Neck and Shoulder Spasm

[Snarf]

I've just bought a new road bike - I've been using a supermarket mountain bike since I took up cycling in August 2012.

I've been out on it twice, last time being on Thursday. Yesterday I noticed my neck was sore and today the top of my shoulders and all across my shoulders and my neck have gone into spasm. I was just wondering if this is normal and I just need to rule 5?

The bike and I have been fitted up properly by the bike shop I got it from so that we are as made for each other as Liz Taylor and Richard Burton (minus the alcoholism and fighting), so I don't think its anything to do with the way the bike is set up.

 

[simmi]

I would think it is just your body moaning a bit about your new riding position.
Unless it is set to the exact same positions as your previous bike you will be using your muscles in different ways.
I had a bike fit myself a couple of weeks ago and it does take some getting used to.
I am still not feeling 100% right, still ache a bit more than before but this is getting less and I am now able to ride on the drops for longer periods.

 

[Andrew 14]

Yep I would say neck and shoulder pain is common for new riders it was for me

 

[Eribiste]

I reckon you'll be getting this discomfort because of the leaning forward position you are newly adopting. You'll probably find that you are riding with a head up posture to see the road ahead, putting an unaccustomed strain on your neck. It might help if you ride holding the tops of the bars as often as you can for a while until your muscles get used to the position. You'll get there.

 

[WobblyBob]

Yep, i've only had my road bike a few weeks & i'm finding the same as you regarding my neck....just a different position from my hybrid i'm presuming & as Eribiste mentioned, i think holding the top bars helps alot....you'll (we'll) get there

 

[lulubel]

Stretch the muscles at the back of your neck after your rides, and that should help a bit. All you need to do is let your head hang forward so your chin drops towards your chest, and the weight of your head will do the stretching for you.

You can also do this stretch at other times. I find in the evening, if there's something boring on TV, is a good time:

"Have you fallen asleep?"
"No, dear, I'm just stretching my neck."

 

[mrandmrspoves]

I used to have this problem on long trips out (20 miles plus) and it didn't really improve over a few years. In the end I adapted all my bicycles with stem risers to achieve a more upright position - which helped a little but did not fully resolve the problem. I no longer have this problem as an unrelated shoulder condition resulted in me swapping to a recumbent ......lovely and comfy - but a pig to get up hills. (Largely due to a weak engine)