I empathsize with your situation -- I have hardware at L3-L4-L5. I cannot bend the way I used to. In addition to the hardware, I also have two forms of arthritis, along with spondelythesis. I have a hybrid and a road bike and it's much easier for me to ride the hybrid. My posture is somewhat straight on the hybrid and there's not as much strain on the lower back from curling to ride the road bike. I love riding my road bike but my entire spine isn't happy with me riding, so to keep my spine happy, I ride the hybrid.

My road bike is a WSD Specialized Dolce Comp and my hybrid is a WSD Trek 7.5 FX. In spite if my back problems, I continue to ride - I cannot give it up because I love riding.