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I recently switched from a mountain bike to a road bike. I currently ride the road bike, on a trainer. First I had numbness, titled seat, now better. However I still have arm pain. I've adjusted my handlebars.
Any suggestions? Do I raise the seat, the handlebars, what do I do?
What worked for me was going to a wider handlebar. It was amazing the difference it made. The first bar was too narrow and my elbows were in excrutiating pain. Just a few centimeters wider and no pain. All the difference in the world.
not sure what my .02 is worth: just went through almost disabling elbow pain on the out side of the joint. My LBS and I spent quite a bit of time adjusting the handlebars and they even suggested I switch to a straight across bar (I ride a commuter bike) which I probably will do after the first of the year. I was still in intense pain to the point of thinking about seeing a dr for the whole cortisone injection *yuck*. End result - my brake levers were just a tad too far for my reach. I could reach them but was using the tips of my fingers to start the pull which was stressing the tendons in my elbow! I've since moved the brake levers up on the bike and *voila* the elbow pain is gone. Don't know if this will help you or even apply to your situation - but I thought it ironic it was the simplest of things that fixed my problem!
Where, exactly, is your arm pain? How did you adjust your handlebars?Quote:
Originally posted by ACG
However I still have arm pain. I've adjusted my handlebars.
Any suggestions? Do I raise the seat, the handlebars, what do I do?
When I brought the bike home, the handles were tilted so that I had to stretch my whole body forward to reach the gears and brakes. I've now moved them towards me so that I can reach them easier. If this makes any sense.
Perfect sense. So, you've reduced the amount of strain on your arms and upper body - very good. Do you still have arm pain? If so, where is it?
Yes, I still feel arm pain, in the forearm. I tried to raise the stem but have not had any luck. Maybe this will work. I hope.
Are you gripping your handlebars too tightly? That would cause forearm pain. Are you leaning a lot of weight into your arms? You should try to use your back & abdominal muscles to hold your position as much as possible. Also, what is the angle of your wrist? It should be as straight as possible.