rapidreview

I got a cannondale hybrid a year ago as a commuter around town. Since then, I've fallen in love with riding and decided to get a road bike. After browsing many forums and asking around, I ended up buying a new CAAD 9-5. I took it for my first ride today and I freakin' loved it.

My question is, after about an hour, my neck started to hurt and if I straighten my head so it didn't hurt, I couldn't see but 3 or 4 feet in front of me. Is this a fitting issue or something that I will just get used to? Sorry for such a Fred question, but we all start somewhere, right? I plan on getting fitted at my lbs, but I wanted to get some miles in and get some experience riding before I head down. Plus, I dropped a good bit a change on a new bike, pedals, shoes, etc etc, so I would like to wait a month or two before I splurge on any more bike costs.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks all!

Issaquatch

Ride more. You'll probably get used to the new position and the pain will go away. If it doesn't, get a fitting.

astardotcom

you will get used to it. usually reach contributes to neck pain and if you are just starting out on a road bike you might not be that flexible yet.
for now just make sure you can reach the hoods comfortably with some bend in your elbows.

ptle

The first time I rode my bike my shoulders/neck were sore. You develop some muscles that will help... Your stem could be too long though, but maybe not. Having good core muscles and flexibility helps.