Changed position means extra problems?

doyler78
doyler78 Posts: 1,951
edited April 2010 in Training, fitness and health
Ok after a year of stretching an no injuries I decided to give my seat a nudge back to see how I reacted as my current position is pretty upright necessiated by tight hamstrings.

I've done 2 commutes on it now and the threshold intervals I've done on them are suggesting my FTP should be set higher by about 10 watts so it looks like the seat back has allowed me to generate more power but, and there's always a but isn't there, I'm getting pain in both my right side at my shoulder and on that side only of @ss to. Seems strange that putting a seat back could put strain on one side only. So a bit confused.

The bars are set dead centre and the seat looks to be pointing straight though it is less easy to check properly. So any ideas why this could be occuring. Obviously I like the extra watts but without the strain would be even better :lol:

Comments

  • phil s
    phil s Posts: 1,128
    Maybe a tad longer/shorter leg or less flexible leg and the extra nudge to the saddle has put it just beyond the comfort zone you were in before?
    -- Dirk Hofman Motorhomes --
  • doyler78
    doyler78 Posts: 1,951
    phil s wrote:
    Maybe a tad longer/shorter leg or less flexible leg and the extra nudge to the saddle has put it just beyond the comfort zone you were in before?

    Leg length has been measured numerous times, with all the injuries I've had its the first place everyone starts and there are definitely no problems in that regard.

    The flexibility of each leg could certainly be different. I certainly have more movement in my right foot than I used to as I can now unclip outwards on the right side where previously I had to unclip inwards. I still can't unclip outwards on the left side.

    I might need to adjust the saddle height because I think I remember something somewhere about if you move the fore/aft position then this can affect the height at which the saddle should be set so should a backward move be followed by an upward or downward move in saddle height anyone? I'm thinking down because you are being pushed further back on the saddle therefore the leg has to extend further to reach the bottom of the downstroke does that sound right?
  • phil s
    phil s Posts: 1,128
    Shifting your saddle rearward might necessitate a slight drop in height, yes. So I've been told.
    -- Dirk Hofman Motorhomes --
  • RoadieBob
    RoadieBob Posts: 48
    Yes, when the saddle is moved back it should be lowered. The figure I've read (on the cyclignews.com fitness q&a) is 1mm lower for every 3mm back. If you're overreaching due to the saddle being too high or far back, you'll naturally protect one side which will result in dropping one hip as you pedal through the bottom of the stroke, which would explain why you are experiencing pain on one side only.
  • SteveR_100Milers
    SteveR_100Milers Posts: 5,987
    RoadieBob wrote:
    Yes, when the saddle is moved back it should be lowered. The figure I've read (on the cyclignews.com fitness q&a) is 1mm lower for every 3mm back. If you're overreaching due to the saddle being too high or far back, you'll naturally protect one side which will result in dropping one hip as you pedal through the bottom of the stroke, which would explain why you are experiencing pain on one side only.

    Just get an LBS bike fit, forget rules of thumb they don't always (often) work!
    http://www.pontypoolrcc.co.uk/
    www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44397853765
  • doyler78
    doyler78 Posts: 1,951
    RoadieBob wrote:
    Yes, when the saddle is moved back it should be lowered. The figure I've read (on the cyclignews.com fitness q&a) is 1mm lower for every 3mm back. If you're overreaching due to the saddle being too high or far back, you'll naturally protect one side which will result in dropping one hip as you pedal through the bottom of the stroke, which would explain why you are experiencing pain on one side only.

    Thanks. I just put myself on the turbo and moved the saddle back until I felt I was overstretching and then moved it forward a little. Clearly didn't work. I have just checked how far I have moved the saddle back it was around 25mm. That's a lot. Much more than I thought. I'll start at 10mm back and work from there to see how it goes.
  • Slow1972
    Slow1972 Posts: 362
    Your leg length has been measured, has your arm lengths?

    If the right arm is shorter than the left and you are now in a more extended position (straighter arms), your top half may be twisted a bit as you are riding.

    Also, if you are now leaning forward more your back muscles will be a bit more stretched, is the pain a result of that extra stretching?

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