Pain from cycling
Discussion
Out and about the last few weeks and I'm getting some pains, to the point I don't want to bother going out anymore.
Mainly lower back and hamstrings on the inside, up to my groin. It feels like I'm over stretching my legs.
I have tried adjusting the seat height, When its lower my knees just ache, move it up and I get the pain in my hamstrings. I can somewhat make the pain less if I sit further back on the seat.
Bike is a Cannondale. I'm starting to think the frame is too small. I have the seat post 5cm from maximum. Also, the bike was in the shop as old stock, so I think I was just told it was correct to get it sold.
Mainly lower back and hamstrings on the inside, up to my groin. It feels like I'm over stretching my legs.
I have tried adjusting the seat height, When its lower my knees just ache, move it up and I get the pain in my hamstrings. I can somewhat make the pain less if I sit further back on the seat.
Bike is a Cannondale. I'm starting to think the frame is too small. I have the seat post 5cm from maximum. Also, the bike was in the shop as old stock, so I think I was just told it was correct to get it sold.
A fitting session with a professional fitter will cost a lot less than replacing the bike, and could make a real difference. If you don't know where one is near you, someone on PH will have a recommendation.
I'd do that first. If they can give you some suitable stretches specific to cycling, that would help so remember to ask.
If you still have some cash left, get a proper sports massage...
I'd do that first. If they can give you some suitable stretches specific to cycling, that would help so remember to ask.
If you still have some cash left, get a proper sports massage...
You don't say how much riding you've done before, whether you've just gotten this bike or have ridden it comfortably in the past etc.
You could have a frame that's too small, but if you can raise the saddle to the point you're feeling your legs are over stretching to reach the pedals and still have 5cm of post left to use then the frame shouldn't be too short (may still not ideal and you'd benefit from a larger one, but can still get the contact points in the right positions on the smaller bike IYSWIM). You say it's better when you shift back on the saddle; do you have a set back post, is the saddle adjusted as far back as it can be? Are you using flat pedals or clipless since poorly setup cleats could be causing problems.
If you've just gotten on the bike or upped the quantity of riding, it could just be that you need to adapt and stick with it until you get over it. This is one of the best points about a proper fitting. Knowing that your bike is well fitted means you should be able to come away knowing that any pains/aches are just temporary problems due to adaptation and a need to MTFU, rather than something that if ignored could lead to real damage or injury.
You could have a frame that's too small, but if you can raise the saddle to the point you're feeling your legs are over stretching to reach the pedals and still have 5cm of post left to use then the frame shouldn't be too short (may still not ideal and you'd benefit from a larger one, but can still get the contact points in the right positions on the smaller bike IYSWIM). You say it's better when you shift back on the saddle; do you have a set back post, is the saddle adjusted as far back as it can be? Are you using flat pedals or clipless since poorly setup cleats could be causing problems.
If you've just gotten on the bike or upped the quantity of riding, it could just be that you need to adapt and stick with it until you get over it. This is one of the best points about a proper fitting. Knowing that your bike is well fitted means you should be able to come away knowing that any pains/aches are just temporary problems due to adaptation and a need to MTFU, rather than something that if ignored could lead to real damage or injury.
Uriel said:
You don't say how much riding you've done before, whether you've just gotten this bike or have ridden it comfortably in the past etc.
You could have a frame that's too small, but if you can raise the saddle to the point you're feeling your legs are over stretching to reach the pedals and still have 5cm of post left to use then the frame shouldn't be too short (may still not ideal and you'd benefit from a larger one, but can still get the contact points in the right positions on the smaller bike IYSWIM). You say it's better when you shift back on the saddle; do you have a set back post, is the saddle adjusted as far back as it can be? Are you using flat pedals or clipless since poorly setup cleats could be causing problems.
If you've just gotten on the bike or upped the quantity of riding, it could just be that you need to adapt and stick with it until you get over it. This is one of the best points about a proper fitting. Knowing that your bike is well fitted means you should be able to come away knowing that any pains/aches are just temporary problems due to adaptation and a need to MTFU, rather than something that if ignored could lead to real damage or injury.
Good points, I'll try to explain.You could have a frame that's too small, but if you can raise the saddle to the point you're feeling your legs are over stretching to reach the pedals and still have 5cm of post left to use then the frame shouldn't be too short (may still not ideal and you'd benefit from a larger one, but can still get the contact points in the right positions on the smaller bike IYSWIM). You say it's better when you shift back on the saddle; do you have a set back post, is the saddle adjusted as far back as it can be? Are you using flat pedals or clipless since poorly setup cleats could be causing problems.
