A recent study found that people who run and cycle have less low back pain. If you are new to cycling, here are some tips to help keep you injury free:
Choose the right size bike. Straddling a proper-sized bike will leave about 1" clearance between your groin and the top of the frame.
Adjust the saddle so in the bottom pedal position there is approximately a 10 degree bend in your knee.
Your stem height should be somewhere between parallel and 1" lower than the top of your saddle.
Padded bicycle shorts can help with comfort on long rides.
Wearing cycling gloves helps to relieve hand pressure.
Choose sunglasses with UV protection.
ALWAYS wear a helmet.
Source: Kaartinen S, Aaltonen S, Korhonen T, Rottensteiner M, Kujala UM, Kaprio J. Cross-sectional associations between the diversity of sport activities and the type of low back pain in adulthood. European Journal of Sport Science. 2019 Dec 19(just-accepted):1-9.