best bike for best spine position/posture

[bal]

hello. i have a bike that looks kind of like a chopper cycle. perhaps i am used to it, but i kind of like that i am basically sitting erect on the cushion seat, and peddling straight down. i can usually let go of the curved handle bars (when there is little traffic and an even road) and guide my steering with my index finger. but i'm not sure if it is best for one's posture.

i have tried some more traditional bikes like english racers, but the handle bars always seemed to not extend far enough to steer with my index finger, plus it usually made me have to lean forward some.

the "tour de france" type racing bikes have one leaning over and pushing back with the legs on the peddles. while i think this is excellent for peddling in short races; for longer distances, its like being frozen in a "push-up" postion, and unless you have really strong arms, i don't think this is that terrific for a woman.

i'd like to know what some of you feel is a good bicycle for one's back, and are there new bikes out now that are more ergonomic for better spinal alignment while riding.

thanks

moussette.com

[Trek420]

bal,

good place to start

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=1363&highlight=posture

[DeniseGoldberg]

...racing bikes have one leaning over and pushing back with the legs on the peddles. while i think this is excellent for peddling in short races; for longer distances, its like being frozen in a "push-up" postion, and unless you have really strong arms, i don't think this is that terrific for a woman.


When you're "leaning" forward on this type of bike, you shouldn't have all of your weight on your arms. A good part of that position is maintained by using your core body strength - abs, and back muscles - to support your upper body. So don't be afraid of this type of bike beause you think your arms aren't strong enough.

Good bike fit is going to play a huge part here too. And yes, it's well worth paying for a fit kit at your LBS.

--- Denise

[Surlygirl]

How about one of these.
http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/townie/townie_home.html

[yellow]

Recumbent bike popped in to my head as I read your question.

I have a friend with a horrible back and that's what he rides. Yeah, there is a learning curve, but it may be the ticket for you. My friend goes on long Denise-like tours on his recumbent (towing a trailer)! So that's another possibility.

[MomOnBike]

I've got to add my recomendation for a recumbent, too.

I have one, and put some reasonable mileage on it. (goal this year 3000 miles) When I ride 'bent, my upper back and shoulders are much straighter and more relaxed than when I'm on on my upright. In fact, I'm much like you seem to be, I want to sit up and look around - which is kind of a no-no on uprights.

As for steering one-fingered, your hand position on a 'bent is ergo enough that your hands are where they want to be, anyway. No need to remove your hands. Some 'bents even have your hands down by your sides. Mine are kind of forward, resting on the bars. (Think Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider, close enough) It's a rare 'bent that lets you ride no-handed, but you really don't want to.

So yes, check out recumbents. You sound like someone who would enjoy them.

[RoadRaven]

Choice of bike is of course very important...

But...

The other thing if you are having back probs is asking yourself how strong your tummy muscles are...

Remember, between your ribs and your hips the only bones holding you upright are in your spine, so strong tummy muscles go a long way to reducing back pain - particularly lower back pain.

The nature of cycling will work-out your tummy muscles, and if they are not strong, your back may suffer

So, in conjunction with trying to find a "good fit" bike, find an exercise that will support and strengthen your lower back and tummy... I prefer tummy crunches (sit ups hurt me). In the Jan-Feb 2006 edition of Bicycling Australia is an article on strengthening your torso for cycling, and that includes some standing/leaning exercises and some exercises using a pilates ball.

Good luck with bike choices and with getting your body used to and comforatable with cycling.

[RoadRaven]

the "tour de france" type racing bikes have one leaning over and pushing back with the legs on the peddles. while i think this is excellent for peddling in short races; for longer distances, its like being frozen in a "push-up" postion, and unless you have really strong arms, i don't think this is that terrific for a woman.


Hey there, just in response to this particular part of your post - the Tour bikes are road race and time trial (TT) bikes... as you look about you'll find there are all sorts of bikes... mountain, comfort/hybrid, indoor/track, recumbant, TT and road race...

I have a road race bike which doubles as my TT bike, and as soon as I do well in some TTs will get a nice TT specific bike (my partner recently got himself a Trinity and I have been drooling over it...)

You'll find many of the women here have road race bikes too and find them comfortable enough, you do need to get measurements/set up right though...

Many of the women here have hybrid/comfort bikes which give the more upright position, and I also agree with the earlier post that this is probably your best bet initially... unless you try the recumbant - I don't know anyone personally that has one, but have heard via various grape-vines (including this community) that a recumbant can be ideal for those with back issues.

Find a sympathetic LBS, pref one with a woman there (simply because a woman will have talked to other women and will have a female perspective on female physiology) and try out a few bike types.

Best of luck

[bal]

I was surprised when I returned to this forum to find all your helpful messages. Thank you. Made me reflect some.

As far as my "core body" (oy!) ... I have always been lean and look athletic to some degree, but true, I confess, my stomach muscles need strenghtening.
So i have started with "low impact" exercises for that area.

Come spring, I will check out the bikes ya'll suggest.

Thanks again for everyone's input.