Road bike uncomfortable

[raggydoll]

Averaging 17.6mph over 28 miles is really good going. As others have said it could be that you are pushing too hard and it could be that you're sitting stiff on the bike (stiff arms). If you are low down on the bike and your neck is constantly bent upwards to see the road then that can result in neck and shoulder ache too.

You say you don't get on with cleated pedals so that may be contributing.

Your body may feel more relaxed overall if you swapped to flat pedals and trainers.

As others have said, some photo's of you sitting on the bike would help to see if there's anything obvious.

 

[MichaelW2]

Are you new to cycling or just road bikes?

 

[Martinsnos]

Are you new to cycling or just road bikes?

Road years ago.
Hybrid.
Back to road - not finding I’m a huge fan of cleats!

 

[Martinsnos]

Are you able to post a photo of you seated on the bike? It can be rather difficult to work out where your problems lie without seeing your position.

I purchased my first road bike second hand without a fitting after working out the 'correct' frame size by reading opinions on the internet. After taking it out for the first few rides I reached the conclusion that it was slightly too large. I swapped out the standard stem for a shorter version and put the seat lower and further forwards, this made riding much more comfortable. After a year or so I gradually needed to raise the seat and move it further back again. I am also considering putting the original stem back. It transpires that rather than the bike being too large it was my lack of mobilty that prevented me getting into the correct position.

Okay thanks - I’ll sort a pic

 

[Martinsnos]

Averaging 17.6mph over 28 miles is really good going. As others have said it could be that you are pushing too hard and it could be that you're sitting stiff on the bike (stiff arms). If you are low down on the bike and your neck is constantly bent upwards to see the road then that can result in neck and shoulder ache too.

You say you don't get on with cleated pedals so that may be contributing.

Your body may feel more relaxed overall if you swapped to flat pedals and trainers.

As others have said, some photo's of you sitting on the bike would help to see if there's anything obvious.

Why thank you - £10 in the post!!!
But…isn’t 1 supposed to be low for aerodynamics? That is what I don’t get.
I’m deffo thinking I might give trainers a try.
I’ll sort the photos thanks.

 

[raggydoll]

Why thank you - £10 in the post!!!
But…isn’t 1 supposed to be low for aerodynamics? That is what I don’t get.
I’m deffo thinking I might give trainers a try.
I’ll sort the photos thanks.

Haha!

This video might help?


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpLTEF3UPJc

 

[vickster]

Back to road - not finding I’m a huge fan of cleats!

Don't use them then
Yes, it helps to be low for aero if racing, but not if you're in pain, it may just be it doesn't suit your anatomy (nowadays, as you're not a 20 year old wannabe / pro...). Get a bike fit and a physio assessment to check for issues with neck, shoulders, core, lower back (oh and your hamstrings, hip flexors, calves, glutes etc etc etc)

 

[Martinsnos]

Don't use them then
Yes, it helps to be low for aero if racing, but not if you're in pain, it may just be it doesn't suit your anatomy (nowadays, as you're not a 20 year old wannabe / pro...). Get a bike fit and a physio assessment to check for issues with neck, shoulders, core, lower back (oh and your hamstrings, hip flexors, calves, glutes etc etc etc)

Many thanks. PT sorted me for hamstrings, so that has been good. Here are some photos (make sure you haven’t just eaten and I know the shed needs a coat!!!).

 

[Martinsnos]

Haha!

This video might help?


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpLTEF3UPJc

Photos on post higher up!!!

 

[Martinsnos]

Okay thanks - I’ll sort a pic

Are you able to post a photo of you seated on the bike? It can be rather difficult to work out where your problems lie without seeing your position.

I purchased my first road bike second hand without a fitting after working out the 'correct' frame size by reading opinions on the internet. After taking it out for the first few rides I reached the conclusion that it was slightly too large. I swapped out the standard stem for a shorter version and put the seat lower and further forwards, this made riding much more comfortable. After a year or so I gradually needed to raise the seat and move it further back again. I am also considering putting the original stem back. It transpires that rather than the bike being too large it was my lack of mobilty that prevented me getting into the correct position.

Photos higher up the thread somewhere!!!

 

[vickster]

Many thanks. PT sorted me for hamstrings, so that has been good. Here are some photos (make sure you haven’t just eaten and I know the shed needs a coat!!!).

You need to sort everything really, if one thing is out, something else will be too (PT = Personal Trainer? or Physiotherapist, if former, qualified to do full biomechanical assessment?)

Your arms look very straight? Is the bike too small? And low at front? Try an angled stem?

 

[raggydoll]

My initial thought is that the bike looks a little small for you.
You sort of look cramped up on it.

I'm by no means an expert though!

What height are you and what size frame is it?

 

[Grant Fondo]

My initial thought is that the bike looks a little small for you.
You sort of look cramped up on it.

I'm by no means an expert though!

What height are you and what size frame is it?

+1 on that, you look cramped

 

[PaulSB]

The bike is too small for you. Sorry.

 

[vickster]

At least we are all on the same page!!