New bike

[crows]

I have been riding 5 days a week since the new year, I am new to cycling and looooove it!!! I purchased a brand new bike which has been properly fitted for me. I have had to get used to toe overlap, and although it will take some getting used to I will make it happen! I am starting to feel my left elbow aching just like a 'tennis elbow'. Should I take the bike back for a re-fit? What would need adjusting on the bike?

[deanywalker21]

Congrats on your new bike and loving it. I learned to ride at age 50 and quickly became addicted. How is your elbow doing? My first thought was that you may not be relaxing your muscles/arms when you ride. I sometimes find myself locking my elbows when using my road bike, maybe you are doing the same thing. I use a product called Bio Freeze when my joints act up and carry it with me on long rides. My second thought was that you are riding too much too soon and your body has not adapted to the new exercise. Just my thoughts.....

Happy riding :)

[missjean]

Congratulations on the new bike and on riding 5 days a week!

I take it your elbow didn't hurt with your old bike? Maybe what deanywalker said and you have not adapted yet. Or, a quick Google search says it is usually fit, so go back to the bike shop and ask them about tweaking the fit to help with that.

[Sky King]

Where is the post about the mantra about putting your shoulders/elbow into your back pocket when we need it. If you think about that it will help you to keep your shoulders relaxed and not up by your ears also to keep your elbows bent. If you can have someone ride behind you most of your next ride perhaps they can also see if you are cocking your left arm as a funny angle.

[crows]

Thankyou so much ladies for your advice! I took my bike back to the shop I bought it from and the 'guru' fitter picked up that my left hip is lazier than my right (which I can feel when I ride but didn't realise was a problem). The fitter said this would cause my left elbow to compensate. He has heightened my seat a little and advised me to see a physio for some hip exercises. I happen to work with sports med physios who also ride, they have given me a program of exercises. They also feel I am probably doing to much riding as a newbie. I don't care.....I LOVE IT!!