Numpty IM Bike Thread

I had to search well back to find this through the spam.

I have a second hand trek 2.1 which I intend using as my main bike for a couple of years.  I was never fitted for it, and it feels relatively comfortable, although I recognise and acknowledge the importance of a bike fit.

I am a newcomer to bikes (at 50!), and as such I am building my mileage gradually iaw the Fink program.  I have cycled numerous 20-30 milers, a couple of 40's and today managed my longest mileage to date, 55 quite hilly and breezy miles @ 15.5 av mph.

My problem is a tighteness across my shoulders and neck which led to me suffering fatigue long before my legs tired.  I googled the problem and read quite a few threads on different forums with the obvious different answers.  I have been stretching my back out and roll my shoulders more and more frequently on the go and as the miles build up, but the burn still niggles on.

Q1.  Will this ease as I get used to the longer days in the saddle or should I have that bike fit now?  I don't want to spend unecessarily if the tightness is something that will ease with my core strength training, and with time on the road.

Q2.  Should I go for a basic fit now, or would the rather expensive retul fit at my LBS be worth my money with the inevitable spend on new bits.

I am not avoiding spending money, just trying to avoid needlessly spending money if I just need to harden up.

I normally get something similar, but not today. That said I am doing daily shoulder excercises at the moment.

Good idea Spongecake! 

Thanks  Cougie, it only started to annoy me after about 40 odd miles.  I'm happy to now gradually build on today, which was a big jump up for me.

I had my tyres at about 110psi and the road was very bumpy and chewed up.  I read that this combination can transmit right through the bars to my shoulders if my grip on the bars isn't relaxed. 

I seem to spend a lot of time on the hoods, only dropping down when I'm pushing along a flat, is that usual?

Since I ride on my own at present (my local bike club are pacing too quick at an average of 19mph for me to join their weekend rides),  my beginners questions must find their way to here.

Thanks Guys, I will investigate all suggestions.  The (new) helmet was a bit low at front SpongeCake, I noticed the drips of sweat hanging at the front.

NH, also thanks I read that somewhere about handlebar width.

Cat, what shoulder exercises do you include? 

I'm doing press-ups as well as weights and sit-ups to improve my posture/core strength, but I would welcome any other advice/exercise.

Hi VT'd - I have a Trek 2.1 as well for commuting on - have you thought about either dropping the height of the bars, or raising them if they're low already? Its fairly easy to do and might be worth a try before investing in more expensive solutions.

There's various web sites that will explain what angles you're suppose to have between your back/shoulder and other body parts . Whilst these are not always the perfect position, its often a good starting point - worked for me!

Physio has me moving my arms up/down in front of me in an arc with a theraband stretched between then. I'm trying to free up a previsouly separated shoulder.

I also spent about half of the ride following a wheel so not looking very far in the distance, which may account for something.

Cheers Cat, I have enough aches and pains in my hips, knees and ankles for my physio to play with without burdening him with yet another of my defects.

Did you have the new PX bike out Spongecake or was that someone else who just bought one?

RafikiD, I often think about swapping to a more upright type geometry like the Defy or Roubaix.  But I've never tried them, just read that they might be more distance friendly for someone creaky like me.

VT

I did a big ride today and my hands,  arms, neck etc are also a bit smashed.......
You are supporting yourself on the hoods etc with your arems, hands and neck under tension.  It takes time to buid the muscles up

I find try bars help for the  shoulders/arms/hands, but the neck gets worse........

oh and i ride on the hoods, or tri bars if fitted... the only tiimes i use the drops is when I am scared going down hill....