Road Cycling - Handlebar Width in Relation to Shoulder Pain

Greetings All,

This weekend I went to wrenchscience.com used their measurement program, which is very cool by the way... Well when I compared the results of the program to my bike the measurements were pretty dead on except my handlebars... The program recommends 38cm and I have 44cm bars. Could this be attributing to the pain I get in my shoulders and neck after about 25 - 30 miles of riding?

Thanks,

Scott

This weekend I went to wrenchscience.com used their measurement program,............The program recommends 38cm and I have 44cm bars. Could this be attributing to the pain I get in my shoulders and neck after about 25 - 30 miles of riding?

I would say no. In fact, I'd say most replies will suggest that, if anything, narrower bars would create more comfort problems -- but if you can be bothered popping some small bars in, it might be worth a shot.

Are you short, with a small build?

It might be, but I have never found handlebar width to be a very critical measure on road bikes. A three cm movement at the end of either arm is a very small movement at the shoulder. Hard to see how that could be significant. I'm 6'1" and on one of my bikes the bars are 38cm.

It's also important to make sure you are measuring the same way Wrench Science does. Handlebars are usually measured center to center at the end of the drops, but some measure inside to inside.

In short, yes.

If you have narrow shoulders and a wide bar it can put stress on the shoulders (front of the shoulder) and upper chest. The neck might be a conditioning issue, but likely from your chest and shoulders being tense from supporting your weight when you ride.

Although, that might not be the only reason for pain.

Note, this is my common sense answer. It may not be acurate, but I've been working on a simular shoulder/neck problem myself.

Hope this helps,

ehenz

Here is the info I posted into wrenchscience.com

Height = 70in
Sternum Notch = 59in
Inseam Length = 33in
Arm Length = 24.75in
Shoulder Width = 15in
Flexibility = 6
Foot Size = 10.5 US Mens

As I said everthing seems to be dead on with the exception of the handlebars... I do tilt the seat down a bit to relieve pressure off my "giggle berries" and I know this pushes me into the bars a bit... I am trying to find the perfect position for my saddle still but my Ritchie seat post is a pain to adjust.

Scott