Why Or Why Not...A Bicycle Question

[Scooter]

Road bike vs. full suspension

I have been road biking the past few years and I am rethinking my style of biking. I'm not into spandex, so the whole road bike style has never been my thing. I'm more or a bike messenger type of guy.

Anyway, I have some back problems that may never really go away. I have a very nice road bike, but I am thinking I need something more comfortable with less stress on the back. My days of long distance riding are pretty much over. My riding is normally kept to under 10 miles at a time. I am also not concerned about speed. The bike would be used for riding to the pub, weekend riding with the wife at slower speeds, and daily commuting around the city. Also, maybe getting into some single track.

I am thinking about getting a full suspension XC bike between 21-25 lbs (currently looking at a small Santa Cruz Blur). I would have two sets of wheels, one with road tires and one with off road tires. I know that no bike is a do-it-all...at least not perfectly, but I'm not looking for perfect, just convenient and enjoyable.

By the way, the reason it is one or the other is because I live in a condo and I don't have room for another bike.

Constructive comments are welcome!

[mikeferg75]

I don't think a full suspension bike used for your type of riding will really help your back much if at all.
I think I would go with a 29er Mtn hardtail for that type of riding.

[widgeon13]

Specialized makes some nice "multi use" bikes. More for riding on hard surfaces but also more upright position.

[nostatic]

Depends on what your back issues are and what ends up hurting. There is nothing wrong with riding FS on the street - put some slicks on and be happy. As long as you're not in a hurry there isn't much of a downside. That is if the jarring of bumps on the street is what is causing your pain. If it is riding position, then any number of bikes can fit that criteria.

fwiw my wife and I ride a FS tandem mountain bike. While we get it in the dirt from time to time, one of our regular rides is about a 10 mile trip from our house to the local farmers market. I can say that the FS certainly makes for a more comfy trip. And off-road, it is a magic carpet ride...

[rschoeni]

Another option are "Fat Bikes". I bought a pair of single speed, steel frame fat bikes. We use them as beach and street cruisers. Put ape hanger handle bars on for that cool up-right position. The suspension is in the 26"x 4" (or wider) tires.
Here's a link to fat bike forum:

Fat Bikes


/bs

[wildthing]

Try some yoga.

Just get one of those with front suspensions and you'd be good to go. Full suspensions are overkill on regular pavement. Downhill dirt, well, that's another matter.

[Scooter]

I know a full suspension is overkill for the street, but I would also like to get back into some dirt riding. We have a lot of bad roads around town, so a more cushy ride would be better than my carbon race bike. I thought of a fat bike, but I will be riding some hills...it just doesn't seem practical.

My back issues are mainly lower back. The rough roads don't help. Long distance riding is not likely for the future.

[madmmac]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

Specialized makes some nice "multi use" bikes. More for riding on hard surfaces but also more upright position.

This. I love my Specialized Crossroads Sport and I have a horrible back. Nice ride and upright position. I can speed along at a pretty good clip very comfortably. Front suspension only but the seat floats.

I ride 20+ miles easily at a time on it, plus you will save a few thousand $$'s.

P.S- A growler will fit in that trunk!

[nzporsche944s2]

Bike geometry and riding position has a huge effect on comfort and aches.

Whatever bike you end up with make sure it is the correct size and that in addition to that the bike is fitted to you (by changing stem lengths, stem angles, seat height, seat position etc).

When I'm out riding I see far too many people with relatively expensive bikes that are riding in the wrong position or awkwardly that will just tire them early or worst case damage their bodies,

I think this combination would have a far better outcome for you than trying to determine the type of bike or discipline.

Then once that is all done get out and ride regulalry - 3+ times a week!

[Scooter]

I ride a lot and am pretty knowledgeable about bikes and fitment.

I am just looking for input I haven't thought about or reaffirmation of my own thoughts.

Thanks for the input so far...please keep them coming!

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Scooter

I know a full suspension is overkill for the street, but I would also like to get back into some dirt riding. We have a lot of bad roads around town, so a more cushy ride would be better than my carbon race bike. I thought of a fat bike, but I will be riding some hills...it just doesn't seem practical.

My back issues are mainly lower back. The rough roads don't help. Long distance riding is not likely for the future.

