Typical aches and pains

[leedsmick]

Apart from the obvious sore Bum from the saddle, is there any other classic newbie complaints.

My right wrist is killing me and wondered if it could be related to the bike?

 

[mjr]

Possibly. I'll guess leaning on the bars too much because the saddle position is off. More options www.SheldonBrown.com/pain.html

 

[leedsmick]

Fantastic. Thanks for that. Interesting stuff. I'll adjust the saddle and see if it helps.

 

[MikeW-71]

Or you're gripping too hard. Relax the grip

 

[Yazzoo]

Helpful link. I've been meaning to book in for a saddle fit as I know mine isn't right. It's a mens saddle (and I am not a man!). To relieve the immediate soft tissue pain caused by 'man saddle : lady parts' issue I have tilted the nose of the saddle ever so slightly down. Works fine for about 10miles then the shoulder pain kicks in and the realisation that I'm putting extra pressure on my arms and wrists to stop me sliding forwards off the saddle!

Must book that appointment. . .

 

[NorthernDave]

Getting the bike set up right will resolve a lot of problems.
Correct use of gears will help too - avoid putting too much strain on your knees...

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

As per @MikeW-71. I get it in the shoulder and I know it's because I tense up, especially going down hill.

 

[leedsmick]

My Knee has joined the list of my injuries (niggles,) started whilst out this morning. I think i'm just soft

 

[fossyant]

Stiff legs. Mine are killing me after not riding for 10 days (hols).

 

[Dave 123]

Don't worry, you'll be riding along thinking "my right calf is aching...."

Two minutes later you'll have forgotten about it as some other body part hurts. It's normal!

 

[leedsmick]

I went back out with the kids for a 5 mile easy jaunt into the woods and not one ache now. I am on my 4th Stella however

 

[Paul139]

When I started doing big ( to me ) 60-100 miles I used to get aching neck and shoulders. This just went over time as the muscles in that area strengthened up.

 

[leedsmick]

I'm aching after 15 mile rides. I definitely need to toughen up!

 

[Glass Kites]

When I first started I was getting terrible lower back ache and my neck would start to ache from being haunched forward and looking up. It faded after a few months - I adjusted my seat height a bit and maybe those muscles toughened up too. I do still get the occasional ache and pain in my lower back and neck, but I assume that's normal and stopping for a break along my ride helps it to settle.

A new one I'm getting is terrible wrist pain, especially when spending long times on crap roads in city centres where they've been dug up over and over again, so it's not a smooth ride. My wrists seem to take the brunt of it all and can be sore for several days afterwards. I'm thinking of doubling up on my handlebar tape to add some cushioning.

 

[mjr]

A new one I'm getting is terrible wrist pain, especially when spending long times on crap roads in city centres where they've been dug up over and over again, so it's not a smooth ride. My wrists seem to take the brunt of it all and can be sore for several days afterwards. I'm thinking of doubling up on my handlebar tape to add some cushioning.

That's one option. There are gel pads you can put under the tape, too. Grabbing the bars near the stem can help to hold the front wheel down a bit, too, but that's not good for long sections or where you need to use the brakes and shifters a lot. Running the front tyre at a lower-but-still-good pressure can help, as can fitting a wider front tyre or simply a more supple one. I feel steel forks and stems are better than alloy at shielding the rider, but you'll lose a bit of speed bouncing around compared to a smooth road.

That is assuming that you've got the bars/saddle positioned right because nothing will really solve it if that's wrong.