Helmet fit, bike fit, or just the way things go?

[spotlightmama]

So I took my new love (my Terry) out for a 20-mile ride today and while it was a great ride (sooo much better than my other bike), I had one relatively annoying discomfort the entire time. I felt like I was straining my neck the entire ride to see what was in front of me. I wanted to keep my head a little down for comfort, but I felt like I couldn't see in front of me. As a result, I kept my head sort of strained up. Even though I was riding a pretty empty bike path, I just can't get comfortable not seeing what's coming up.

I do have a visor attached to the front of the helmet - I didn't try taking it off, because I had no where to store it. So is this normal? Is my form possibly off?

Thanks ladies!

[VeloVT]

First of all, congratulations on your new bike!!!

I would probably try taking off your visor... But that said, my first thought was the following --
how relaxed are your shoulders/upper back/arms? Tightness has a way of telegraphing up from where it starts to other places sometimes...

If you haven't been fitted (were you the person who found a bike on e-bay or craigslist?) and you plan on riding a lot, it's definitely worth putting some money into a fitting -- they may see what's going on right away.

So, I don't know exactly what the problem is, but you definitely should expect to be able to look well ahead and shouldn't settle for anything else. And neck soreness is not a normal part of cycling, so you shouldn't settle for that either :cool:.

Good luck!!!

[spotlightmama]

Okay, thanks - that's what I thought! I was trying to focus on keeping my shoulders relaxed and trying not to lock my elbows, but no matter what I did, my neck felt strained. In order to look up ahead, I needed to strain my neck up. I figured this was not normal, but wasn't sure where to even begin, lol.

I did get my bike off craigslist and I definitely want to invest in a fitting. I'm still trying to decide on whether or not I'm keeping my saddle, so I was sort of putting it off.

[Zen]

I don't think it has anything to do with the visor,they aren't that big. I think it's more likely adjusting to the new bike.

So there you go. Two polar opinions, take your pick!

[VeloVT]

Nah, we're not polar on this. I just thought removing the visor couldn't hurt. I doubt it's the source of the problem.

I'm a fan of the shotgun approach I guess :o.