Arm ache!

[Rollon]

Recently got a new Specialised Tricross. It has drop bars and has another set of brake levers fixed on the top straight section.
I did 20 miles today and my arms were dropping off. I have checked the way the bike is set up for me and I think it is correct, but I get the feeling like I want to be more upright even when holding the top of the bars, to take the weight off my arms. I have a very physical job using my hands and arms all day so its not like they are weak or anything but they dont half ache when riding. I feel I must be doing something wrong or is it just a normal feeling for newbies after not biking for a long time?
Dave.

 

[Garz]

Any chance of getting pictures (preferably on said bike)?

 

[Banjo]

My arms ached badly at first when I started cycling regullarilly about 6 months ago.Went away after a few weeks.

When I changed to a new bike a month ago I had the arm ache again but only for a week or so.

Unless it persisists I wouldnt worry about it.

 

[accountantpete]

Your arms should be resting lightly on the bars so either the seat is set too high or the bars too low or the top tube is too long. Quick check - your leg should not be straight at the bottom of the pedal rotation. If you have spacers on top of the stem they can be moved underneath to raise the height of the bars. If it is the top tube then a shorter stem/slight seat adjustment may be required.

Also check the slope of the seat - if that is sloping towards the front wheel it will push you forward into the bars.

 

[ColinJ]

I sometimes get tired arms on long rides with plenty of steep hills because of pulling on the bars on the climbs. Apart from that - no problem, and there wasn't even when I first started cycling again, despite me spending most of my time sat in front of a computer. The most exercise my upper body gets is typing or moving my mouse.

You shouldn't be supporting much weight on your arms so they shouldn't ache. I think that there is something wrong with your position on the bike, or your saddle is tilted too far forward (it should be level or close to it).

 

[Medic6666]

I tend to lean on the handle bars and used to get pins and needles in my hands and wrist a lot of the time.

You just need to find a riding position which is right for you.

edit: assuming you have the correct sized frame.