Bad Back and New Rider! Help!

Hi Girls!

I am SO glad that I found this forum. I need a little bit of help :) I am in my early 20's, and I have a bad back :( I have 3 slipped discs blah blah blah from my military service. Since I no longer can run, I have decided to take up (and got the doc's OK) cycling to keep my figure trim, and keep my cardio endurance up. My husband road bikes as well- so I have a partner in crime :). Anyways, with me being brand new to this sport, I have a few questions about what kind of bike I need to get, size, comfort level, etc.

I am 5'8, and about 143 pounds. I know I can't get a road bike because of the decline to the handle bars, but is there a type of bike that I can ride that is somewhat quick that would still be comfortable? What size bike do I need? The terrain where I will be biking is coastal flat, with very little incline. Can you recommend anything? I would like to keep my budget fairly low, say less then $500 if possible.

Thank you so much!

L.

I have a bulged disc and some other problems. I started with a hybrid (I think they call them fitness bikes now), but now I ride a road bike. Go to your local bike shop and tell them about your back problem and price range. They can suggest several bikes. Having the proper frame size is the most important if you have a sensitive back.

Just start slowly and work your way up to longer rides. Cycling actually improved my back problems by strengthening my core. Be sure to do some extra stretches for glutes, quads, and hips.

telling us your height can only give ball park ideas to the rest of us. Go to a good bike shop and try out some bikes!
Ironically, i just hurt my back and have a bulging disc and the only thing that DIDN'T hurt the day I did it was riding my bike. Good posture, core exercises are both things that can help you ride a zippy bike.



And welcome to Team Estrogen!

Spear, I absolutely agree about trying out different bikes. Most bike shops won't have a problem with it. As you try a variety of bikes, consider including some recumbents in bikes that you try. I have an upright bike and a recumbent, and you can't beat the recumbent for comfort. So, when I ride that one, I'm able to go for longer rides.

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Originally Posted by spear504

Hi Girls!

I am SO glad that I found this forum. I need a little bit of help :) I am in my early 20's, and I have a bad back :( I have 3 slipped discs blah blah blah from my military service. Since I no longer can run, I have decided to take up (and got the doc's OK) cycling to keep my figure trim, and keep my cardio endurance up. My husband road bikes as well- so I have a partner in crime :). Anyways, with me being brand new to this sport, I have a few questions about what kind of bike I need to get, size, comfort level, etc.

I am 5'8, and about 143 pounds. I know I can't get a road bike because of the decline to the handle bars, but is there a type of bike that I can ride that is somewhat quick that would still be comfortable? What size bike do I need? The terrain where I will be biking is coastal flat, with very little incline. Can you recommend anything? I would like to keep my budget fairly low, say less then $500 if possible.

Thank you so much!

L.

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Don't totally discount a road bike. I've got slipped discs (L4-L5) in my back and joint damage from an autoimmune disease. I've had to build up time in the saddle, but I'm able to ride a road bike. The big thing for me has been continuing the physical therapy exercises for my back and adding in some core strengthening.

I'd check with a LBS and see what they say. Just let them know your issues, and a good bike shop should work with you.

If the disc damage is bad, I know it can be, you could look into a recumbent. The folks I know who have them love them.

Also, a hybrid or cruiser style bike might work due to a more upright position, but if you're wanting to go fast (or maybe even be able to keep up with your husband), it might not be the best option.

If you want to explore road bikes, a touring style might be better. They're not quite as stretched out as a performance or race style.