| Cycling, unlike running, doesn't place a heavy strain on | | | | neck strain. |
| the body. The constant pounding of the runner | | | | Decreasing Reach |
| eventually leads to joint problems. Cycling, on the other | | | | Don't overstretch. Your cycling position should be |
| hand, is relatively body friendly. Regular cycling | | | | comfortable and you should not be stretching your |
| however does bring some problems with it and cycling | | | | back. Reducing the length of the stem will bring the |
| injuries can occur. This is because humans were not | | | | bike closer to the saddle, shortening your reach. |
| designed to cycle. We were designed to walk upright | | | | Getting the correct combination of length and angle will |
| with our feet on the ground. When a human gets onto | | | | create the perfect cycling position for you. Take your |
| a bike the weight distribution of the body is changed, | | | | time over this. The effort you invest in getting this right |
| the back is bent and the neck raised in an unnatural | | | | will pay dividends on those long cycling trips. Your |
| position. If the riding position is poor, the neck will be | | | | whole cycling experience will be better once you have |
| subjected to heavy strain. | | | | adjusted your bike to fit yourself. |
| Most small aches experienced by cyclists are usually | | | | Lever Position |
| down to a poorly adjusted bike leading to a poor | | | | This is important. Once you have the height and angle |
| cycling position. Many cycling injuries can be prevented | | | | adjusted, it's time to think about your levers. These too |
| by good body and bike alignment. A few minor | | | | have an effect on your riding position. If you place the |
| tweaks to the bike can resolve most issues before | | | | levers high on the handlebars, it will encourage a more |
| they become serious. Your riding position affects the | | | | upright cycling position. Your hands will naturally be |
| alignment of your neck and spine, get this wrong and | | | | positioned at the top of the levers. Be careful not to go |
| you will be subjecting your body to unnecessary strain. | | | | so high that you struggle to reach the brake levers |
| To prevent this make sure your handlebar set up is | | | | from the bottom of the handlebar. You could also |
| right for you. This simple adjustment to make requires | | | | consider using "shallow drop bars" also known as |
| little knowledge and few tools. The effect of the | | | | "compact drop bars." |
| adjustment is instant. | | | | These bars reduce the distance from the upper bar to |
| Ensure your reach is comfortable. If you have to | | | | the lower part. These bars allow a rider to use more |
| stretch to reach your handlebars, your neck will be | | | | of the different hand positions because the change |
| strained, as it is constantly craned to see where you | | | | from the lower part of the bars to the upper is less |
| are going. Check that the handlebars are the right | | | | pronounced than on standard bars. These bars will |
| distance away from the saddle for you and that they | | | | allow the rider to travel for long periods using the |
| are at the right height. Adjusting your handlebars will | | | | lowest part of the bars, usually reserved for short |
| have the effect of making your riding position | | | | bursts of speed. |
| comfortable and strain free. | | | | Many of the stresses and strains cyclists encounter |
| Increasing Handlebar Height | | | | are down to poor cycling position. Don't just wheel |
| You are limited how far you can move your | | | | your bike out of the shop and start riding it. Make sure |
| handlebars with modern thread less stems, which | | | | it is set up right for you; the chances are it won't be |
| clamp directly to the fork steerer. Adjust the height until | | | | when you first buy it. Get a friend to help you set your |
| you are comfortable with the position. You should not | | | | riding position so you feel comfortable. A few simple |
| have to crane your neck, and you should not feel any | | | | adjustments can make all the difference. |