Best bike for lower back problem

[nashdm2]

Guys, not been on here for a while. I had an e-bike but it did not help my lower back problem so it had to go.

The issue was that every bump the bike hit it caused an associated impact in my lower spine. This in turn exaggerated the nerve pain in my legs. So, I would like to ask if there is a bike that fits the following list of requirements.

1. A full suspension bike.
2. Not a MTB, but a Hybrid ideally.
3. A bike that has a geometry where typically the saddle is lower than the handlebars.
4. Tyres that would be comfortable on roads and light tracks.
5. A high end brand.

I am hoping that the full suspension will take a lot of the impact away from my lower spine, anybody wish to comment?
I dont want a MTB as they have tyres that do not directly suit roads/trails.

Hope this all makes sense.

Thanks.......

 

[RobF]

A Riese and Muller Culture ticks most of your boxes.

It's certainly expensive, I mean high end, has full sus, high handlebars, and is aimed at the road and well-made cycle paths.

A quality full sus eMTB with shallow tread tyres and raised bars would be a slightly cheaper option.

https://www.r-m.de/en-gb/e-bike/culture/

 

[nashdm2]

Thanks Rob, very interesting. Modern take on the frame with various engine/battery options which I like.
The more I look at this, these guys market their bikes like a car manufacturer would with differing specs within one model, like Ford used to do with the L, GL, GLS, Ghia etc. Very clever.

 

[nashdm2]

Just looked through the rest of their range, they make some cracking products. Various elements upgradeable, different colours per models, different specs and engines per model. Breath of fresh air!!!!

 

[RobF]

As a Riese and Muller owner, I can tell you you won't go wrong with one quality-wise.

One thing against them is they are heavy, even for an ebike - seems to me they are built for durability rather than lightness.

Another possible snag is I suspect it will be almost impossible to see or try one before you buy.

Very few retailers keep many in stock due to the high price.

On t'other hand, Amps/Wisper is no longer the sole UK distributor, and Riese and Muller have been signing up more dealers direct.

Whether those new dealers have many bikes in stock is another matter.

 

[nashdm2]

Very interesting Rob. Genuinely smitten with the Delite range of bikes. Something there for everyone. I have always gone for a bike with the traditional derailleur gears, BUT, notice that more manufacturers going for other options now. Nuvinci and rolhoff, are these any good?

 

[RobF]

The Nuvinci is robust, but draggy.

Makes a difference, even on an ebike.

The constantly variable ratio is also not for everyone.

I have a Rohloff on my charger.

There is no better hub, reliable changes, wide range, and every ratio is evenly spaced.

None of which applies to the Shimano hubs.

But they are about a quarter of the price.

 

[nashdm2]

Where in the country are you Rob?

 

[RobF]

Where is the country are you Rob?

North east.

 

[nashdm2]

Aha, ok, thanks anyway. I have been looking at the Delite range and the GX Rohloff really takes my fancy. Some lovely spec upgrades on it, and you can get it with Nyon and the 2 battery option. Now, need to find one to look at. Thanks for you help.

 

[RobF]

Croxden on here has a Delite and is in Staffordshire.

I'm not aware of any other R&M owners, but there may be some.

Amps near Brands Hatch probably still has some R&M bikes.

 

[tommie]

I think with any bike you get your going to need one of these,


the Suntour NCX post,
or failing that a good suspension seatpost,
i have a very similar lower back problem and every time i ran over one of those pipe tracks across the road it was torture with that sudden compression.

 

[GLJoe]

I dont want a MTB as they have tyres that do not directly suit roads/trails.

I'm not sure I understand this comment.
You can take an MTB bike and stick balloon tyres on it. Something like a Schwalbe big apple. Not only are they then fine for road/trail, you can run them at a pretty low pressure and get really good 'suspension' from the tyre alone.
I've never tried them on a full suspension bike, but I'd imagine the result would be SUPER smooth!

 

[Croxden]

Where are you based nashdm2?

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Croxden on here has a Delite and is in Staffordshire.

I'm not aware of any other R&M owners, but there may be some.

Amps near Brands Hatch probably still has some R&M bikes.

Yes we have a few left, we have an Avenue, a city and trekking bike with full suspension if you are interested.

Perfect for people with lower back problems.

Regards, David

 

[nashdm2]

Hi Guys, thanks for the additional info, it's all welcome and good information. I did have one of those seatposts, the exact one in the picture, but even with that, it did not help.

I am in the South of England, so, nowhere near the NE or NW I am afraid as I really would like to see one and try it!!!.

Also, looking into it further, a number of you have mentioned getting a MTB and changing tyres, that is a good option, so, thanks. I dont want a bike where the handlebars are typically a lot lower than the seat as that adds additional pressure on my lower back.

Croxden, how do you find the Delite please as that does look like an amazing bike?

Plenty of food for thought guys, thanks again.

Any other suggestions are very welcome guys, all adds to the melting pot!!!

Thanks.............

 

[D C]

I dont want a bike where the handlebars are typically a lot lower than the seat as that adds additional pressure on my lower back.

I use a Satori A-Head handlebar stem riser for neck problems rather than back and find it's strong, once adjusted it doesn't move.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Satori-Head-Alloy-Handlebar-Lifter/dp/B00SHI87DY/ref=cts_sp_2_vtp?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=1212178027&pf_rd_r=5F78XPDDWF8BYQRDHWWD&pd_rd_wg=KnGZ3&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B00SHI87DY&pd_rd_w=uhMQw&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=5F78XPDDWF8BYQRDHWWD&_encoding=UTF8

It's very easy to fit if you have sufficient brake and gear cable length and a 1-1/8" threadless steerer.
Dave.

 

[topographer]

I dont want a bike where the handlebars are typically a lot lower than the seat as that adds additional pressure on my lower back.

I'm confused about this comment and the one in your initial post. Is the problem the vertical jolting on bumps or the muscle strain over time with your back leaning forward unsupported? I have both problems — mostly the latter. Sit up and beg (or Dutch style bikes) may help in addition to suspension. The problem with body dynamics is it's really complicated and one slight alteration in posture in one part of your body can affect another area not directly connected (ie. a limp can give you a bad back.) There are medical professionals who are experts in this type of thing. Ideally, you want a practitioner's advice, but there's the danger they'll say 'don't ride'.

 

[Woosh]

Sit up and beg (or Dutch style bikes) may help in addition to suspension.

agreed.

I use quill stems for traditional diamond frame bikes.
They have a large range of vertical adjustment to give you a more upright riding position.
Here is the Woosh Big Bear, surprisingly comfortable with a x-riser handlebar and a Suntour SP12 NCX seat post.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?bigbear

 

[D C]

a Suntour SP12 NCX seat post.

That's not the same as my Suntour SP12 NCX which is a parallelogram type. The upright type similar to the one in the picture actually gave me a bad back along with a bad back for the friend I passed it onto.
I guess we are all different and need geometery to suit us as individuals.
Dave