Old 07-31-19, 12:18 AM
  #16  
SECOND SUMMER
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: San Diego
Posts: 39

Bikes: Trek

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
One of the redeeming qualities of social media and forums like this is the ability to tap into the experiences of others for advice that have experienced similar physical problems and injuries; folks that you might not have come across any other way.

I do notice from the pictures you posted that both these bikes still have the seat still slightly higher than the handlebars - which, of course, is the 'normal' configuration for most folks. I used to be pretty picky on fit and adjustments, everything had to be setup perfectly based on many years of riding, reading, and various fit clinics. Now, everything is pretty much thrown out the window ... whatever works is my new motto. No longer is my knee position, for instance, over the cranks/pedals anywhere close to what would be considered normal. My seat is a bit lower than the Jones handlebars, the stem is very short, and I use a stem riser. I still seem to yank my neck a bit even with this higher position - can't help avoiding the occasional twisting of the neck in traffic (even with the mirror). After several hours, I find that it begins tough to hold my head up - something like they called 'Shermer Neck' from my RAAM racing days where your neck starts to give way. I describe it as feeling a bit like a bowling ball on your neck/shoulders but there is no strength to support it. I've tried all the usual ideas to try and strengthen my neck (physical therapy, the gym, etc.), as well as various heat creams, 'cold' creams, tens units, massage units, heat/cold packs, etc. before and after rides. But nothing has proven particularly great in solving the chronic, low-grade 7-24 pain. At this point, I'm just trying to minimize the discomfort while still being somewhat efficient on the bike. It would be nice to do group rides again (even if I have to sit on the back), something I haven't been able to do for years - and I really miss that social aspect of riding. But I need to build up something in the low (or sub) 20 lb range to be able to hang with any casual group.
SECOND SUMMER is offline