best bike for best spine position/posture

[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.