Fifty Plus (50+) - My weak link on my rides of (25 to 40+ miles)

My weak link on my rides of (25 to 40+ miles) is a little muscle between my elbow and shoulder, kind of on the outside of the arm. I change my grip as I ride, but I think I would have a hard time finishing a 50 + ride. I have not been riding long, I just have one ride over 40 mile. Will this muscle get stronger or is their a chance I have my handle bars setup wrong? I have just been riding a new to me 2007 Trek 2100; 58cm for about two weeks, before I had an old mt. bike longest ride on it was 26 mile no problem. I’m 6’ 198 bought the trek from a rider that was 6’2” I’ve lowered the seat but left the handle bars the same.

Let's not get personal.

You might be referring to your triceps. That muscle strengthens fairly quickly and is easy to work. If it were the muscles of your forearm then fit and technique would be a bigger issue I think.

Let's not get personal.

You might be referring to your triceps. That muscle strengthens fairly quickly and is easy to work. If it were the muscles of your forearm then fit and technique would be a bigger issue I think.

Thanks

Hard to comment on how your bike fit and bar height affects things without seeing picture of you on the bike. 58cm should be the right size if you have normal proportions of leg/torso. I am 6' with a 34" cycling inseam (32" pants inseam) and 58cm is my road bike size.

I had the same problems and besides my arms getting use to it, I did a little change. I flipped the stem to push the bar away from me more and it made it much easier, on me and to ride, good luck.

Just keep riding and your triceps will get strong enough in due time. They will even begin to bulge after awhile. One thing to concentrate on when the triceps get tired is to hold your ab muscles tighter and make sure you are seated properly. Bad form will place more weight on your hands, the weakest muscles will give out first.

There are some good online and books that will help with getting the proper fit which is key to cycling comfort.

If you haven't been riding long and this is the only pain you get after 40 miles- Tell us your secret. My first 40 miler and My body felt as if it had been massaged by a truck.