Bike fit for neck issues
11-09-14, 11:39 AM
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Bike fit for neck issues
Hi. I have 3 disc in my neck that are casusing me issues. C2 to C4. I am getting treatment for it so not my question. I need to adjust my fit to help so I don't get neck stain from a more race type fit. Bars lower than seat.
I am going to get a bike fit done, but I want to have an idea of what direction the fiiter should be taking me. Once my neck is healed I might go back to a more aggressive fit.
About me. I am 49 and have been ridding for 4 years. My Sat ride is in the 60-70 mile range during the week 10-30 miles on different days. 5'11" ride a 54cm Cannondale SuperSix.
I am going to get a bike fit done, but I want to have an idea of what direction the fiiter should be taking me. Once my neck is healed I might go back to a more aggressive fit.
About me. I am 49 and have been ridding for 4 years. My Sat ride is in the 60-70 mile range during the week 10-30 miles on different days. 5'11" ride a 54cm Cannondale SuperSix.
11-09-14, 11:44 AM
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Even people without neck issues tend to like sitting up a bit higher the older they get.
11-09-14, 07:21 PM
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If there is a medical professional helping you with your neck issues, maybe that person can comment if you show them the typical posture you have on the bike. I'd think raising the handlebars a fair bit. Not sure if you'd also want them closer (less reach).
11-09-14, 08:00 PM
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Some pertinent info:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...discovery.html
Pedaling Efficiency.wmv - YouTube
and the photos in this post:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post12953035
It's more about flexibility and keeping a straight back. No need to raise your bars and particularly no need to shorten your reach. Many people think that olders must become less flexible. Not so. At 69 I can put my knuckles on the floor without even doing a stretching program, just from staying flexible on the bike.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...discovery.html
Pedaling Efficiency.wmv - YouTube
and the photos in this post:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post12953035
It's more about flexibility and keeping a straight back. No need to raise your bars and particularly no need to shorten your reach. Many people think that olders must become less flexible. Not so. At 69 I can put my knuckles on the floor without even doing a stretching program, just from staying flexible on the bike.
11-12-14, 04:49 AM
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Yeah, sitting more upright is not necessarily the route to take, as it can direct more force directly up the spine. Adjusting reach and shoulder angle can be important, though.
However, not knowing the specific issues or seeing how you're setup on the bike makes guessing which changes to make nothing more than wild shots in the dark.
However, not knowing the specific issues or seeing how you're setup on the bike makes guessing which changes to make nothing more than wild shots in the dark.
11-14-14, 11:24 AM
#6
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Want to ride a Road bike fast? Aerodynamics = you cannot sit Up. learn to look up with your eyes rather than lifting your Head.
11-18-14, 09:10 PM
#7
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Hi. I have 3 disc in my neck that are casusing me issues. C2 to C4. I am getting treatment for it so not my question. I need to adjust my fit to help so I don't get neck stain from a more race type fit. Bars lower than seat.
I am going to get a bike fit done, but I want to have an idea of what direction the fiiter should be taking me. Once my neck is healed I might go back to a more aggressive fit.
About me. I am 49 and have been ridding for 4 years. My Sat ride is in the 60-70 mile range during the week 10-30 miles on different days. 5'11" ride a 54cm Cannondale SuperSix.
I am going to get a bike fit done, but I want to have an idea of what direction the fiiter should be taking me. Once my neck is healed I might go back to a more aggressive fit.
About me. I am 49 and have been ridding for 4 years. My Sat ride is in the 60-70 mile range during the week 10-30 miles on different days. 5'11" ride a 54cm Cannondale SuperSix.
I have a similar problem but was able to deal with it until this year. I increased the angle on my stem which keeps it roughly in the same vertical plan but higher up. Pain went away and I have more mobility in my neck plus it's easier to look forward. Was really a minor change but had a major impact on comfort. I had been dealing with a stabbing pain in my shoulder on either side of my neck that would persist long after riding. I changed out the stem and it was permanently gone and my position on the bike much more comfortable. Was it less aero? Sure, but you'd never know it from my time - same as before the change or faster.
I've found Greg Lemond's guidance on aerodynamic bike fit useful. You should adopt as aerodynamic of a position on your bike as you can comfortably hold.
J.
