Best endurance bikes for comfort (and lower back pain)

[Josh_CT]

Hi all,

Looking for feedback and advice. 

I unfortunately injured 2 of my lower back disc's and in the final stages of recovery, but my road bike is currently far too stiff and the position too racey (Giant TCR). 

I'm looking for something more comfortable, exploring various stem suspension systems and endurance bikes. 

So far it looks like the best options are:

1.Merida Scultura Endurance R40k

2.Specialized Roubaix R55k

3.Canyon Endurace R60k

4.Giant Defy 

5.TREK Domane R50kish

Also looked at just chucking a redshift stem system onto existing bike which I believe provide 20mm of flex.

I've added the prices for reference, as maybe the best solution is cheaper bike + stem.

For those who have suffered or suffer from back pain, what has worked for you?

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

As someone who has 3 prosthetic discs. I ride MTB and occasional tandem.

What helps me the most is a suspension seatpost, the right width bars, and lots of air in tubeless tyres.

A more upright, wider bar position is more comfortable to ride distance in. But this makes anything technical more difficult. 

My favourite suspension seatpost is a Cane Creek Thudbuster. I have an older generation one that I struggled to get elastomers for, so I got a Zoom suspension seatpost off Temu and it gets the job done but it’s no Thudbuster. The inadvertent saddle hits are worse for me - like hitting a rock you didn’t see while slightly out of the saddle. I have not found a dual sus within my budget that feels comfortable for me. 

I haven’t felt I needed a suspension stem but again I am on tubeless (45mm on the tandem front and 2.25-2.6 on the MTBs) with decent forks on all. RockShox Sid on the one bike and Marzocchi Z2 on the other bike. The tandem has a carbon fibre fork.

The right grips are important as well. Too hard and you’ll take hits; too soft and you’ll grip. 

 Riser bars may be a consideration depending on the frame geometry. 

Unfortunately it’s all like beer - everyone has their own favourite. You’ll need to try and test until you find what works for you. 
 

Edit: I misread your post “endurance” vs “enduro” but points still of relevance I think. 

Edited 7 hours ago by RobynE 🚵‍♀️
I can’t read

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Oh and the bike weight is a consideration. Lifting a heavy bike (lots of the enduro bikes are pretty heavy as far as I know) on and off racks and hangers etc, will hurt your back more than riding any bike. Light for the win. 

[NC_lurker]

1 hour ago, Josh_CT said:

Hi all,

Looking for feedback and advice. 

I unfortunately injured 2 of my lower back disc's and in the final stages of recovery, but my road bike is currently far too stiff and the position too racey (Giant TCR). 

I'm looking for something more comfortable, exploring various stem suspension systems and endurance bikes. 

So far it looks like the best options are:

1.Merida Scultura Endurance R40k

2.Specialized Roubaix R55k

3.Canyon Endurace R60k

4.Giant Defy 

5.TREK Domane R50kish

Also looked at just chucking a redshift stem system onto existing bike which I believe provide 20mm of flex.

I've added the prices for reference, as maybe the best solution is cheaper bike + stem.

For those who have suffered or suffer from back pain, what has worked for you?

Suggestion would be to go to a reputable bike fitter and ask them for advice on geometry that would put you in a better position. Once you know what geometry you need then you can a suitable bike.

Years ago I switched from a racy Felt F3 to a Cannondale Synapse with endurance geometry to put myself in a better position and it was a great move.

Your other option of course is looking at gravel bikes which are often endurance geometry focused frames. That'll also enable you to run 32/35mm tubeless tyres for a plusher ride.

Edited 8 hours ago by NC_lurker
Clarity