My arms are giving up on me

[webmstrk9]

ok, i have started riding about about 2 months ago at about 20mi a day every other day. I have noticed my triceps feel like rubber towards the end of the ride. I'm on a lemond poprad in a 55cm with a 100mm stem. So, I'm thinking, it could be my seat angle being more nose down 'forcing' me to put more pressure/weight on my arms, stem being too long(possibly going to a 90mm).

Just looking for your thoughts and recommendations, thanks in advance.

EDIT: I'll be taking my bike in for a tune up and will go for a fitting, but would like your thoughs

[Fat Louie]

Aside from you getting fitted properly, a few things that may help:

Stretch your triceps before you start.
Remind yourself to relax- your core should support your weight, not your arms.
Vary your hand positions.

Are you uncomfortable when you are riding? Are you riding on really rough roads?

[webmstrk9]

Louie - didnt think about stretching my triceps, but will definately start. As for the 2nd part, I have an itchy feeling(not literally), that my seat angle is 'nose heavy'. And yes, I do vary my hand positions, from the hoods, drops and top.

As for being comfortable, totally and there are no problem with the MUP or neighborhood streets as the streets were repaved last year.

Thanks.

[Mr. Beanz]

Like LOuie says, give up the "death grip". I still find myself usingit on unfamiliar ground, like 45 mph downhills. Then I remind myself to relax, it helps.

Make sure the stem is flipped to the raised side up. My Lemond was purchased wiht the fork tube uncut. Allows for more spacers and a higher stem.

Maybe your saddle is too far in the aft position, slide it forward on the rails some, see if it helps.:D

[c_m_shooter]

You told us that you're riding a 55cm frame, but didn't tellus how tall you are. We can't help without more information, but fit is a very subjective thing anyway.

[late]

Can you have someone take a pic of you sitting on the bike? If we could see how you're sitting it might help.

You may just need stronger arms.

You know the pushups where you push up and clap your hands? get on your hands and knees and try them.

Lastly, you may need to build up your core muscles. When you pedal, your back should be holding you up as much as your arms. If you're really pedaling your legs and butt are using your back as a something to push against and if the back is holding everything where it ought to be your arms don't have a ton of work.
I'd still suggest working the arms, they still act like shock absorbers on bumps.

[webmstrk9]

im 6ft with a 31" inseam. I'll put it this way, after each ride, my core doesnt feel like anything, no strain or such. I'm sure im in a lazy riding position which my arms are compensating more for it.

[Richard_Rides]

HTFU




Just kidding. Your seat may be tilted downward, start with the seat perfectly level, then adjust from there.

[abbynemmy]

im 6ft with a 31" inseam. I'll put it this way, after each ride, my core doesnt feel like anything, no strain or such. I'm sure im in a lazy riding position which my arms are compensating more for it.

I'm about the same size as you and ride a 55cm Poprad. I had pain in my hands and forearms when I first got the bike. Here is how I fixed it. Put the bike in a trainer or have someone hold it up. Put your feet on the pedals, crank arms parallel to the ground, and your hands on the brake hoods. Now take your hands off the hoods. If you have to strain to hold yourself up your seat position is wrong. Adjust the seat forward or back untill you can hold yourself up without straining. Hope this helps.

[txvintage]

Sounds like a "Death Grip" to me.

In off road terms it's called "Arm Pump". It comes from not keeping your arms relaxed and holding on too tightly.

It is also possible that your fit is keeping too much weight on your arms. The result would be the same, just a different cause.

[v1k1ng1001]

Get in the gym or at least do some push ups, especially if you are climbing. Having a toned upper body makes the difference on longer rides with lots of climbing out of the saddle.