  We investigate a simple model of a frustrated classical spin chain coupled to
adiabatic phonons under an external magnetic field. A thorough study of the
magnetization properties is carried out both numerically and analytically. We
show that already a moderate coupling with the lattice can stabilize a plateau
at 1/3 of the saturation and discuss the deformation of the underlying lattice
in this phase. We also study the transition to saturation where either a first
or second order transition can occur, depending on the couplings strength.
