Upper back pain

[aerobrain]

Stem should be a five minute job with a couple of allen keys. Might also be worth thinking about dropping the stem down a bit on the steerer, as I notice you have what looks like around 30mm of spacers underneath at the moment.

I'm guessing with the spacers you just move them from below to above the stem?

 

[HLaB]

I'll have a go with the saddle up a touch and then change the stem over.

Is it literally a case of unbolting old and bolting on new? Its got a front plate so doesn't look like I need to thread the bars out or anything

Yip, but when you retighten the stem bolts, tighten the top cap one first then the two on the side. And at the face plate tighten each separate bolt a bit at a time.

I would go with changing one thing at a time, the saddle just now (its here); the stem when it comes and later the spacers if its still not comfortable.

 

[aerobrain]

Yip, but when you retighten the stem bolts, tighten the top cap one first then the two on the side. And at the face plate tighten each separate bolt a bit at a time.

I would go with changing one thing at a time, the saddle just now (its here); the stem when it comes and later the spacers if its still not comfortable.

Yeah I suppose its best to minimise variables. Stems on order but won't be here til Tues/weds so will fiddle with the saddle first.

Cheers for all the help guys!! Some useful tips

 

[fossyant]

Bike fit is quite individual. I'm a short arse at 5.9 but run a 120 or 130mm stem on my bikes - quite stretched out, but I am old school.

 

[fossyant]

Thing is, you need to be careful going to stretched out. Do it slowly, as your back will complain.

 

[aerobrain]

Thing is, you need to be careful going to stretched out. Do it slowly, as your back will complain.

Fair point, I also need to start being serious about stretching after rides I think!!

 

[Born2die]

I'm still dialling in after a good month or so. my main problem is I have degradation of my lower spine it won't get worse but it flaming hurts at the mo it will get better as I work my core and back more now the kids are back so I'm really struggling to get comfy. Fwiw I'm 5'8 32" leg with a 55cm boardman race.

@fossyant was meaning stretched out on the bike I think something your new stem will help with (ie reach to the bars) though a good stretch after a ride is always an idea I'm really stretched on my bike but I like it like that I don't like being cramped

 

[aerobrain]

I'm still dialling in after a good month or so. my main problem is I have degradation of my lower spine it won't get worse but it flaming hurts at the mo it will get better as I work my core and back more now the kids are back so I'm really struggling to get comfy. Fwiw I'm 5'8 32" leg with a 55cm boardman race.

@fossyant was meaning stretched out on the bike I think something your new stem will help with (ie reach to the bars) though a good stretch after a ride is always an idea I'm really stretched on my bike but I like it like that I don't like being cramped

Yeah sorry badly written reply, I realise he meant on the bike. I just think part of my problem is letting my back, hamstring, hips etc get too tight.

 

[Born2die]

Relax and enjoy stretch per and after ride the more you ride the looser you get

 

[Globalti]

I disagree about the seat height; I think your pelvis is rocking because the saddle is too high. I would drop it about 5 - 10 mm.

Definitely looks cramped in the length though.

There's another major issue though.... that lawn is a disgrace! When did you last cut it?

 

[Dusty Bin]

I disagree about the seat height; I think your pelvis is rocking because the saddle is too high. I would drop it about 5 - 10 mm.

Some pelvic movement is inevitable while cycling, regardless of saddle height. The movement is not excessive, which is the main thing. Leg extension (or lack of it) is the main issue.

 

[User6179]

Looks like your knees will hit your elbows if you go on the drops , as been said a longer stem but I would say you need to go higher with the bars instead of lower ,lifting the bars up will put less strain on your back.

 

[Crackle]

As others have said a longer stem will help but I reckon it might even need to be pointing down, you look too high and your arms are on the verge of locking. If your arms lock as you ride that's fine most of the time but if it happens when your body is wanting to naturally get lower, that'll cause discomfort.

Longer stem flipped down and or a layback seatpost because your knee seems too far forward of the bb, seems, others need to confirm my view there, I may be wrong.

 

[Dusty Bin]

As others have said a longer stem will help but I reckon it might even need to be pointing down, you look too high and your arms are on the verge of locking. If your arms lock as you ride that's fine most of the time but if it happens when your body is wanting to naturally get lower, that'll cause discomfort.

Longer stem flipped down and or a layback seatpost because your knee seems too far forward of the bb, seems, others need to confirm my view there, I may be wrong.

Pretty good call, I reckon.

 

[ayceejay]

Bite the bullet: the frame is too small, Can you return it to where you bought it for exchange? I fear that messing about with stem length, seat post lay back etc will exacerbate the discomfort rather than cure it.