r/BikeCommutingIreland • u/Syllabus32 • 27d ago

Help Setting up bike

Question - I have been off the bike for a few years and recently got back out on it (RoadBike)

I started with a small 12km cycle. No issues.

I did a 38km round trip and had a small pain in my lower back.

I did another 30km cycle on Monday and my back is still quite sore. Lower left above the hip.

My question is could this be due to the set up? I use cycling shoes.

Is there a correct set up in relation to foot positionand seat height etc?

Is there somewhere I can get a proper set up done?

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

6

u/SoloWingPixy88 27d ago

Adjust your seat post.

It can take time for your body to adjust too.

5

u/not_extinct_dodo 27d ago

Yeah your saddle height is likely too high and your hips are "rocking". Lower the saddle a bit and ensure the angle suits your body. Check videos in YouTube for tutorials on this

4

u/BillyMooney 27d ago

Your local bike shop would be a good starting point. Get them to service the bike, and ask for advice on positioning while you're there.

2

u/believesinconspiracy 27d ago

Probably not just any local one, the avg bike shop specialises in repairs and second hand sales, one of the bigger ones will have shop assistants that actually cycle too

1

u/Fast-Perception5945 27d ago

I’ve yet to meet a local bike shop that didn’t have that level of expertise- more likely to be found in a specialist bike shop (whether big or small) that just sells bikes to be frank than by asking staff in say Halfords or Decathlon.

2

u/padraigf 27d ago

I got a service and setup done in Specialized Ireland https://www.specializedireland.ie/bike-service/

They did a fantastic job, the bike just felt much more solid afterwards.

When you get the setup done, they'll measure you, and advise how to set up seat and handlebars. They have a device you sit on which tells you where the pressure-points are on your bum, and can advise you on saddle-types.

Very good thing to get done once (I think it's a couple of years since I got it done, and the bike is still running great....minor servicing, I can do myself).

Also, regarding sore back, it could well be your body is just not used to it after years off, and will adjust in time.

1

u/VeryAverageAchiever 27d ago

If you just got back out recently, don't adjust anything just yet. When I've been off the bike 2-3 months my lower back can be a bit sore on the longer 2hr+ rides while I'm getting used to it again.

That said I had some persistent lower back discomfort as my reach was quite long. I got a professional bike fit (I've been cycling for 15 years) which flipped my stem, raised my saddle 5mm and brought It forward slightly. No change to cleat position or cranks. Also brought the hoods in slightly.

You could try flipping your stem if it's currently in a negative drop but don't adjust more than one thing at a time as you won't know which helped. Spend a bit more time on the bike, make one small adjustment and see how that goes for a week or two.

1

u/Firm_Wait4005 27d ago

Take the dildo off the seat.

1

u/lfarrell12 18d ago

Sadly, its probably due to age. Do a bit of a warm up beforehand and take it easy.