower back pain and realised that the saddle shifted ever so slighly backwards.  Move  it forward and it was immediate improvement.

[DerekM]

rear shock=>tyres=>seatpost

 

it's a distance third for sorting out back issues.

 

what bike are you on?

"dual suspension" could mean this, so maybe be a bit more specific on that one!

 

http://img.bidorbuy.co.za/image/upload/user_images/112/2168112/2168112_131108123043_8Nov2013_066.jpg

 

Nothing like that yellow monster. I'm on a Giant Anthem dual.

[DerekM]

Which MTB do you ride?

Thanks.  Giant Anthem Dual

[porqui]

1st and most important is to have a proper bike setup.

You can do it yourself but a lot of research etc needed so I would suggest you have it done professionally it's worth it.

There are so many variables and just one wrong can cause you problems

[100Tours]

Get a POWER SADDLE from Specialized. Period

 

This - excellent saddle for lower back pain relief. get measured though, chances are you might use the wider one (like me).

 

Also

1. core strength

2. crank arm length (most bike setups miss this one) - longer crank arms may create issues, think about sticking to 172.5 if you're under 6ft tall