u/pstut

I've been riding this used bike for a while pretty much just as I bought it aside from changing the saddle. Generally in the 30 to 40 miles range and it feels okay and I can stay pretty tucked on the hoods for a while, but after long rides my lower back does start getting sore (have a history of some mild back issues). But, after some long rides, particularly group rides where my hands are on the brakes most of the time, I get some wicked stiffness in my traps/neck. I'm not sure if a shorter stem is the answer (I'm at 95mm now)

Bike is a 48cm Kestrel Talon, I'm 165cm tall with a 76cm inseam.

I finally bit the bullet and bought new gloves to replace some six year old generic trek gloves that I had which were starting to wear away under my hands, though still generally holding together. Went for Giro since I wanted something a little thinner on the palm and now less than two weeks and 150 miles later (!) the finger stitching is starting to come apart. Any recommendations for lightweight gloves with just a bit of padding on the palms? And has anybody gotten warrenty claims out of Giro or should I send them back to Amazon?