comfort cycling

[alilo]

I consider myself a beginner in the cycling world, although I have a nice bike and have done a bit of cycling. The problem is comfort. My neck and shoulders ache after a long ride. The bike was fitted at a well known bike shop. Can I adjust the handlebars or seat; and how do I find out about doing that? I'd also like to look at a gel seat cover.
I don't mind the work of cycling, but why make it harder than it needs to be?
Any comments on comfort?

 

[Noodley]

Hello and welcome to the forum

There are quite a few ways of changing your set-up: saddle height, stem length, stem angle, crank length, etc.

Any chance of letting us know what kind of bike you have, what length of rides you do, how tall you are, what size bike you have, etc? I know it's a pain in the arse but it might help with solutions.

And don;t get a gel seat cover! Get padded shorts...

 

[Steve Austin]

I agree with the padded shorts. Gel covers are not very good at all.

 

[xpc316e]

Here's another way to make cycling pain-free - simply sell your bike and buy a recumbent. You'll never look back.

 

[ufkacbln]

Here's another way to make cycling pain-free - simply sell your bike and buy a recumbent. You'll never look back.

You will - at most junctions!

 

[wafflycat]

Agreed about the gel saddle cover - not a good idea.


I have a double thickness of bar tape along my handle bars and that, combined with proper cycle gloves/mitts, eliminated any nasty neck/shoulder pain I used to get

 

[Smokin Joe]

Assuming the shop new what they were doing I wouldn't adjust anything for a while yet. The riding position on a road bike does take a bit of time to get used to until all the relevant muscles build up enough to cope. If the problem is still there after you get more experience then you will need to look at your position.