Just switched to Road from MTB and have a few new aches and pains! Can you help?
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Just switched to Road from MTB and have a few new aches and pains! Can you help?
Hi all
I have just switched from MTB to a Road for the first time (aged 34). I clock about 90 - 200km a week both on the work commute and some social riding. I am trying to get Tri fit to ready for some summer races and in doing so I have got a few new pains on the bike I cannot explain. Any help / tips appreciated!
1) My left foot seems permanently numb. I use Shimano clip ons, and have been doing so for a year on the MTB. I think it is caused by the lack of suspension on the bike (which I don't mind) transmitting all the vibrations but I cannot explain why only on one side? Ideas?
2) I am getting a little tender behind the knees on the tendons. Again more left than right but still on both sides. Is this because I have got my seat to low? Just thought.
3) I am trying to get into the full tuck position while still peddling. I enjoy the feeling of speed but my legs seem to loose power and this tires me out more quickly. I guess it is because my muscles need to stretch more and get used to the position. Any suggestions on how to improve this? Stretches maybe?
Thanks for any and all input
I have just switched from MTB to a Road for the first time (aged 34). I clock about 90 - 200km a week both on the work commute and some social riding. I am trying to get Tri fit to ready for some summer races and in doing so I have got a few new pains on the bike I cannot explain. Any help / tips appreciated!
1) My left foot seems permanently numb. I use Shimano clip ons, and have been doing so for a year on the MTB. I think it is caused by the lack of suspension on the bike (which I don't mind) transmitting all the vibrations but I cannot explain why only on one side? Ideas?
2) I am getting a little tender behind the knees on the tendons. Again more left than right but still on both sides. Is this because I have got my seat to low? Just thought.
3) I am trying to get into the full tuck position while still peddling. I enjoy the feeling of speed but my legs seem to loose power and this tires me out more quickly. I guess it is because my muscles need to stretch more and get used to the position. Any suggestions on how to improve this? Stretches maybe?
Thanks for any and all input
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Getting a physical is a great idea.
Numbness is generally a reduction in blood flow due to compression so I'd check the fit of the shoe, how it is laced, etc. Start with it loose and tighten it in increments until correct fit.
Behind the knee tenderness could be the result of poor fit/adjustment of body to bike. Should have that checked at a qualified shop...road bike fit is/can be different from mtb fit.
Doubt you're ever going to be able to pedal while in a full tuck. An efficient pedaling position that allows for a proper extension of the muscles, blood flow, etc. is what you want to achieve. Save the full tuck for the downhills.
Numbness is generally a reduction in blood flow due to compression so I'd check the fit of the shoe, how it is laced, etc. Start with it loose and tighten it in increments until correct fit.
Behind the knee tenderness could be the result of poor fit/adjustment of body to bike. Should have that checked at a qualified shop...road bike fit is/can be different from mtb fit.
Doubt you're ever going to be able to pedal while in a full tuck. An efficient pedaling position that allows for a proper extension of the muscles, blood flow, etc. is what you want to achieve. Save the full tuck for the downhills.
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The numb foot could also be because you are not keeping your foot flat and you are pointing your toes down while or during part of your pedaling.
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Hi all
I have just switched from MTB to a Road for the first time (aged 34). I clock about 90 - 200km a week both on the work commute and some social riding. I am trying to get Tri fit to ready for some summer races and in doing so I have got a few new pains on the bike I cannot explain. Any help / tips appreciated!
1) My left foot seems permanently numb. I use Shimano clip ons, and have been doing so for a year on the MTB. I think it is caused by the lack of suspension on the bike (which I don't mind) transmitting all the vibrations but I cannot explain why only on one side? Ideas?
2) I am getting a little tender behind the knees on the tendons. Again more left than right but still on both sides. Is this because I have got my seat to low? Just thought.
3) I am trying to get into the full tuck position while still peddling. I enjoy the feeling of speed but my legs seem to loose power and this tires me out more quickly. I guess it is because my muscles need to stretch more and get used to the position. Any suggestions on how to improve this? Stretches maybe?
Thanks for any and all input
I have just switched from MTB to a Road for the first time (aged 34). I clock about 90 - 200km a week both on the work commute and some social riding. I am trying to get Tri fit to ready for some summer races and in doing so I have got a few new pains on the bike I cannot explain. Any help / tips appreciated!
1) My left foot seems permanently numb. I use Shimano clip ons, and have been doing so for a year on the MTB. I think it is caused by the lack of suspension on the bike (which I don't mind) transmitting all the vibrations but I cannot explain why only on one side? Ideas?
2) I am getting a little tender behind the knees on the tendons. Again more left than right but still on both sides. Is this because I have got my seat to low? Just thought.
3) I am trying to get into the full tuck position while still peddling. I enjoy the feeling of speed but my legs seem to loose power and this tires me out more quickly. I guess it is because my muscles need to stretch more and get used to the position. Any suggestions on how to improve this? Stretches maybe?
Thanks for any and all input
2. This could be a fit issue. If you ride a lot of any sort of bike it shouldn't be that bad to change to a road bike. Either get a fit from a reputable source, or if you have access to a trainer put your bike in it, get pictures of yourself in various positions, and someone here might be able to get you the right direction assuming you're way out of whack.
3. Once you get your fit figured out you can work on that.
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Get the fit first then, if necessary, get the numbness sorted with a Dr.. I was numb in my left leg on my last ride and realized that when I adjusted the seat I had not perfectly aligned it with the bike when I tightened it down. That little bit of crookedness in the seat put just enough pressure on my nerve that I experienced numbness.
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Guys thanks for all the advice. I think I will get my bike fitted properly first and then take the rest from their. My shoes have been in use for the last year with no problems so I think it is all about positioning. Will let you know how I get on.
#10
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Tenderness and pain behind the knee or in the calf mucle and the achilles tendon are textbook symptoms of the saddle being too high. Pain at the front of the knee and under the kneecap points to the saddle being too low.
You can play with your saddle height even before getting a full professional fit. Start with a height which allows you to reach the pedals with your heels at the bottom of the stroke without rocking your hips, and work from there. Make small adjustments and take enough time to get used to the new position before making any new ones.
You can play with your saddle height even before getting a full professional fit. Start with a height which allows you to reach the pedals with your heels at the bottom of the stroke without rocking your hips, and work from there. Make small adjustments and take enough time to get used to the new position before making any new ones.
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