Mountain Biking - What helps neck pain?

I have my seat higher than my handlebars and I have to keep my neck craned upwards to see the trail.

Riserbars or a higher degree stem? Whats better? The only thing I don't like about riserbars is the sweep?(I think thats the name) I have straight bars now with a tiny bend, and when I hold on to riserbars it feels like a granny bike becuase the bars sweep towards me too much. If thats the case what am I looking for?

I do almost all XC riding. Thats the thing, I dont want downhill bars. The bars I have now look like the ones in this link. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16522&subcategory_ID=5250

these are bars maybe I should get? http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17672&subcategory_ID=5250

oddly enough the top link says they are made for XC which is all that Im doing! So maybe I should get a new stem?

I have my seat higher than my handlebars and I have to keep my neck craned upwards to see the trail.

Riserbars or a higher degree stem? Whats better? The only thing I don't like about riserbars is the sweep?(I think thats the name) I have straight bars now with a tiny bend, and when I hold on to riserbars it feels like a granny bike becuase the bars sweep towards me too much. If thats the case what am I looking for?

How long have you had the pain? Is it because you've only recently started riding a fair amount or have you always had this pain?

Generally, the neck pain you describe just goes away but the riserbars are an option. Alternatively if you happen to have a long stem you're stretching out more over the top-tube and are forced to lift your head a little higher. If you you get a shorter stem you won't be as stretched out.

That assumes that you have a long stem. I think most bikes come with 90mm stems so if you have one of those then go the riser route.

Actually, why don't you look into getting bar ends? You typically have to look higher up when you're climbing. With bar ends you'll be able to get a higher, more comfortable position when you climb.

How long have you had the pain? Is it because you've only recently started riding a fair amount or have you always had this pain?

Generally, the neck pain you describe just goes away but the riserbars are an option. Alternatively if you happen to have a long stem you're stretching out more over the top-tube and are forced to lift your head a little higher. If you you get a shorter stem you won't be as stretched out.

That assumes that you have a long stem. I think most bikes come with 90mm stems so if you have one of those then go the riser route.

Actually, why don't you look into getting bar ends? You typically have to look higher up when you're climbing. With bar ends you'll be able to get a higher, more comfortable position when you climb.

Ive been riding for 2 months steadily 30 then 47 miles on trails, but I have been riding my whole life. I think you are saying that my neck will strengthen up a bit over time.
I have bar ends. They saved my hands from punishment actually but not my neck. Maybe its the stem. Id bet its more than 90mm. From center of stem on bar to center of bolt on stem its like over 100mm but not quite 110mm and not 105mm either.

A short 90mm stem with a 15 degree rise might be nice?

i blah blah your bike doesnt fit, and that its too small, so the bars are too low. 15 degree stems knacker steering up hills, and make handling just crappy in general. if you think you need to stick with yer current frame size, i would check out on-one's mary bar, which sweeps way back but not up, putting you in a more ergnomic riding position...

i blah blah your bike doesnt fit, and that its too small, so the bars are too low. 15 degree stems knacker steering up hills, and make handling just crappy in general. if you think you need to stick with yer current frame size, i would check out on-one's mary bar, which sweeps way back but not up, putting you in a more ergnomic riding position...


I have a 19.5 and Im 5'10. So is it really too small? I have a long horizontal top tube. I think the bike is too big thats why I want to shorten the stem! Yet my seat is high.

i would check out on-one's mary bar, which sweeps way back but not up, putting you in a more ergnomic riding position...

If he doesn't like the sweep of a riser bar, why recommend a bar with an exaggerated sweep design?

To the OP, you can find different sweep angles on different riser bars. I actually prefer more sweep as it puts my hands in a more natural position (better ergonomics).

I have a 19.5 and Im 5'10. So is it really too small? I have a long horizontal top tube. I think the bike is too big thats why I want to shorten the stem! Yet my seat is high.

Have you been fitted for the bike or were just convinced by a sales clerk that it was perfect for you. Not knowing your inseam length it's tough to judge whether or not the 19.5 is the right size for you. I think it may be too big. I'm 5'9 and use a 17".

Take the time to go to one of the online bike fitting services out there like http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/default.asp and see what numbers you get. This might be able to help you.

Have you been fitted for the bike or were just convinced by a sales clerk that it was perfect for you. Not knowing your inseam length it's tough to judge whether or not the 19.5 is the right size for you. I think it may be too big. I'm 5'9 and use a 17".

Take the time to go to one of the online bike fitting services out there like http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/default.asp and see what numbers you get. This might be able to help you.

No I wasnt fitted. After riding 5 bikes in the area bike stores, I sat on this bike and it was love at first sit. It still feels fantastic when I get on it after 10 YEARS of owning this bike, its 4 hours later that I feel it. Also my seat post is up really high 7" up from seat clamp to top of seat post. If I was on a 17" the seatpost would be a foot outta the frame. I don't know if thats good or bad.

Check these out: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14730&subcategory_ID=5250

I clicked your link and the bar you linked to has a 5 degree sweep to it. (check the Specs tab), most of the riser bars have either 8 or 9 degree sweeps. The bar I linked to only has a 3 degree sweep.

Check these out: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14730&subcategory_ID=5250

I clicked your link and the bar you linked to has a 5 degree sweep to it. (check the Specs tab), most of the riser bars have either 8 or 9 degree sweeps. The bar I linked to only has a 3 degree sweep.

OOOOO its only $34 too :) I just may get that!
Thanks

If he doesn't like the sweep of a riser bar, why recommend a bar with an exaggerated sweep design?

To the OP, you can find different sweep angles on different riser bars. I actually prefer more sweep as it puts my hands in a more natural position (better ergonomics).

because he doesnt like up sweep, and the mary doesnt have any. and didnt i bring up the topic of ergonomics in relation to the mary bar?

also, bikes can be two small in various areas. ie on-ones have a monster long top tube, but low stand-over and short headtubes, making the fit funky. konas on the other hand, and specialized to an extent, have longer headtubes, raising the handlebars. you need more sweep, higher bars. less sweep will not only knacker your neck, but also the bikes steering will become twitchier, and your ulnar nerve will come under pressure, causing your fingers to go numb.

I would say play with the rise and length of the stem first. If that fixes the problem, fine, if it only partially fixes the problem, then look at new (riser) bars as well. These are all steps I went through in the process of fitting my bike, and ended up with both. It doesn't really matter what others may say about looks, what matters is riding a bike that feels great. Period.