Craning of neck
06-30-17 | 04:42 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 162
Likes: 28
From: Essex County, NJ
Craning of neck
I recently flipped my 7-degree stem (from upward tilt) and dropped the handlebars down by a single spacer. [If it matters the headtube angle on frame is 71.5 degrees]
It seems as if my average speed relative to wattage has increased. But my neck and upper back are sore and stiff.
What should I try first?
a) flipping the stem back to +7 degrees
or
b) raising my bars by one spacer?
I just want your vote as to what to do first.
It seems as if my average speed relative to wattage has increased. But my neck and upper back are sore and stiff.
What should I try first?
a) flipping the stem back to +7 degrees
or
b) raising my bars by one spacer?
I just want your vote as to what to do first.
06-30-17 | 05:23 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Can't say without knowing where you were and now are in terms of relative seat and H/B height.
However, given how far you dropped it, moving back up by the spacer (what thickness spacer?) will make much difference.
So, might as well wait and see if your neck gets used to it.
However, given how far you dropped it, moving back up by the spacer (what thickness spacer?) will make much difference.
So, might as well wait and see if your neck gets used to it.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-30-17 | 06:15 AM
#5
in bagnomaria
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 258
Likes: 27
From: Dunwoody, GA
Bikes: N+3 dependents
Seems like you've already made up your mind between two options that are essentially the same result.
So I'll just add that contemporary wisdom is to never do anything that seems challenging, difficult or risky. If it's not immediately easy, it's just not worth pushing yourself to pursue.
Now, you may never get better at anything, but at least you'll be comfortable and safe.
So I'll just add that contemporary wisdom is to never do anything that seems challenging, difficult or risky. If it's not immediately easy, it's just not worth pushing yourself to pursue.
Now, you may never get better at anything, but at least you'll be comfortable and safe.
06-30-17 | 07:20 AM
#7
Should Be More Popular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,178
Likes: 11,746
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Flip it back up and bend your elbows more when you want to be a bit more aero is also an option.
Alternatively, focus on rotating your pelvis forward so your back is straighter with current setup.
There are many options, you should do what fits you best.
Alternatively, focus on rotating your pelvis forward so your back is straighter with current setup.
There are many options, you should do what fits you best.
06-30-17 | 12:12 PM
#8
∏
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Willamette Valley
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, 2011 and 2017
I recently flipped my 7-degree stem (from upward tilt) and dropped the handlebars down by a single spacer. [If it matters the headtube angle on frame is 71.5 degrees]
It seems as if my average speed relative to wattage has increased. But my neck and upper back are sore and stiff.
What should I try first?
a) flipping the stem back to +7 degrees
or
b) raising my bars by one spacer?
I just want your vote as to what to do first.
It seems as if my average speed relative to wattage has increased. But my neck and upper back are sore and stiff.
What should I try first?
a) flipping the stem back to +7 degrees
or
b) raising my bars by one spacer?
I just want your vote as to what to do first.
I went from 30mm of spacers and 7° upward stem angle to 0mm spacers and -7° stem angle, and I did it for the best reason possible: BECAUSE IT LOOKS COOL! And because I WANTED TO!
I'm naturally flexible and I work to keep myself limber, but I was pretty impressed at the stress it put on my neck and back. Took 3-5 rides and some rest days to sort it out, but I'm sure I'm stronger now. And I look much more ... something.
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