Pain in the neck!

[WindingRoad]

I actually found this issue to be MUCH worse on flat bar bikes. I had to switch commuters for this reason? I do a lot of stretching and looking around on the bike for the reasons you mentioned. I've got back to doing Yoga within the last month. While my back feels awesome my traps are still firing up :-( It's wierd cuz I feel like someone punched me in the arm a little below my deltoid after these rides too. It's so darn frustrating. I'm noticing it more this week bc I cracked 200 miles this week.

[WindingRoad]

It looks like I have one more spacer I can use to raise my bars about 1 cm. after looking at my commuter and my road bike one thing is different. I have the new 105 shifters on my commuter and the older Flight Deck ones on my road bike. The new Shimano shifters are without question more comfortable on my hands. I wonder if this could be the problem.

[Catrin]

It looks like I have one more spacer I can use to raise my bars about 1 cm. after looking at my commuter and my road bike one thing is different. I have the new 105 shifters on my commuter and the older Flight Deck ones on my road bike. The new Shimano shifters are without question more comfortable on my hands. I wonder if this could be the problem.

Have you tried this yet? I've been wondering if this worked for you.

[Sky King]

We have a chiropractor across the street who is also a big into biking. I spent some time with him as I was getting numbness down both arms. Looks like I may have a couple issues with over/underdeveloped muscles in my shoulders, back, neck so am doing exercises to create a better balance. Also having a neck and shoulders massage helps. In addition to several stretching of the arms, much like you describe, I do an isometric several times a day - relaxed shoulders, sitting or standing nice and straight. I tuck my chin slightly and then concentrate on pushing my chin back as if I am forcing it to the back of my skull. This works the muscles between my shoulder blades to help strengthen my neck.
Finally when, riding I have to really remember to keep my shoulders relaxed and in "my pockets" and to keep my chin tucked as I tend to stretch my neck out and lead with my chin, putting to much pressure on my neck. give it a try and see if it helps. Rode Hills on Friday and had zero numbness for the first time all summer! good luck, I feel your pain