Bike Fit

rlcpross

After riding in the basement all winter the weather finally breaks and we can ride outside. 

When I'm riding on the trainer I am very comfortable laying in the aero bars with no problems, everything feels great.  Now that I have been outside riding and laying in the aero bars my neck is killing me about 30 minutes into the ride.  I did check one thing while I had it setup on the trainer and the front wheel block I had been using had the front end about an inch higher than the rear.  I wouldn't have thought that would have made that big of a difference, but maybe it has.

My question is this.  Should I continue riding like I have my bike setup or should I try to somehow raise the front end to mimic training on the trainer where I am really more comfortable?  And if I do raise the front do I need to push the seat back and lower it at all?

Thanks for any input!

dan_forbes

 I had the same problem a few years ago with my trainer.  I found a level part of the street, took out a balance on the top tube and tried to mimic it indoors.  Not perfect, but better than being off balance.  It is amazing how specifically the body adapts to a position, but I guess it all falls under the laws of specificity.  Good luck.

Dan

Al Truscott

If you have had a professional fit for your "outside" position, it's just a question of getting used to it again. If you have not had a fit for your "true level" position, then maybe it's time ... ?

Tom Glynn

I'd give it a week or two. My guess is that you spent trainer time looking down, not forward. A couple rides outside usually makes a big difference. If your neck is still throbbing after a while, add back a spacer or two, either temporarily or permanently.

kurshing

I second Tom's advice...it sounds like the neck pain is a fitness thing, not a fit thing.  Like Al said...it is amazing how specifically our bodies adapt to a certain position - give if a few rides and see what happens.  IF it doesn't straighten itself out...get comfortable again.

Michele Cellai

Rich- I've had the professional fit. It was perfect on the trainer. But once I got out of doors- ugh- neck pain. This winter we added a spacer and it made no difference on the trainer, but on the road I can tell it will be better. My neck discomfort is much more manageable these days.

Sometimes "perfect fit" has to be altered to "just slightly less than perfect so that I can get through my race".

rlcpross

Thanks everyone! I'll try an add a spacer to it and go with that for awhile and see what happens.
@Tom: Your probably right about looking down more when I was on the trainer!