Upper back / Neck Problem

shinsplint

Pretty much since I started cycling in 2009 I have suffered with discomfort in my upper back and neck (mainly neck).

I have had a few bikes, and have tried various setup positions etc, so I can rule that out.

When riding I quite often dip my head down and stretch my neck out as this relieves it a touch.

I think I may have just sussed it... I have recently noticed my upper body may be too tense whilst riding, thus causing the area to tighten up and become stiff.

This morning on my commute I made a conscious effort to keep my upper body as relaxed as possible, and also tried keeping the weight off the front of the bike by relaxing my arms. In order to keep the weight off the front I naturally have to use my core muscles to keep my upper body in position.

Question is, do you make a conscious effort to do keep your upper body weight from the front of the bike? And how realxed is your upper body when riding?

Also, I don't know how pysichological this is, but it feels like I ride slightly faster this way i.e. using the same amount of force through my legs ??

For what its worth i'm 6ft and about 10st 7.

Thanks in advance.

Zoomer37

Just because you've tried various set ups does not mean you've got it right and can rule that out. Sounds like your saddle is to high

When the bike fits correctly your top half should almost feel weight less when riding in the drops or hoods. I have almost no pressure going through my hands or neck.

Million dollar question - you been fitted on any of your bikes?

shinsplint

Zoomer37 wrote:

Just because you've tried various set ups does not mean you've got it right and can rule that out. Sounds like your saddle is to high

When the bike fits correctly your top half should almost feel weight less when riding in the drops or hoods. I have almost no pressure going through my hands or neck.

Million dollar question - you been fitted on any of your bikes?

Thanks for that.

I'll try dropping the saddle a touch. At the moment when my foot is at its lowest point there is a slight bend at the knee, but perhaps not enough. I'll give it a go.

No I have not been fitted.

Zoomer37

ShinSplint wrote:

Zoomer37 wrote:

Just because you've tried various set ups does not mean you've got it right and can rule that out. Sounds like your saddle is to high

When the bike fits correctly your top half should almost feel weight less when riding in the drops or hoods. I have almost no pressure going through my hands or neck.

Million dollar question - you been fitted on any of your bikes?

Thanks for that.

I'll try dropping the saddle a touch. At the moment when my foot is at its lowest point there is a slight bend at the knee, but perhaps not enough. I'll give it a go.

No I have not been fitted.

If you ride your bike on a regluar basis mate and want to get the most of it, get one done. If this is not a option for you at the mo then take a good look through Steve Hogg's blog for advice in getting tuned into your bike better.

Saddle height https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bl ... can-it-be/

ut_och_cykla

Tense upper body will find itself out through neck or shoulders on a bike. but you need to ask why are you tensing! Is it because you are too stretched - or too bunched up. Too high saddle? Too long / low stem. A quick cheapish fix would be to fit a shorter riser stem for a few rides and see if that helps. If it does - keep riding and only return to the original sten (if at all) after several months/hundred miles of riding.
Spend the winter doing core strengthening exercises like press ups, bridges, rowing movements leaning forward etc.
Also be aware that as it gets colder and we pile on clothing this hinders the neck from normal movement and causes tiredness. same applies to ill fitting helmet and or cycling glasses.