Lumbar Spine & Robaix Size - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

07-09-2004, 11:38 PM

Just bought a Specialized Robaix Elite after a break of some 17 years from
semi-serious cycling. During that time I managed to sustain 3 herniated
discs in my lumbar spine; hence the interest in a 'comfortable' bike.

I'm 5'11" and my inseam is about 33.5". Based on my understaning of
folklore I was thinking that I needed a 56cm machine. The dealer - a
reputable store in New York - was, however, fairly insistent that I purchase
a 54cm model; which I duly did. They spent some time adjusting it for me,
making sure the knee angles were correct, etc.

After such an absence from riding it's hard for me to tell how 'right' this
bike feels. So, my question is, by having a shorter bike (centre-to-top of
450mm vs. 470mm for the 56cm; top tube length of 548mm vs 565mm) am I likely
to be putting undue strain on my spine? Would I be better off with a larger
one?

The dealer seemed to think that the shorter/smaller one would better for my
lumbar region, but I am not sure - in terms of disc pressure it seems like
swings and roundabouts.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you ever so much.

Glm