I've done over 100 miles in a week for the first time in ages.
I'd be expecting my legs to be feeling quite tired or maybe ache but they're not.
My hand is aching quite a lot but I know what's causing that so it's not too much of a concern!
However my shoulders are aching like buggers and I've never had this problem in the past (even when doing similar amounts of cycling). I'm wondering if my handlebars aren't set right and I'm having to reach too far although I think they're the same as they've always been. The other thing it could be is the weight of my rucksack on the way into work every day although it's not that heavy (I'd guess it's less than 5 kg).
Has anyone else experienced this and know what could be causing it? If someone has a solution that would also be great!
naked_draughtsman said the following on 04/04/2008 22:59:
Quoted message said:
However my shoulders are aching like buggers and I've never had this problem in the past (even when doing similar amounts of cycling). I'm wondering if my handlebars aren't set right and I'm having to reach too far although I think they're the same as they've always been. The other thing it could be is the weight of my rucksack on the way into work every day although it's not that heavy (I'd guess it's less than 5 kg).
You were doing fine until you mentioned "rucksack"!!! It could be the position of the saddle/bars, but I would suggest trying that distance without a rucksack to see if it makes any difference.
Has anyone else experienced this and know what could be causing it? If someone has a solution that would also be great!
Yeah. Once my bars weren't set quite right, and the other time my rucksack was the problem.
If it's the rucksack your arms will soon get used to the extra weight, tho with summer coming I'd be getting a rack and panniers - rucksacks and hot summers don't wheely go together.
In article <[email hidden]>, Mark T pleasegivegenerously@warmail*turn_up_the_heat_to_reply*.com.invalid says...
Quoted message said:
If it's the rucksack your arms will soon get used to the extra weight,
Not necessarily - riding with a rucksack can cause unnatural shoulder position and tension as you try to stop the bag moving around, even if you don't realise it. Or the discomfort could be caused by pressure on a nerve.
Not necessarily - riding with a rucksack can cause unnatural shoulder position and tension as you try to stop the bag moving around, even if you don't realise it. Or the discomfort could be caused by pressure on a nerve.
I think it's more likely that it would be caused by the bag moving around rather than just having a rucksack. This time last year I was doing similar distances with more weight on my back but not having this problem.
My route to work now generally involves an off road element as well as some long bumpy downhills so my rucksack may well be bouncing around (or the contents are at least!). I'll try adjusting the bag to see if it helps - thanks for pointing it out.
Not necessarily - riding with a rucksack can cause unnatural shoulder position and tension as you try to stop the bag moving around, even if you don't realise it. Or the discomfort could be caused by pressure on a nerve.
I think it's more likely that it would be caused by the bag moving around rather than just having a rucksack. This time last year I was doing similar distances with more weight on my back but not having this problem.
My route to work now generally involves an off road element as well as some long bumpy downhills so my rucksack may well be bouncing around (or the contents are at least!). I'll try adjusting the bag to see if it helps - thanks for pointing it out.
peter
I cycle with a rucksack, primarily because I tend to want/need to transport more than I can manage in pockets (and I don't have panniers/ racks). I've managed to avoid any discomfort from it, and I strongly suspect that the rucksack in question helps with this: it's a rigid- framed light hiking pack (~35 l), and supports its own shape very well. Only downside is that it's a little obstructive of head position when I'm on the drops, but I'm rarely wearing it outside the commute.
