ovoleg

Hey guys quick question. I am getting some neck pain looking up everytime when I ride. I can usually keep my head down if I know there arent parked cars or other people infront of me. I do ride on the street and I constantly have to keep my head slanted up so I can see the parked cars( so i dont hit them). Is this normal to get some neck pain? Is raising the bar going to help any or is this normal for nooobs?

Thanks guys!!!

timhines

I have no useful information for you. I can echo your comments though. However I get pain if I spend an extended amount of time down in the aero tuck position. I can get low, but my neck tires out really quick from bending it up so much. I'm guessing the muscles used to hold the head in that position aren't used much. Just a guess. Although a chiropracter would suck my wallet dry with this "problem"

ovoleg

I think its because im noob about it. If im in the aero position its fine but since I cant see ahead it gets a bit dangerous for me. I just would like to know if there is anything I can do to adjust this like the handlebars or maybe something else...

I sux so far too. After 15mile rides im tired I have to keep practicing and putting on more miles so I can sustain higher speeds. I tried to keep up with this guy that was averaging 18-18.5mph and I could barely keep up with him. A hill came and I started hitting 15's

I sux

ovoleg

anyone have any other input? Thanks!

120372

You might be stretched out a little too far. Raising the bars might help, but you may need a shorter stem so you're not reaching quite so far. Does the bike fit otherwise?
There are specific exercises you can do to strenthen the trapezius(sp) and neck muscles.
Do a google search on "shrugs proper form weights" and you'll get a wealth of information on that one. Also "increase neck strength" should point you towards some great bodyweight exercises neck raises, arches, etc. Look up neck and shoulder stretches.
If you currently have a strain or cramp, don't do any of the weight bearing exercises until that heals. I've torn muscles in my neck, and it's extremely painful when it happens and can cause a lifetime of discomfort. be careful.

To alleviate pain, buy a Tempur (brand name) foam pillow and sleep on it. I have chronic neck pain because of previous injuries, and the pillow works wonders. It's well worth the seemingly rediculous price.

ovoleg

Well I guess the bike fits fine. I never really had any problems with anything else other than some neck pain(when I look up constantly from being on the bike) or some stress on the inside of thumb and palm(thats because I dont go into aero position often and just ride this way) I put alot of stress on that area because sometimes I just start sprinting to practice.

I think the bike fits me just fine, I have the regular bend in the knee when im on the bike and I dont see to have any back pain or anything of that sort. No pain in the saddle either. What other things should I look for in bike fit?

Thanks!!!!!

Is this normal for new road bike riders? I hope im not the only one

120372

I didn't realize you were new.
Some muscle soreness is to be expected when starting out. If it doesn't go away within a couple of weeks or becomes worse, I'd say you're too stretched out over the bike and you should try a shorter stem. The stress on your thumb and palm also point towards your weight being too far forward which relates to stem position.
Working on your neck/shoulder strength will help tremendously if it's just simple fatigue.

good luck,
-jim

ovoleg

I think it might go away(I hope). After 15 miles I just get tired legs and such but being in Aero position and looking up is really straineous on my neck. I cant do it for too long looking up hehe...

I am going to keep riding and see if it affects me further. I am going to do some massive hills today so I will see how it works out. At least 11% uphill for about 4 miles lol(guesstimates)

I cant wait ! I need my jersey and gloves for this type of ride lol

ty77064

I just use my partner and let him lead. then I just keep an eye on his back wheel.

ovoleg

ahh makes sense. You do get some uncomfort when you try to look up from aero right?

Solo aero is way too dangerous. I guess im not used to it but I have to keep looking up just incase someone does something crazy infront of me.

Thanks !