I thought I'd offer my thoughts on optimizing seating position after NT Rotor Head's comments. I had initially experienced lower back pain too, but changed the seating adjustment and now I'm really comfortable.

First, I took my wife's advice and adjusted the seat rake to a more upright position. Since I am a person of little gut, this is not uncomfortable. I'm not tall, 1.75m, but even so, I set the seat height to minimum position. Then I set the seat position so I could throw the clutch to the floor without my left hip moving forward at all. I found this varies about one notch according to the thickness of shoe soles I wear. My old work day Air Nikes (for padding round the lab) require a notch further back. Thin sole shoes require a notch forward after the Nikes. I set my self up by wiggling my butt firmly into the back of the seat. I know everything is right because I can feel the seat at every point on my back from my butt to my shoulders, and I have a bit of a sway back. The macro suede fabric in the cloth seats really grips your jeans, and once you're in place you stay there. I feel totally supported, my arms are realaxed hanging from the wheel, and I can drive totally in control. No back ache any more.

One last tip: take your wallet out of your back pocket. It might feel all right, but on a long journey, it can skew your body.

 

The other thing I picked up on after the Murcott Course was to be close enough to the wheel to allow my wrists to lay on the top of the wheel, without having to lean. I have adjusted my seating rake position closer (more vertical), and slide a little closer and have gotten quite used to it. I'm 186cm

The only problem when I hop out of my poverty pack to have a drive of a luxo '8, I can't find the adjuster bar for the fore-aft adjustment

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Thanks guys, thats some great info. I'll give it a go.

 

I've also adjusted my seating position closer since I did the Murcott course. Now my knee almost makes a 90 degree bend and ditto with my elbow when I've got my hands in the 3 o'clock position.

First time you try it your immediate reaction is that it feels too close, but give it a go and after a while you get used to it. In particular I feel like i now have better control over the steering wheel while cornering.

 

Actually I find myself sitting closer to the wheel and more upright than previous cars. Also, I have the seat to its maximum height adjustment (I'm about 1.75m, too). I drive around 1,000 k/wk and overall I have found this position very comfortable and no complaints from my back (but endorse the wallet comment )