Originally Posted by halfspeed

A little research shows that Shermer's is a rare condition that is mostly confined to people with a previous history of neck trauma ("whiplash") and that it is both treatable and preventable with appropriate massage. In other words, it is a non-issue for the vast majority of road cyclists (and even ultra-distance cyclists) and for the minority who might have trouble with it, it is completely managable without resorting to recumbency.

As for your hypothetical rider who might be emboldened to attempt to ride 14 hours, I would in no way discourage him as long as he has the medical clearance he should get for any extreme endurance event, has trained properly, and has educated himself on the risks.

I realize it is an article of faith in the Church of Recumbency that all upright bike riders are in chronic pain and recumbents are the only answer but it just isn't so. Many recumbent riders have their own discomfort to deal with and most riders of upright road bikes manage to dial in their rides so they can accomplish their goals without any discomfort beyond the pain of pushing their muscles to their limits.