[desert dog]

This is my 1st time on this forum so i hope this works...I just got my hands on a 03 Ttek Fule 100. The bike is set up for racing but I take it on some rough trails, Usery Pass, Mcdowell Mountain Park. I have have had the bike only 1 week but managed to take it out 4 times last week. i have only been Mountain Biking for about two months and usually go about twice a week. My question is about the bars. They are set up for racing and make you lean farther forward than I am used to. I have had some major back pains since I got the bike. I was wondering if anybody knows whether the bars that came with the bike could be causing my back pains or am I just being a wimp becuase I went out more than I am used to? I will paste the link to the bike's specs below.
Thank You

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2003&Brand=Trek&Model=Fuel+100&Type=bike

 

[jetpropel]

Possibly. If that is the case, swapping out the flat bars for some risers can put your body in a more upright position. What size is the frame, how tall are you?

 

[desert dog]

I was using rsiers on my other bike and did not have the same issue. I am 5'9" and my bike has a 19.5" frame

 

[Zipp0]

I was using rsiers on my other bike and did not have the same issue. I am 5'9" and my bike has a 19.5" frame

I am 5'11" and ride/race a 17.5" Fuel 98. It could be that the top tube is too long for your torso, so you are bent over further than you would be on a smaller frame. Maybe try a shorter stem and risers.

Also, you could need some time to adjust. My back got sore when I started racing, but now it is fine. I just needed my back to get stronger. Go to your LBS and see if they can help.

 

[mtnbiker72]

19.5" frame seems a bit large for someone 5'9"

I would agree that your probably too stretched out, as suggested you could go with a short stem and riser bar.

 

[desert dog]

Thank you for the advice! I'm new to having a front shock, when I take the old stem off that will release the preload on the front suspension right? Will I need a torque wrench to install the new stem?