Chronic neck problems - should I get a new bike?

[violette]

Kian, what kinda core exersices do you do?

[kaian]

I do a variety of core exercises. There are some tri sites that have a whole bunch of them that I found helpful. Here's one site I use:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cm...?articleid=486

I also do "good mornings" for my lower back and also twists and side bends with weights for my core.

I do these about 3 times a week when I do my overall upper body weights workout.

I have my full body covered when it comes to exercise. I'm not a couch potato who just gets on a bike once in a while. This is my fourth season riding and I've been active my whole life, including weights and strengthening exercises for several years.

[ladyicon]

I hate to say this but I had chronic neck and shoulder pain all the time (riding for 5 years), I just thought it went with bike riding. Never went away after going through PT and stretches. I just got a new bike 3 weeks ago and believe it or not the pain has gone away I don't know if it had to do with bad fits on my other bikes or not Maybe it was just a coincidence My neck and shoulder pain is better now after only riding my new bike for 3 weeks....go figure. Diane in San Diego

[kaian]

Ladyicon, what kind of bike did you have and then what did you switch to? What were the differences between the bikes/fit? Just curious! If I can find a bike or a position that will help me, I would be delighted!

[ladyicon]

I don't know if it was the bike or not, but it had to be cause now I feel fine. I was riding a Trek Pilot which has a sloping top tube and I always felt kinda crunched up on the bike. I went to Trek a few times for fits and got 3 different one (3 different people) Still had the pain......My husband bought me a Specialized Ruby which has a straighter top tub and different frame geometry, all I had to do was put a shorter stem and got fitted once and the pain went away. One thing you have to do is stretch your neck before, after, and during the ride. Make sure you are not leaning on your handlbars too much, too much weight forward can hurt. Try tipping the nose of your saddle up a teenie bit so that your weight is on your sit bones, and you are not sliding forward.
Also while you are riding shrug your shoulders every few miles to make sure they are not all tensed up. Sounds like you need a real experienced fitter to fit you correctly. Everyone is different. Good luck, but DO NOT give up!