Your assistance for a newbie. Please.

[byusarkis]

I'm looking for a road bike, to add to my MTB.
To be used for commuting and a bit of road work if I get my lazy bum moving.

I have problems with lower back and knees, so

1. I'm assuming a bike fit will be of benefit to me?
2. A tourer type bike will be a better geometry than a more race set up type.
3. Any ideas on pedal types, types of clip etc

Any help or thought will be much appreciated.

Thank you

 

[helston90]

Yes for the bike fitting- useful even if you don't have problems with back/ knees- some shops will offer them FOC when purchasing a bike so worth shopping around.
There will be a more relaxed geometry to whatever you're considering- most models will have a race version and a longer distance/ sportif version, what are you thinking of? Your LBS should be able to help.
SPD- SLs would probably be your best bet as these have 'float' allowing the foot to move around through the stroke whilst remaining attached from what I understand.
Your LBS would be able to help you out with all of the above and other people on here more than me!

 

[philinmerthyr]

You don't mention price. If you have £1200, I recommend theSpecialized Roubaix

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

It might help to know whether riding the MTB helps or aggravates your knees and back.

 

[DaveyM]

After some quite serious back issues I found the relaxed geometry of a cyclocross a perfect fit for me, but as with all joint issues, whats good for me might be agony for you. I had to go out and sit on as many as I could, have a few test rides and see what good for you

 

[byusarkis]

You dont mention price. If you have £1200, I recommend theSpecialized Roubaix

I was looking at this very bike a few months ago when UK cycles had it on offer for £750 (I think, but can't be sure).


Budget is up to 700 really. First bike and im not 100% sure ill take to it more than my work commute.
I've seen the new planet x bike.
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBSABLAROCTIA/sab_la_rocca_shimano_tiagra_road_bike
This have any value to it?
Im a bit confused, carbon rear but not forks? Why?

Thanks. You guys are great.
My knees seem to cope with SPD on the MTB, do I'm happy you've suggested that.

 

[BAtoo]

I have problems with lower back and knees,

Me too... to the extent that walking upstairs was often uncomfortable & squatting has been a thing of the past for some time.

Started riding (again) 6 weeks ago; I have a Dawes Giro 200 so I suspect a fairly relaxed position especially as I often ride it on the hoods or bar and not often on the drops.
It has helped my knees and back a lot (and my overall fitness). I have gradually raised the saddle a bit which has helped (to start I couldn't ride standing on the pedals & now I can do so for a short while).
I can now walk upstairs without much pain and can do about a half squat.
I'm up to regular 10-mile rides and a bit longer at weekends (I work full time).

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Me too... to the extent that walking upstairs was often uncomfortable & squatting has been a thing of the past for some time.

Started riding (again) 6 weeks ago; I have a Dawes Giro 200 so I suspect a fairly relaxed position especially as I often ride it on the hoods or bar and not often on the drops.
It has helped my knees and back a lot (and my overall fitness). I have gradually raised the saddle a bit which has helped (to start I couldn't ride standing on the pedals & now I can do so for a short while).
I can now walk upstairs without much pain and can do about a half squat.
I'm up to regular 10-mile rides and a bit longer at weekends (I work full time).

I sufferd a compression injury to my right leg some year ago, fell about a foot on to my heal broke a bone in the foot and server bruising up to my knee and then some more, I have a high pain threshold but I passed out, woke up looking at blue sky.
Anyway last year when I started I used to get a really shrap pain behind my knee cap now and again if I eased off the pedal it passed, these days I now no longer get the pain though I can still feel where it might be, and my right leg is always the one to ache more.