Training & Nutrition - Neck pain

Not sure if this is in the right forum, sorry.

I have been riding my fixie for about a week now. My typical ride is anywhere from 10-15 miles.

While riding, I notice I have some stiffness and pain in the back of my neck.

What could this be from and how can I fix it?

Approximate total road miles in the past 2 months on each bike you own? Approximate total road miles last year?

Approximate total road miles in the past 2 months on each bike you own? Approximate total road miles last year?

I'm not sure.

Last 2 months, maybe 100.

Last year, don't know.

Just an idea, maybe you could benefit from a more up right riding posture, by raising your handle bars? Are the bars much lower than your seat?

Can I raise my bars on my fixie?

My bars aren't much lower than seat.

I posted pics, take a look.

Take the bike to a shop and ask them to raise the bars an inch.

What could this be from and how can I fix it?

Beyond the aforementioned "bike fit" there is really only one thing to do.....ride more. If your neck pain came as a result of an injury there would be another solution.

Keep riding.

If your helmet has a visor, remove it.

You want to be able to look up the road without cranking your neck any farther than you have to. So if your glasses upper rim blocks your vision get new glasses. Cycling glasses sit a little higher on the face for this reason.

Roll your hips forward when riding.

Sit up straight when you're sitting in a chair or standing around. You're riding about an hour a day. What is going on the other 23? Push your chest out, your shoulders, abdomen, and head back. MOST cases of neck pain are resolved by proper posture.

Just ride more. This is a very common complaint from beginning riders. If you had ridden over 2000 miles this year so far, it could be a fit issue. But it's probably not. Relax your shoulders, let them drop. Bend your elbows - very important to absorb road shock. Yes, roll your hips forward, try to straighten your back. Get the tips of your sitbones touching the saddle. Pretend that there is a helium balloon tied to the back of your helmet. Let your head float up and your neck straighten. Rotate your legs smoothly. With your hands on the hoods and with your forearms horizontal, your elbows should clear your knees by about 2". With your hands on the bar tops, they should overlap.

Your neck will strengthen and the pain will go away. You may be able to improve your neck flexibility by (off the bike) letting your head loll, and then slowly rotate your neck around so that it lolls in 360°. Go around several times. Do once/day.

Thanks carbonfiberboy, good info!