grebletie

So, for a while now, I've been riding in a somewhat incorrect position. I finally got fitted, such that my reach to the bars is now correct, and I now put out substantially more power at similar levels of exertion. The only catch is that it seems to have precipitated some lower-back / glut pain.

Now the pain isn't there when I ride, and after I ride the pain is more general, and not acute. For the time being, since my reach to the bars is more comfortable, and my power output is great, I'm wont to futz around with anything.

Not having seen me, and not being medically qualified, do you think that it is likely my body just adjusting to a new position, which may be using my back / gluts more than my previous position? Or is it something I should be concerned about?

slowandsteady

Yes you are adjusting and no I wouldn't be concerned. Just sounds like DOMS.

dragonflybikes

You are just adjusting and need to monitor it. If it gets worse then maybe you should be concerned. More than likely some of the muscles weren't used in your position before and you just need to build up those muscles and when they are stronger you will stop being sore.

grebletie

Thanks for the input. After today's three hour roller ride, I could feel the back fatigue setting in. So that seems to support the notion that I'm just getting used to it. I was tempted near the end of the ride to adjust my setback or something, as I usually don't get back fatigue on indoor tempo rides - usually only hills.

But, I'll stick with it a while and let the muscles catch up to where they need to be.

ericgu

How is your flexibility? Not having enough flexibility or enough core strength are both causes of back pain.

grebletie

I do around 100-150 sit ups daily, to keep my core strength in check. I don't do enough back exercises, and I'll try to get myself to the gym once or twice a week to do some back specific stuff.

I played around a little with saddle setback, and found moving it forward a bit more comfortable. The downside was a noticeable drop in power. For the time being, I'll work on core strength and flexability, so that I can hopefully keep the new position.