| Title: | Bicycling |
| Notice: | Bicycling for Fun |
| Moderator: | JAMIN::WASSER |
| Created: | Mon Apr 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3214 |
| Total number of notes: | 31946 |
I've been cycling for fun and fitness for the last two seasons averaging about 1200 miles a year. This year I am planning on doubling that amount and probably will attempt my first century. The problem I have is if I ride for more than a couple hours at a time the spot in my back between my shoulder blades gets so sore that I almost can't continue. Could this be caused by the bike being a bad fit or something else? Doug
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212.1 | Fit and Positioning | MOSAIC::WASSER | John A. Wasser | Thu Feb 12 1987 16:04 | 15 |
> the spot in my back between my shoulder blades gets so sore that I almost > can't continue. Could this be caused by the bike being a bad fit or > something else? Yes. Bad fit could cause too far a stretch from the seat to the bars. I have heard that for a rough check you can put your elbow against the front of the seat and see if your finger-tips just reach the top of the bars. One of the possible causes for back/neck pain is staying in one position too long. If you always ride with your hands in the same position you should try varying your grip and the position of your hands on the bars. Also try riding with the left hand in a different position from the right. | |||||
| 212.2 | MELODY::DEHAHN | Fri Feb 13 1987 10:27 | 12 | ||
Yes, I agree with John, you should have your fit looked at.
Another reason you may have this problem is you're too tense while
riding. Do you lock your elbows? Are you clenching the bars? One
of the keys to comfortable cycling is to RELAX. Keep those elbows
bent and arms loose, this takes the strain off of your whole upper
body. If you have to lock your elbows just to reach the bars then
either you're stem's too long or your frame's to large or both.
CdH
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| 212.3 | Try Shrugs | ENUF::JSMITH | Wed Apr 01 1987 16:49 | 10 | |
I'm also new to touring and last year I developed a similar
condition. In addition to .1 and .2 you might also want to try
doing some pre-conditioning with weights. I'm not sure of what
weight and amount of repetitions that you should start at, but
3 sets of about 15 reps of SHOULDER SHRUGS in each direction has
helped me tremendiously. I still get a tingle if I stay in one
position for a long period but nothing compared to last year when
I wasn' t using these techniques. Three or four workouts a week
seems to be about right. Hope this helps.
Jerry
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| 212.4 | frame size | SUPER::CONNELL | Wed Apr 01 1987 18:00 | 10 | |
RE: .0
Is the frame a correct size? Top tube length could be run, even
if frame height is correct. Also stem length could be wrong.
Try getting Fit Kit-ed.
Chuck
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| 212.5 | Change Hand Positions | ULTRA::WITTENBERG | Wed Apr 01 1987 20:02 | 17 | |
I don't know if this is your problem, but it is *very* important that
you change your position frequently. With drop bars, you should be able to
ride comfortably with your hands on the drops, on the front of the bars, on
the brake levers, and somewhat higher than that. That's 4 positions, use them
all. You can also have your hands in different positions which might also
help.
The problem to be aware of is that both bicyclists and typists are
subject to Carpal Tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compressing the
nerve tunnel to the hand, where it passes through the wrist. Since we all
type a lot, we are at risk. Moving your hands around the handlebars helps
reduce that risk, as well as reducing strain on your back. Good gloves or
handlebar pads can also help both problems.
--David
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