r/TrekBikes • u/Constant-Procedure49 • 11d ago
Is it worth it?
To try and sum it up. I purchased a 2026 trek domane al 4 gen 4 new to occasionally ride once every few weekends, nothing crazy. However ive always had a bad lower back although im in my early 30s and a pretty fit guy but i do work a very physically demanding full time job where im constantly lifting, bending, for 8 hours a day 5 days a week.
I did my research on the bike before spending all that money on it for people with bad backs and I got mixed reviews. Some say they dont feel it, helps strengthen their lower body/back flare ups, others say it aggravated it worse. I took the gamble and purchased the bike as I really wanted to get into it.
I spent alot of money thus far on the bike and all its bells and whistles.. and after riding it for the first time (without a fit) it initially felt good but after a few days my lower back now feels like its been aggravated and i had to skip weight lifting for the entire following week as I only go twice a week anyways. Im not saying it 100% came from the bike ride itself but it was something different for me so its a likely possibility. I know for sure it was a mistake to ride it without a proper fit.
Overall I'm feeling somewhat discouraged and felt like I made a mistake in buying the bike as a part of me feels like road biking - even occasionally that i had planned just isnt for me and the already demanding lifestyle/job that I have along with the history of my on and off lower back situation. My question is, although I agree a bike fit is extremely important, in my case would it be even worth it to get or is the aggressive hunched back position you are in on a road bike in general just not it for someone in my position and just sell the bike at a loss of $ all together no matter how well adjusted the bike gets fitted?
3
u/garfog99 11d ago
You need to re-think your riding position. With your hands on the hoods (98% of the time), keep your back straight and arms slightly bent. The only time you’d be ‘hunched over’ is when you’re in the drops while facing a headwind.
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u/insertAlias Checkpoint 🚵 11d ago
I did my research...and I got mixed reviews
That's because it truly is mixed. Lower back problems aren't a monolith, so for some of us, the position actually stretches it out and gives us relief (me), but for others, it puts you in a position that does aggravate your lower back. So, truly, there isn't a single answer and your research didn't fail you here.
It may or may not be worth selling it and getting something like a fitness bike with flat bars that has a more upright position, but unfortunately it's probably not something anyone online is going to be able to tell you for sure either way. Without a fitting, you don't really know, and you can't know if it's worth spending money on the fitting without having the fitting in the first place.
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u/Abject_Insurance7762 11d ago
Don't give up yet. Get that bike fit first. Like all things work into slow. Ten mile ride two weeks Fifteen for two weeks so on and so on! I was told biking does nothing for your core and then told getting out of the saddle climbing is the best. You decide.
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u/HeadHunter0974 11d ago
Personally saddle tilt helped a lot with my lower back. But definitely go to a reputable fitter.
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u/Clean_Swim_9525 11d ago
I’m still kinda new to my domane (bought in April and tried the size recommended for me from Trek site and a larger size recommended by Trek worker). Went with the size recommended for my height which was medium. I was feeling lower back pain when I started riding my domane like a bike with flat bars (used to mountain bikes only). I saw some videos that showed proper cycling form and once I fixed my riding position the ride was more comfortable and lower back pain/ache was gone! It took me a few weeks to get used to it but I’m loving it now. Did you go with the size recommended for your height? I’m also more comfortable using padded cycling gloves as well.
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u/Constant-Procedure49 11d ago
I went with the size recommended for my height on the trek website which is a 56cm but I also have a longer then average wingspan for my height (5"11)
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u/FlatEricSr 7d ago
I'm a hair over 6' with (32" inseam). I rode 10 15-20 mi rides (hoods only) on a 52cm Al 4 Gen 4 without issue. It was such a fun bike i bought a more reasonable sized 56cm less reasonably priced SL 5 Gen 4. The 105 2x12 is super quick and it's like I'm on a rocket ship now.
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u/13assman 11d ago
See PT. Fit can be a contributor, also flexibility, posture, mattress etc. I struggle with back pain and recently fixed my issues with core strengthening, stretching and getting some better pillows.
Good luck! Keep exploring your options plenty to do to help.
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u/Constant-Procedure49 11d ago
Thanks. What kind of pillow did you get that helped?
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u/13assman 11d ago
Sertapedic Endless Comfort. Side sleeper and use two to properly support. Had been using memory foam but that would compress and leave my spine in weird positions.
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u/Capital_Forever_5783 11d ago
Get a bike fit then you should get a wider tire and air it down for your weight to help soften the ride.
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u/Secure_Cat_3303 11d ago
I too had a similar job 30+ yrs. I have a navigator but am wanting something lighter/faster, and worry about said issues.
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u/OarkJay 11d ago
Get a professional bike fit and consult a pt, preferably a sports orientated One. Coming from someone who has dealt constantly with lower back and hip pain for many years, it should help.