Neck ache

Eyon
Eyon Posts: 623
edited November 2011 in Training, fitness and health
Yes, this one again! I've tried to search but most bring up neck ache along with various other problems.

So, neck ache! Starting from about 15 miles into a ride I get a really sore neck muscles. My bike is quite an aggressive fit, with a low front end arse up high. Leg extension is pretty much perfect, the reach is comfortable with 90mm stem. I am flexible enough to ride with this position, no leg/hip cramp, no sore back etc. I can nearly have hands flat on the ground from standing, and to be honest, I could possibly lower my stem further if I for some reason felt like it with no real issues aside from this one.

However, looking up for a few hours at a time is a real pain. I've got strong back muscles and traps which should technically support the weight of my head, but it doesnt seem so.

So, aside of raising the bars, is there a solution? Any exercises to improve neck strength? Or do I go buy a new fork and be done with the less racy position?

Thanks
Ian

Comments

  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,660
    Don't wear a helmet? ;)

    The strength will come if you keep at it > was a real problem when I first went roadie > it just disappeared over time.
    _
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Raise the bars I think and work on lowering it over time.
    It sounds like your neck is in quite an awkward angle ? You don't have a peak on the helmet do you ?
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I made that mistake; using the peaked mtb helmet on the road bike. Great for keeping the rain off the specs, but I had to strain my head up at an uncomfortable angle to see far enough up the road. Much happier now with a road hat.

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