With your existing bike... I would suggest you go to the Sports Clinic of Boulder Co. or equivalent medical facility that provides the level of bike fitting expertise base on medical need.

The money spent on that one visit will be worth more than any new custom bike you could every buy. (btw, it's not uncommon for the bike fit and running form evaluation to be covered by health insurance).

As for a bike... I recommend one that would best match the bike fit they will perform. This is bio-mechanical based fit (it is not performance based fit). That being said, I could make a suggestion as to a good comfortable wheel set... that would be any Spinergy Carbon Fiber (PBO) spoked wheels.

A new bike frame is not necessarilly the best solution.. but, if you haven't had a bike fit evaluation by a medically trained bike fitter... then, you have left out a key component to getting a good bike - it's called a medically sound bike fit.

Good Luck...

FWIW Joe Moya

My wife really enjoys her Softride Lite. http://www.softride.com/product.asp?p=16 She is also just a touch under 5' and used to ride a 48cm Principia. My guess is the 47 is too big for you. The Lite comes in an XXS, no joke extra-extra-small, which will likely work for you.

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Dan Hollingsworth

Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul." - Douglas MacArthur

Also consider a TitanFlex. I think a few folks here with back problems swear by this bike. I don't have back problems, but just the same the ride is far smoother than any standard road bike I've owned. If the small frame is still too large for you, the Transistion frame might work. The titanium beam (boom) is great at smoothing out the road. Tom is great to work with.

http://www.titanflex-usa.com/products.htm

Good luck!

I had a friend that had a back problem somewhat like you described and he went to a recumbant untill he healed up. After that he went back to his normal road bike.

Now I don't think recumbants are allowed in triathlon but it's an option so you can keep riding.

jaretj

I'd stay away from aluminium. It's true there are other factors in ride comfort besides frame material, but all things equal, aluminium is the harshest.

You probably don't have to get a custom bike if you are fitted properly.

A number of companies are now making women's specific models. Here's a good example in the Lemond Versailles Women's. It has a shorter top tube than the man's version and a few other features. Also it's made frame is a steel/carbon combo which gives a very smooth ride. You might be able to fit on the 49 cm size. Check the geometry specs and measure to yor current bike.

http://www.lemondbikes.com/...sailles_womens.shtml#

Hi Joe,

Thanks for all of your advice. I currently own an aluminum frame bike. I've heard that this is not the best material for those with back problems and that's why I'm looking into a new bike. I did go to PK Racing for my fit on my current bike and he took into consideration my back problems. I don't know if PK Racing is considered a biomechanical bike fit. If you're familiar with PK, could you let me know. Also, where would I look to get a biomechanical bike fit? I live in San Jose, California. From that fit, would you then recommend a custom frame or do you think it would be ok to go with a stock frame provided my measurements worked with the bike? Thanks again for all of your help.

Brenna

In terms of small bikes, there is a woman in my club around your height riding a 650cc cannondale. She kicks ass on it. Any more recommendations than that I won't do since I don't know anything about your back problems. (I mean, I'm not a medical professional) I can refer you to a good fitter, Paul Levine at Signaturecycles. If you do a search here you will find plenty of people who have only good things to say about him. Yes, he's on the east coast, but he runs the Serotta "fit" school and so maybe he can refer you to someone closer.

I would get really nasty neck and lower back pains from biking, and after some time and money searching I ended up with a custom steel Serotta Colorado III. From riding an aluminum bike, its night and day. A lot of it I'm sure has to do with fit, but it truly is amazing. Very smooth over bumps, and no soreness aside from tired legs. I have definitely heard Ti or carbon is smoother but I'm very happy with my steel purchase (also $ cheaper). A lot of people will also argue it is the tubing that makes a difference. I think the tubes on my bike were designed for someone of my weight - supposedly that affects ride quality as well. With custom you *do* get the whole package BUT the communication you share between you and the designer is paramount. So if you don't put all the cards on the table, you might get something that's not right. (And harder to sell) There's less money lost on a stock bike fitted with a shorter stem etc. to fit you better.

Don't over look these folks. The entire company is geared towards female riders.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/product.html?c=Bicycles

While I'm taller than you (5'4") I have a bad lower back and could not stay on the aerobars for more than 2 or 3 minutes on my Trek (5200, 52 cm). I had a fitting and switched to a 48cm (custom made) all titanium Serotta. Yes, it was expensive but I can stay in the aerobars for 2+ hours without back pain.

I think the key is to get a bike that fits you and your unique dimensions, flexibility, etc. Find an expert bike fitter and get analyzed before you select a bike.

Hey Brenna,

You could talk to Garrett, the staff PT from SVTC. His email is in the roster.

Jeff :)

IMO...

Bike fitting takes on two formats...

1) a bike fit based on performance and comfort.

2) a bike fit based on bio-mechanical limitations.

If you have no medical problems or minimal biomechanical issues... a bike fit based on performance will work.

But, based on your post... you don't fit into that category.

Unless the bike fitter took into consideration physical therapy options, scans and x-ray information, foot mechanics, assessed flexibility limits then you didn't get the type of bike fit you need. But, it is likely you did get some consideration with regard to your physical problems. However, consideration and medical evalaution are not simular.

In all likelihood, you probably have some hip rotation and/or muscular imbalance issues that are contributing to your back problems... and, a properly fitted bike will not solve those kind of problems. However, good therapy and proper orthotics in combination would go a lot further in help making the solution more permanent.

Bio-mechanica fits are based on medical needs... sport medicine specialists do these kind of evaluations. This is a very narow field of practice... and, when you make it bike and run specific, it even becomes even more specialized.

The best place I have been is Boulder Sports Med. Clinic... look it up on the internet... they provide a lot of additional information. I am not aware of a medical facility in California that matches the Boulder level of expertese and knowledge. However, you could contact my coach (resident of CA)... Dr. Kevin Purcell (coach KP) http://www.coachkp.com/

He may have a suggestion... however, don't be surprised if you doesn't recommend Sports Med. Clinic of Boulder. Afterall, that's where he went for an evaluation.

Hope this helps

Joe Moya

Ditto on the beam bikes. Both make some really small frames. Also, fit can be an issue.

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Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.

Hello, Ditto boulder for the bike fit. I think most top fitters can do a good job for most people, but you are a secial case. Boulder will (likely) do x-rays and other specialized testing that is just not availble at a bike shop. As far as bikes go I second the Titanflex. I've never used one but anything that softens the shock has to help you lower back. If not a new bike consider a shock absorbing seat post (see USE) They are more common on mountainbikes and really help take the edge off. You run the risk of getting flamed by the ST lemmings but better taht than a sore back.



Styrrell

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Styrrell

Hello, Ditto boulder for the bike fit. I think most top fitters can do a good job for most people, but you are a secial case. Boulder will (likely) do x-rays and other specialized testing that is just not availble at a bike shop. As far as bikes go I second the Titanflex. I've never used one but anything that softens the shock has to help you lower back. If not a new bike consider a shock absorbing seat post (see USE) They are more common on mountainbikes and really help take the edge off. You run the risk of getting flamed by the ST lemmings but better taht than a sore back.



Styrrell

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Styrrell

You might want to shoot an e-mail to Phil Casanta at Hypercat Racing. They are in Richmond and do work with SF Tri. I think Phil's partner at Hypercat also struggles with back problems; he coaches her. It couldn't hurt to pick his brain.

As for bike recommendations, I am small (5'1") and ride a stock Calfee. They are out of the Santa Cruz area and do custom carbon fiber frames.