Stomach cramps after lowering handlebars

gsvbagpuss

Now, I should clarify - these are only mild stomach cramps and come only in my evening ride which is post lunch (ride into work is done without breakfast). The only started after I lowered my spacers to their lowest setting, so clearly there is a issue of body weight pushing on my full stomach.

But should I rule 5 it or raise the bars again? I.e will it improve as I get more used to the lower bars or have I just lowered them too far?

thegreatdivide

Are you saying that you’re currently carrying a few extra kg at the moment? If so, raise the bars back up. Once you’ve shifted that extra baggage and your back has become a bit more flexible then you can start slamming the stem. No point in hurting yourself trying to look Pro just because a daft website that too many folk take seriously says so...including one of my friends who now has the full Velominate/Castelli cycling kit.

gsvbagpuss

No, I'm not carrying any extra weight - I just meant the irreducable weight of my body I do weights in the gym so my lower back is getting stronger, but maybe it's not that flexible yet.

hulla the hulla

Common sense should tell you that if you carry on getting problems then you've gone too far. Time to back it up until you feel comfortable again.

gsvbagpuss

Interstingly I rode home early on Friday and felt fine. But I had a different lunch to what I'd been having over the last fews weeks so I'll try this lunch (sandwiches instead of cous cous) and see if that helps.