I don't get the whole single speed thing. Maybe it is because I'd like to continue being able to walk for another few decades. The fat bike is great for snow, but beyond that it is another phenomenon that I don't quite understand. I've been around bikes all my life, and was deep into it back in the late 80's through early 90s, and have watched from afar with a few purchases since then. I actually had a Moots YBB which was an early form of "full suspension." It made a difference and was a great solution depending on what you needed. That said, much of my serious trail riding was done full rigid as it was before suspension tech became widespread. A good fat tire does give you some relief, as does knowing how to "ride light" - something that has been lost on a generation that has grown up with car drop-offs and 5" of rear travel.

Despite the old-guy rant, most of my miles are on the FS tandem. It is a beast but very fun to ride. I sold my FS mtn bike as I figured if I was riding it would be with my wife and we'd rather do the tandem. I do still have a Salsa Vaya, which has wider road tires and I have it set up with a fairly upright position. Only problem is that I *hate* riding on LA streets so it doesn't get ridden very often. If I'm on the pavement, it is on the tandem which is a bit harder for a motorist to miss seeing.

Bottom line - for double duty a short travel FS bike (SC Superlight, Salsa Spearfish) would be a fun choice.

[Racerbvd]

Get a 24 or 26" BMX bike..

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Scooter

....My back issues are mainly lower back. ...

Have you ever tried an inversion table? Works wonders for me when I need to "on occasion". My dad's been using one 3 times a week for probably 8-9 years now, helps him a LOT. If you're not familiar with 'em, there are some threads...

[Scott Douglas]

This TREK was my answer for a sore back.

[herr_oberst]

You'll just have to ride a few to see what suits your back. If you think FS will work for you, then by all means sample the goods. It's the only way to know.

(All these upright bikes make my back hurt just looking at 'em.
Getting some of the weight off your ass and onto your hands arms shoulders makes a lot more sense to me, but thats just me... )

My only other input into your search is to look at cyclocross or dual purpose tires before you invest in a spare pair of wheels. You may see something out there that will work for trails and pavement. I had a nice compromise a few years ago that I really liked and you may find one too and save a bunch of cash.

Check BikeTiresDirect or some such web site to see what sort of rubber is out there.

Good luck in your search. Buying a new bike is a lot of fun! Enjoy the process.

[HardDrive]

My back is very bad. L1/L2 disk blown. I have a Specialized Roubaix, and I love it. Reasonably upright position, and lots of frame components to soak up road chatter.

I also have a dirt cheap Marin Larkspur that I have upgraded with a shock absorbing seat post and a brooks saddle. Honestly, I ride the bike more than the Roubaix. Comfortable, durable, and if it gets stolen, I won't cry.

[SilberUrS6]

The more upright style of a "city bike" or even a "beach cruiser" style bike helped my brother's lower back issues and bike riding. Nice, fat tires to suck up the bumps, front suspension fork (set soft), a well-fitted saddle (almost the most important part, after geometry) - he can now ride as far as his legs can take him without any back pain at all. He tried a Marin FS bike, and that didn't work. Even a HT MTB didn't do it. I get relief for my lower back from riding my road bike with my hands on the hoods.

[fanaudical]

Looked at recumbents? It's what got me riding again.

PNW recumbent shops:

http://www.anglelakecycle.com/

http://www.coventrycycleworks.com/

Some various manufacturers:

RANS Bicycles

Easy Racers Recumbent Bicycles | Home

Recumbent Bikes and Performance Recumbent Bicycles By Bacchetta Bike Company

Home - Optima Recumbents

[look 171]

I say go for one of the up right handlebar bikes in the pics. Try and get a suspension fork, it will take away a lot of the harsh road feel. I bet if your handle bar is at the height of your belly, you might experience less back issues. I think its the hunched over position that hurts your back? Hell, you do lose some power, but if you need to go fast, just bend your elbows and go all aero on your wife and make her eat your dust.

[drcoastline]

Scooter,

based on your requirements it sounds like this fits the bill. Good on the back, It looks like a good commuter, three wheels so after the trip to the pub no issues with falling off and bumping your head and it has room to carry a few home. It seems like the mini van of bikes.




I am just having fun.

Honestly though something that has a laid back seat like that may be what you need for your back.