I also want to say that I felt stronger each time I rode the bike and I went up this incline 2 times prior to this 3rd that I think really torqued my back. I was on a mountain bike prior and it killed my back and shoulders after one ride. So the townie felt good for many rides. But I push too. I get strong and ride out at 14-15mph for a steady 6-7 miles, and I have only been riding bikes for about 5 months. I really think i pushed too hard too quick. I had back problems prior to biking it just seems to be aggrivated. sigh.