Choosing first bike - Bad back

[davebullet]

If you are able to exercise, work on your core muscles and back muscles to provide core strength and help support your spine. This involves crunches and back hyperextensions on a swiss ball about 3 times per week. That's helped me quite a bit. If you find yourself slouching because your muscles tire - indication they may need strengthening.

Of course I have no medical background to support the above - just my experience.

Cheers,
DAvid.

[svp]

"LOL!
Chill out, Dude! Invaluable WAS the correct word (invaluable basically means "can't have a price put on it because it's of such great value"). We're just alerting you to the fact that there's a high probability that the answers to most queries on KB are usually bollocks."

This forum has already questioned my sanity!!!

I have 12 windows minimised on my screen, trying to do work and educate myself on riding at the same time……I thought I was going nuts

[davebullet]

Another bike to look at is the Honda VTR250. Being an upright style, it puts your feet under your body (for weight transfer over bumps) and slightly positions your upper body forward. Probably recommended for riders 6' or less in height. The only possible downside being a naked bike - is at speed, wind force is transferred to your body more than a faired bike, possibly transferring energy to your back / bum.

I went for a 6 hour ride on Sunday with several stops and my back was ok. I did notice a little soreness at the base of my back, but I put that down to slumping too much for too long.

I never have a back problem commuting on it (20-30 min rides).

Like most vehicles - any length of time in one position (long trips) and you will get some back stiffness / soreness. Secret is to plan for a longer trip to factor in stops to stretch. Often you need to anyway to natter to fellow bikers, warm up, refuel, enjoy the scenery etc...

Cheers,
Dave.

[pixc]

Sport-Touring style.

I agree with you there. My back very poor, sport-tour bike suited me very well. Long ride from Tauranga to Wellington, thought it may wreck me but no sweat!

[CookMySock]

This blanket advice on offer is poor at best. Sorry if that offends but that's the truth.

It is not more the truth than his opinion.

Its just opinion. This is a forum on the internet. Think about it.

Steve

[sinfull]

Gees, If I followed the advice in this thread I'd be in a world of pain.

Everyone is different, Your just going to have to try a few bikes, seating positions.Moving your arse backwards of forwards a few inches may make all the difference in the world.

For me, I find I have to be in a position where I can transfer some of my weight to the pegs, and I like (have to be) to be sitting upright in the "cruiser" position otherwise the pain sets in within a few minutes.

In agreement here ! Everyones injuries are different, some have back injuries which cause pain when extending, some when they curl, some when they're upright, then there is syatica to take into it !
You just have to try them all and see what works ! It's called test riding and it's a whole lotta fun !
Don't piss around riding around the block either, as ya well know it could take an hour or more for the pain to kick in !

[Headbanger]

It is not more the truth than his opinion.

Its just opinion. This is a forum on the internet. Think about it.

Steve

Ah, so this is rock bottom.