Back Belt - Redux

[markusmaximus]

Several weeks back I asked for opinions regarding the use of lower back support belts and particular brands. I left that thread by stating I would let everyone know if I did purchase and use one. True to my word, here's my update

I purchased the Back-A-Line belt from CycleGadgets.com and wore it on and off during my 700+ mile road trip this past weekend. Short story is that it did not really help me that much. It was not uncomfortable, but it didn't provide relief. The belt does keep your lower back in a better posture, but ostensibly that's not my issue. My soreness stems from arthritic changes and is probably muscle fatigue. Interestingly, I didn't use the belt at all on my return trip, yet had less soreness. Perhaps I just need more back strengthening exercises. Or maybe the 200+ miles of on/off rain distracted me. But I digress.

Anyway, the evening following my return, I contacted CycleGadgets about their return policy. I was surprised to learn that they have a 10 day return policy, which is quite puzzling since they also state it takes several weeks to "break in" the belt. As it turned out, that evening marked the... you guessed it... 11th day since I purchased the belt. But after pleading my case, they agreed to allow me to return the belt. It's now in the mail.

So, if you're considering a back belt, give this one a try. It might work fine. Just make sure you try it early and often. It just did not work for me.

[Idaho]

At least they took it back. Have you tried a seat with a backrest? I know they are pricey but I love my Mustang. It was great out of the box but has really gotten better with miles. Broken in I guess.

Back problems suck canal water. Good luck.

[phenrichs]

I think that if you are having discomfort and pain in your lower back you would be correct about your posture playing a part in it but I think it would have to be more of your overall riding position. Riser height, distance of bars, width of bars, seating position. Have someone take a picture of you while you are riding, from multiple angles and then look at your position. This may help more than you think. If you are leaning forward or back or your arms are too far apart to reach the grips you can make adjustments for all of these for little or no cost to see if they help.

You should also consider seat replacement or seat modification. You may just need firmer support for your backside.

[damark115]

I know just the backrest alone makes a world of difference for my back. Same crap, arthritis, spinal stenosis, sciatica. If the G/F wants to snuggle up tight, I take it off but my backs starts to hurt in very little time. A 400 mile day for me would be brutal with or without the backrest for sure.
I just ride more often, less miles per ride.

[chainsaw]

Maybe you just need Olga Goodhands to give your back a good rub.

[vidornomad]

Just a thought, I have a cobra seat on mine, but I still use the factory backrest. The back rest that came with the cobra didnt move up enough for me (I'm 5' 9") so I put the factory back rest on there and works great, plus gives it a different look.

[markusmaximus]

At least they took it back. Have you tried a seat with a backrest? I know they are pricey but I love my Mustang. It was great out of the box but has really gotten better with miles. Broken in I guess.

Back problems suck canal water. Good luck.

I have a grasshopper backrest and it helps tremendously. And yes, back problems suck!



I think that if you are having discomfort and pain in your lower back you would be correct about your posture playing a part in it but I think it would have to be more of your overall riding position. Riser height, distance of bars, width of bars, seating position. Have someone take a picture of you while you are riding, from multiple angles and then look at your position. This may help more than you think. If you are leaning forward or back or your arms are too far apart to reach the grips you can make adjustments for all of these for little or no cost to see if they help.

You should also consider seat replacement or seat modification. You may just need firmer support for your backside.

Good points OP. I have Phat II risers, which also help tremendously. I make a conscious effort to sit upright and keep my lower back neutral. I still may have someone take a pic to check my posture. And my future goal is to get a day-long saddle. I'll need to save up.


I know just the backrest alone makes a world of difference for my back. Same crap, arthritis, spinal stenosis, sciatica. If the G/F wants to snuggle up tight, I take it off but my backs starts to hurt in very little time. A 400 mile day for me would be brutal with or without the backrest for sure.
I just ride more often, less miles per ride.


I hear you Damark. I too like it when my girlfriend snuggles up close. Just don't tell my wife! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Just kidding. And like you I try to pace myself.


Maybe you just need Olga Goodhands to give your back a good rub.

I'll tell the wife. Wish me luck.


Just a thought, I have a cobra seat on mine, but I still use the factory backrest. The back rest that came with the cobra didn't move up enough for me (I'm 5' 9") so I put the factory back rest on there and works great, plus gives it a different look.


You mean the passenger backrest, Vidor? It is considerably thicker than most backrests. Eventually I'll get an adjustable backrest.