If you've just gotten on the bike or upped the quantity of riding, it could just be that you need to adapt and stick with it until you get over it. This is one of the best points about a proper fitting. Knowing that your bike is well fitted means you should be able to come away knowing that any pains/aches are just temporary problems due to adaptation and a need to MTFU, rather than something that if ignored could lead to real damage or injury.
I've been riding on a trainer (different bike, bigger too) for the past 3 months (I don't like the cold!). I've only just started getting out on this bike for 5-6 rides @ ~10miles a go, every other day.
The seat looks like it has adjustment forward, back, and 'level'. Flat pedals.
itsnotarace said:
illmonkey said:
Seat post is straight up, as it was from the factory.
It varies between this and a bit higher.
Doesn't look too big. Try moving your saddle back on the rails and set it horizontal - not sloping upwardsIt varies between this and a bit higher.
I'm 5ft 11, btw. I' don't know if its any help, or you can see the true size of the bike.
Argh, still getting pain.
I find the higher the saddle, the faster I can peddle and maintain it, but The pain gets to the point where I have to stop. I've tried sitting differently on my saddle and I keep adjusting the height, any lower and my knees hurt, any higher and my knee straightens.
The pain is now mainly in my groin.
I find the higher the saddle, the faster I can peddle and maintain it, but The pain gets to the point where I have to stop. I've tried sitting differently on my saddle and I keep adjusting the height, any lower and my knees hurt, any higher and my knee straightens.
The pain is now mainly in my groin.
The further back you sit the more you'll feel strain on your hamstrings. Have you tried experimenting by pushing the seat to it's farthest forward position? The more you're over the pedals the more you'll be using your quads. However, this could mean you're too far forward for the handlebars and a longer stem is needed.
I'd exhaust all different positions you can set for yourself before going for a fitting as they are quite expensive (assuming you're talking something like Retul fit).
I'd exhaust all different positions you can set for yourself before going for a fitting as they are quite expensive (assuming you're talking something like Retul fit).
The basic way of setting the saddle height is:
get on the bike on your turbo trainer or next to a wall so you can lean against it
put the ball of your foot on the pedal as though you're going to ride it - your knee should have a slight bend in it in this position
put your heel on the pedal - the leg should be straight but not so much that the knee is locked
Adjust the saddle height in small stages until you get the above. This video should help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJwltZ3ECQ0
get on the bike on your turbo trainer or next to a wall so you can lean against it
put the ball of your foot on the pedal as though you're going to ride it - your knee should have a slight bend in it in this position
put your heel on the pedal - the leg should be straight but not so much that the knee is locked
Adjust the saddle height in small stages until you get the above. This video should help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJwltZ3ECQ0
Well, last night before my ride I leveled the saddle off completely and moved it forward about 1 1/2 inches. Big change I know, but it'd tell me if it was working.
Luckily it was, To begin with my knees hurt, but the saddle was just too low (I removed it to adjust but forgot the height it was set at). After an adjustment a mile in, it was great. Shame about the fricking wind, too 2mph of my average.
Luckily it was, To begin with my knees hurt, but the saddle was just too low (I removed it to adjust but forgot the height it was set at). After an adjustment a mile in, it was great. Shame about the fricking wind, too 2mph of my average.
Well I'm now doing 20 miles and I get less pain, also don't need to stop pedalling. The seat adjustment worked a treat.
But, the sadle is 1cm from its max point, surly that's the wrong sized frame?
Also, I now get sore palms, to the point after a few miles i need to take my hands off, which in turn slows me down. Ideas?
But, the sadle is 1cm from its max point, surly that's the wrong sized frame?
Also, I now get sore palms, to the point after a few miles i need to take my hands off, which in turn slows me down. Ideas?
illmonkey said:
Well I'm now doing 20 miles and I get less pain, also don't need to stop pedalling. The seat adjustment worked a treat.
But, the sadle is 1cm from its max point, surly that's the wrong sized frame?
Also, I now get sore palms, to the point after a few miles i need to take my hands off, which in turn slows me down. Ideas?
Do you wear gloves? I always wear gloves or track mitts in the summer, looks daft on my little Brompton but I find without the extra padding my palms would hurt.But, the sadle is 1cm from its max point, surly that's the wrong sized frame?
Also, I now get sore palms, to the point after a few miles i need to take my hands off, which in turn slows me down. Ideas?
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