Sore elbows?

[cobalt]

I try not to lock my arms but the last few rides of the year left my inner elbows very sore. This did not happen in the beginning of the year and it wasn't the cold weather.

Do I need to adjust my bars? Or am I likely riding with poor posture?

Thank you!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I know this might sound crazy but without going into all the elaborate reasons....just try moving your saddle back a 1/2 inch if you can. See what happens after a week of riding. Yes, give it several rides to test- elbow pains can sometimes take a while to adjust to a new position and fade away.
If that doesn't help then put your saddle back and forget I said anything.

[OakLeaf]

I wonder why the pain just started now.

Is it muscle pain, joint pain or something else?

When you say you "try" not to lock your elbows, are you catching yourself doing that anyhow? Is that happening more now than it used to?

What makes you sure it's not the cold weather? Do you live someplace where it's colder this time of year than earlier in the year (even if it isn't "cold" by other people's standards?) Are you being diligent about keeping your neck warm? Lots of people hunch their shoulders when their necks are cold, which causes all kinds of problems with the upper body muscles and joints. Or if your chest is cold, you could be drawing your shoulders inward.

Did the pain start when you increased your mileage? Are you riding in different places, or on a trainer? Did you slack off on your core work over the summer?

[cobalt]

Thanks for the help!

It started in September and yes, it was a bit cooler then and I was riding much longer each time. In July and August I was up to 5 miles. September I went on a 30 mile ride with weekly 20 mile rides and every few days, 6. In October I did a 50 mile and that was really tough.

I do tend to ride with my arms fully extended and when I get off of my bike, my inner arms are really sore, almost can't bend them at first. I haven't ridden in a few months so I won't know how things are until some of the snow melts.

If I move the seat back, won't that make it harder to not lock my elbows? I'll give it a shot if you think it will help.

My husband thinks my seat should go forward a bit but he is not an expert so I'll listen to you guys first!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If I move the seat back, won't that make it harder to not lock my elbows? I'll give it a shot if you think it will help.

My husband thinks my seat should go forward a bit but he is not an expert so I'll listen to you guys first!!!

Most people think moving the seat forward will help, but it just throws you off balance more, throws your weight forward. Moving the seat back will shift your center of gravity back a bit and off your hands. I suspect it's the weight on your arms that's causing your elbow pain (like it did to me). I had terrible elbow pain in one elbow from my weight being too far forward.

Try both methods: ride with elbows not straight, shoulders more relaxed. Then try moving your saddle back a half inch to an inch. Give each method a couple of weeks to see how it works- elbows take time to respond favorably to a position improvement, i have found.

Cobalt, you might want to read this thread:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...s+knees&page=2
Starting with post #24, this seat-moved-back issue is discussed there in more detail.

[cobalt]

Thanks, I read the post and it makes sense. I was having trouble finding a comfortable saddle and changed from the one that came with my bike to a wider seat. My bike came with a white Bontrager saddle. (Lemond Etape) I have wide sit bones. I might be compensating by putting weight on my arms instead of my seat.

I won another saddle and it's just as painful as the first I had. Bontrager woman's saddle but they don't work for me.

Bleecker, my parents are from Adams Center near Watertown and Syracuse and my brother lives in Plattsburg.

Thanks again for the help!