Aero position/Shoulder Pain

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2008-07-21 1:02 PM

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Master
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Subject: Aero position/Shoulder Pain

How does one perfect riding aero?  My tri bike is new this season.

I feel the need to constantly keep my eyes focussed ahead of me.  But craning or tilting my head up so I can see what's coming is causing slight soreness in the neck and shoulder area.  Then when I keep my head down so my neck/shoulders are relaxed I feature a huge pothole, or some sort of roadkill instantaneously appearing in my path. So then I stress and start tilting my head  up again while still on the aero bars.

Then fatigue sets in and I pop up from aero onto the brake hoods, thereby defeating the whole aero concept.

Am I missing some fundamental here?  Any tips?

2008-07-21 1:05 PM
in reply to: #1546032

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Champion
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Butler
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain
Make sure your bike is fitted properly and ride more.
2008-07-21 1:19 PM
in reply to: #1546047

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Master
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain

kproudfoot - 2008-07-21 2:05 PM Make sure your bike is fitted properly and ride more.

Well, I can say with confidence the fit is good.  I did sort of suspect it might be as simple as more hours in the saddle, on the road.  I did spend a lot of hours on the trainer but you can leave your head totally down, obviously

I just wondered if there was some trick, like just peering over sunglasses, but that doesn't seem to get enough scan of the road for me.

2008-07-21 1:24 PM
in reply to: #1546032

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Extreme Veteran
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Really South
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain
I have had this issue too and especially the more I ride, the more stress I am putting on my shoulders/neck. I try peering over my sunglasses, or right below the top and not bringing my head up so high. For me, it is about getting the body trained (again) for riding aero for a longer distance. I will come out of aero and onto my hubs to give everything a break and I don't see much of a change in time/speed.

Also, I recently purchased a heating pad to use afterwards. It feels great on the 'ole neck and shoulders.
2008-07-21 3:13 PM
in reply to: #1546032

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Veteran
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Kansas City (Roeland Park)
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain
I got my first tri bike this season and I also have the neck and shoulder issues.  I just figure I need more time in the saddle.  Until I master it, I find myself looking 45*ish down and then looking out above my sunglasses and below my helmet.  For the most part, it only bothers me on long flat stretches.  I'm having too much fun flying down hills to notice and either up and stomping or at least holding the horns going up the bigger hills. 
2008-07-21 5:27 PM
in reply to: #1546032

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Master
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Fenton, MI
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain

I think you answered your own question, but I have this to offer...

Try doing some neck stretches.  Before, after, biking days, off days.  It helps with flexibility, A LOT.

 

BTW, I'm not sure I told you, but it was really nice meeting you last week. 



2008-07-21 5:29 PM
in reply to: #1546990

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Master
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain
Going back to your fitter and fixing little problems is a common thing. Can't get everything perfect right from the start.
2008-07-21 5:45 PM
in reply to: #1546032

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Master
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Fenton, MI
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain

Is it the neck or the shoulder?  I just realized that you mention the shoulder in the title, but the neck in the body of the post. 

 Shoulder as in deltoids, or trapezius?

2008-07-21 6:14 PM
in reply to: #1547022

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Master
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain
matt3liv - 2008-07-21 6:45 PM

Is it the neck or the shoulder?  I just realized that you mention the shoulder in the title, but the neck in the body of the post. 

 Shoulder as in deltoids, or trapezius?

Hey Mr. Dibbleville, nice meeting you, too!

Definitely neck / trapezius.

I kept trying to think all yoga-like and relax the shoulders, don't tense up, etc., etc. 

So far reading lots of helpful advice, namely, more time in the saddle!  Those months on the trainer didn't substitute for bone jarring roads trying to avoid random road kill



Edited by travljini 2008-07-21 6:15 PM
2008-07-21 9:22 PM
in reply to: #1546032

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Veteran
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Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: Aero position/Shoulder Pain
Neck stretches work great but try one of those buckwheet heating pads you heat in the m-wave before and after your ride. The moisture in the buckwheat makes the neck feel AWESOME!!!
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