Trying to get use to my road bike

[surgtech1956]

I am trying to get use to my road bike. Last year I rode my hybrid. Across my shoulders/upper back hurts. I have a WSD and I don't feel like the reach is too far. I'm probably tense riding it, since I'm not use to being back on a road bike. I know there was someone else on this board that was trying to get use to a road bike - couldn't find the thread though.

I need to get so bike shorts. I don't know whats worse - being 30 lbs over weight in bike shorts or having regular shorts riding up.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am trying to get use to my road bike. Last year I rode my hybrid. Across my shoulders/upper back hurts. I have a WSD and I don't feel like the reach is too far. I'm probably tense riding it, since I'm not use to being back on a road bike. I know there was someone else on this board that was trying to get use to a road bike - couldn't find the thread though.

It sounds normal to me to have some aches and pains when adapting to a new bike- especially if you are drastically changing your body position, as in going from a hybrid to a road bike. I even got temporary upper back/shoulder pain when I started roller skating even though I was in pretty good shape. It's all about using the muscles in new ways for different body postures and movements. Try to relax your shoulders and keep them DOWN. Envision yourself floating on your bike, and try to put more weight on your feet and less on your butt and hands. I bet your pain will go away.

I need to get so bike shorts. I don't know whats worse - being 30 lbs over weight in bike shorts or having regular shorts riding up.

Having regular shorts riding up is worse. Way worse.

[cyclinnewbie]

I need to get so bike shorts. I don't know whats worse - being 30 lbs over weight in bike shorts or having regular shorts riding up.

I have decided that regular shorts are marginally worse than being 30 lbs overweight in bike shorts. MARGINALLY!!

I've been trying to get used to my road bike too. It's coming along. I certainly have not taken to it like I thought I would, but I still love it....it's so fun! So, if you're driving down the road and see a short fluffy chick in bike shorts cussing her gears and grinning like a toddler, it's probably me!

[NoNo]

I picked up my first road bike in September and still have shoulder and neck pain after anything longer than an hour. Last week my friend told me about keeping my elbows in. I have a tendency to kind of wing them out. On the 50 miler Sunday I made a concerted effort to keep my elbows in and I noticed a big difference. Sure I was sore, but it was definitely better than past rides. Perhaps you're unknowingly doing the same thing?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I picked up my first road bike in September and still have shoulder and neck pain after anything longer than an hour. Last week my friend told me about keeping my elbows in. I have a tendency to kind of wing them out. On the 50 miler Sunday I made a concerted effort to keep my elbows in and I noticed a big difference. Sure I was sore, but it was definitely better than past rides. Perhaps you're unknowingly doing the same thing?

Oh that reminds me....yes in addition to keeping your shoulders and elbows down and relaxed....do not lock your elbows straight! Locking your elbows lets you put your entire torso weight onto your hands and puts way more additional strain on your shoulders- not good, ever!
Again, try to put more of your weight on your feet and less on your hands and butt. Remember you are riding your bike- not just sitting on it like a passive lump on a reclining chair.

[KathiCville]

Ditto everything said above about keeping elbows loose, down and in! You'll find it makes a big difference! And let yourself sit upright every so often as you're moving along, to give yourself a chance to stretch your neck and shoulders a bit.

On the shorts front, if at the moment you don't feel comfortable with regular bike shorts, how 'bout trying something like the Shebeest Shindiggers? (Or another just-below-the-knee capri.) I much prefer the Shindiggers to standard shorts because they're not as tight AND don't have the grippy elastic stuff that makes you feel like you're wearing sausage casing. They come down just a bit over the knee and (I think) look slenderizing. I wore them on a multi-day bike tour recently and loved them. Not too warm and no shorts-length tan line!! The chamois padding isn't thick, but that's my preference anyway........

Have fun!!

[KnottedYet]

I read this hint somewhere, and I just love it for the arm-position thing: hold the bar like it's bigger around than it is. (so keep your hand a bit more open, but not loose or sloppy)

I've only had the chance to try it once so far, but that one cue seems to tie in core/spine posture/arms/elbows/shoulders for me. And I liked it even more than the "playing piano" cue.

It's very hard to ride with too much weight on the bars if you are holding your hands a bit more open. I could really feel it in my core, so I'm guessing that's my weak spot.

[kat_h]

I don't know whats worse - being 30 lbs over weight in bike shorts or having regular shorts riding up.

I consider my own comfort to be far more important that what other people may or may not think of my appearance if they even care enough to form an opinion. No one has ever commented on my bike shorts, and even if someone did there are very few opinions I would care about.

For position on the bike - look at pictures and videos of riders to see how they're positioned in different circumstances. That's what made me realise my arms were too straight.

[invsblwmn]

Congrats on the new bike. For shorts, I had bought hundreds of dollars worth, which isn't hard, and found ONE short that I swear by. My buddy now only wears them too and she is picky! Performance ultra bib short. Wait till they have a sale. I usually pay 1/2 price (around $40-45) and they are worth every freakin penny! Nice silicone grip on the thigh, chamois breathes and is just right, fabric massages you on the ride, and the bib relieves waistline marks.
I finally gave up on thoughts of riding a diamondframe again. My buddies are riding my new recumbent bike and trike and they have NO PAIN! No arm, butt, back, nothing hurts! I can't wait to try it myself. I was forever fighting the above, but changed bike and voila! Good luck to you.

[Savra]

I need to get so bike shorts. I don't know whats worse - being 30 lbs over weight in bike shorts or having regular shorts riding up.

Well, feel comfort in knowing you aren't the only one. I have found I may be 60 pounds over weight but I feel fit, strong and even dare I say sexy when I'm out on my road bike, bike shorts and all. It's a state of mind, not a state of being.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks for all the advice and support. I'm not riding today, its raining, I'll try keeping my elbows in. I think I'm going to check out the biking shorts.

[cyclinnewbie]

I shall have to pay attention to my elbows, too. I don't get any upper back/neck/shoulder/arm pain, but I do get some wicked wrist and hand pain. I will try to grip the handlebars less tight too. I did take the bike in for a proffessional fit, and after a little tinkering, I feel like I'm more balanced, not so far foreward. It just needs practice I guess.

[Aggie_Ama]

There is nothing that says you cannot wear mountain biking shorts, they are baggy. For longer distances you would want the support of road shorts but if you only need the chamois go mountain. Or get a cute wrap (I love my Novara one for commuting) and then you feel a little less self conscious when you are off the bike. Or you say I want to ride and I don't care how I look I am going to have a good time!

[surgtech1956]

The shoulder-across the upper back pain is gone. I've adjusted my hand/arm position and relax more. Now I have to work on being able to take a quick look behind me without losing control.

[Jo-n-NY]

Mirrors that clip on the sunglasses work great. I finally purchased one from TE this year and it is such a pleasure and so much safer to just glance in the mirror than turning my head to see what is behind me.

~ JoAnn