1st Road Bike...Lower Back and Wrist pain.

[bully74uk]

Hi
Ive just taken the plunge and bought my first road bike, a 2013 Specialized Allez Elite.
My LBS where I purchased the bike had me on it on a Turbo Trainer and adjusted the seat and handlebars etc.
I have taken the bike out for a couple of short rides (around 15-18miles) and found that I am experiencing a bit of lower back and wrist pain whilst on the hoods.
I have been commuting on a CUBE Hybrid / Flat Bar road bike for the last 12 months and also done many fittness rides with no real issues.
Is the back and wrist pain likely to be due to my body not being used to the new 'racier' cycling position or is it more likely to be down to bike adjustment...or a combination of both ?
With my wrists, I feel that some of my weight is on them when cycling and im sure that another LBS told me that this shouldn't be the case and that your core should provide nearly all the support with the arms / wrists mainly just used for steering. (im sure he said that you should almost be able to let go of the bars and your core should support you)
Any advice appreciated.

Regards,

 

[smokeysmoo]

Sounds like it's not set up right to me, at least that's the first place to start as it's free

Have a look at THIS site for hints and tips on bike set up, your LBS has no doubt adjusting the bike to roughly fit you, but this is no way like having a bike fitted to you.

 

[cyberknight]

Sounds like it's not set up right to me, at least that's the first place to start as it's free

Have a look at THIS site for hints and tips on bike set up, your LBS has no doubt adjusting the bike to roughly fit you, but this is no way like having a bike fitted to you.

+1 , a good site, and they also go further..
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefitchart.html
And this ..
http://bikedynamics.co.uk/achesandpains.htm

 

[Fab Foodie]

Sounds like your seat is too far forward and you're not properly 'balanced on the bike'. When you're far enough rearward you can ride with just your fingertips on the bars as your core supports your upper body.
This guy explains it well and debunks the Knee over Pedal Spindle stuff (as does Mike Burrows).
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

[Biker Joe]

The set-up at the LBS was probably just a basic set-up to get you started.
Gotta start somewhere.
Follow the advice already given above by smokeysmoo & cyberknight. That should get you on the right path.
After your first adjustments do a few miles to see how it feels before you make further changes ( if necessary).
I'm sure you'll soon get it right.
Good luck.

 

[Becs]

Increasing your core strength using pilates/gym stuff will help too (I had the same problem).

 

[KateK]

+1 on the saddle fore and aft position, you should be able to let go of the handlebars to change position without feeling you are going to fall forwards. As to the back, I found that alternating with riding with my hands on the tops/ on the hoods/ in the drops made getting used to the forward postion easier, however I do have an old bike with brake extensions so I can brake from any of these positions. Yes and core strength is really important.