Riding Can Be A Pain In The Neck

Bike Riding Can Be A Pain In The Neck

You may suffer a stiff or sore neck after being on your bike for more than an hour or so and you may have already spoken with a techie at your local bike shop looking for a remedy to this annoyance.  It's possible that you were told the issue will diminish over time as you ride more and develop those now sore muscles. For the most part that is very good advice and is correct. But what can you do to mitigate that pain in the neck sooner?

Here is what I found works for me. For starters just get off your bike! If your neck typically bothers you after riding for an hour or so then plan to take a break before that time and set a destination where you get off your bike for 5 or 10 minutes. Have a snack or take in the view and let's not forget it might be a great time and place to take a selfie!

The other thing that works for me is to occasionally nod my head while I ride, in other words I don't always just look straight ahead. I lower my head and look down at my front wheel from time to time. Obviously I only do this when I know there is nothing ahead of me and I only do this for a few seconds at a time.  Once you get into this riding habit you'll find your neck is much more comfortable over a longer period of time.

Having said that I should also say that this applies only if you have established a good and correct riding position on your bike.  Saddle height adjusted and handlebar reach is correct for you.

On the other hand if you are considering raising your handlebars to provide you a more upright and therefore more comfortable riding position and you are considering doing so by installing an adjustable riser stem, then you should reconsider and you may want to view this video.

 #roadbike #cycling