Neck Pian

Schnee80

A mate of mine has just started on road bikes; Giant Defy 3 Advanced previously rode a hybrid.

He is experiencing severe neck pain on relatively short rides 20-30 miles. I remember a similar thing when I first started and know that it's not unusual. I have recommended a couple of things relating to bar width, stem length and bar height but would appreciate a more informed opinion.

All advice welcome.

bicyclelab

Schnee80 wrote:

A mate of mine has just started on road bikes; Giant Defy 3 Advanced previously rode a hybrid.

He is experiencing severe neck pain on relatively short rides 20-30 miles. I remember a similar thing when I first started and know that it's not unusual. I have recommended a couple of things relating to bar width, stem length and bar height but would appreciate a more informed opinion.

All advice welcome.

He really should get a professional bicycle fit. But try these tips.

Get the bars as high as possible. This will hep with his neck angle and as he progresses as a cyclist he can then bring them back down. Also if he is reaching too far to the bars that will add to the discomfort.

Hope this helps

NEWBIE77

I had this problem for ages but first i got a proper bike fit and then I learned instead of keeping my head up to look forward I lowered my head so in line with spine and used my eyes to look forward. Also try and keep arms and shoulders relaxed as much as possible

Philby

Might also be linked to problems with tight muscles in his neck and shoulders, possibly from poor posture for example at a PC at work, which are exacerbated by riding a bike in a new position. Might be worth him seeing a physio or having a sports massage to alleviate any stiffness or tight muscles in that area - I've had neck and shoulder problems in the past and know how easily they can get very uncomfortable if you are doing anything new. And get a proper bike fit.

sonny73

Definitely get a proper bike fit, I have a prolapsed disc in my neck and still (touch wood) with regular chiro and physio once every couple of months, ride fine.
My bike was correctly fitted and set up (before the prolapse kicked in) and as such I find it very comfortable even on long rides, even if I have to stretch for a moment to be safe every 15 or 20 miles.
If it does persist I would maybe have him go see a health care specialist to be on the safe side; a chiro, physio, osteopath etc.

Monty Dog

Easy position check is whether the elbows and locked and whether they are gripping the bars too tightly. Position should be relaxed, slightly bent elbows and relaxed grip. Raising the bars by flipping the stem / adding spacers and or fitting a shorter stem can help alleviate the problem. Top of bars level with saddle is a good reference point for starters. If problems persist then best to seek the advise of a bike fit specialist, particularly if he has underlying conditions.