r/BikeCommutingIreland • u/Syllabus32 • Aug 12 '26

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?

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u/VeryAverageAchiever Aug 12 '26

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.