Poor riding technique....rigid upper body! Advice please.
Mr. Andy
Posts: 12
Wondered if anyone could give me some advice or cast some light on a problem I am experiencing whilst riding
I have notcied that I am cycling with a very tense upper body, and in paticular finding that my arms are rigid and I am locking my elbows. Seem to be doing this subconsciously, and as I become aware of it I am have to tell myself to relax......and then about a mile down the road realizing I have done it again. Only happens when I am on the hoods - which is most of the time to be honest!
This didn't seem to be a problem when I first started riding as my mileage was so abysmally bad that I wasn't in the saddle long enough to notice. But now I am going out longer, and riding or 2 to 2.5 hours I am starting to get pain across my upper arms, neck and across my shoulder blades.
My initial thoughts are that it could be one of two problems......most likely poor technique on my part (that I hope I can eventually overcome) or that my stem could be too long and it is allowing me to have my arms at full stretch, making it easier to lock them without thinking.
Currently running a 110mm stem on the road bike - mountain bike has a 90mm, and never experienced this problem (although not really comparing similar ride positions or style). Rest of the bike set up seems bang on for me, and frame size is good - this seems to be the only problem.
If anyone could make any suggestions as to why this might be occuring I would more than pleased to hear them.
I have notcied that I am cycling with a very tense upper body, and in paticular finding that my arms are rigid and I am locking my elbows. Seem to be doing this subconsciously, and as I become aware of it I am have to tell myself to relax......and then about a mile down the road realizing I have done it again. Only happens when I am on the hoods - which is most of the time to be honest!
This didn't seem to be a problem when I first started riding as my mileage was so abysmally bad that I wasn't in the saddle long enough to notice. But now I am going out longer, and riding or 2 to 2.5 hours I am starting to get pain across my upper arms, neck and across my shoulder blades.
My initial thoughts are that it could be one of two problems......most likely poor technique on my part (that I hope I can eventually overcome) or that my stem could be too long and it is allowing me to have my arms at full stretch, making it easier to lock them without thinking.
Currently running a 110mm stem on the road bike - mountain bike has a 90mm, and never experienced this problem (although not really comparing similar ride positions or style). Rest of the bike set up seems bang on for me, and frame size is good - this seems to be the only problem.
If anyone could make any suggestions as to why this might be occuring I would more than pleased to hear them.
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Comments
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Your diagnosis is pretty good - try shortening your reach - shorter stem as you suggest - or flipping your current one such that the bars are a little higher. Some flexibility / core body exercises might help too.Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
