Bad back issues

[Nick]

I'm 83 - and want to supplement my Concept 2 erg rower with a stationary bike. I mentioned my age because my concern is a slightly arthritic lower back. Not crippling, but painful at times. Is the seat adjustment on the BikeErg able to put a rider in an upright position rather than the forward leaning position? Has anyone out there experienced back issues with the BikeErg? If so, what's the fix, if any? I love using my rower - going on 7 million meters - but just want to have a change of pace. Thanks very much for your help.

[gvcormac]

Almost. I am 173cm (5'8") and with the handlebar fully up and back, I can put my fingertips on the handlebars (no weight) while sitting upright and pedaling. Not quite "cruiser" position but close.

If you plan to sit upright, you'll probably want to buy a wider padded seat.

Also, you could build an extended version of the coffee/laptop table I built, and rest your hands on that instead of the handlebars. See my video below.

https://youtu.be/x_ef4RZGjyk

[gvcormac]

Also, there's a commercially available table ($250) that is larger and higher than the one I built. It might suit you perfectly.

[Ombrax]

Back (ha ha !) when I was doing a lot of cycling I had occasional lower-back pain issues. I found that the best solution for me was to improve my core strength, which I did primarily through leg / knee raises and back extensions. Together they fixed nearly all of my back pain.

Good Luck

[Nick]

Thanks - very helpful. I'll do more back extensions.

[Dutch]

Has anyone out there experienced back issues with the BikeErg? If so, what's the fix, if any?

Make sure your seat is not too high. I have mine on 14 and its about right, if I put it on 15 then I am slightly over stretching and my lower back does ache.