First road bike advice

[mikey P 500]

So after years of riding mountain bikes (often on roads not just trails) I got my first road bike yesterday and had first ride today, I didn't really like it, my neck now hurts from trying to look up, the position of bars seams to leave you looking down into road more than ahead at potential hazards, using top of bars is better but then harder to use brakes, what am i missing, will my neck learn not to hurt after a ride, or should I just look down more (using on redways of Mk so plenty of other obstacles to lookout for, starting to understand why other road bikes are often on the roads).
I do like the lower rolling resistance of the bike compared to MTB but don't know if I should persevere with this bike or look for something in between, could I put straight bars on a road bike assume would need new brake/gear leavers.

[smifffymoto]

Stick with it,you have done one ride.I ordered my first road bike today after 35 years of riding flat bar,mtb and shoppers.
What bike is it?

[mikey P 500]

Will stick with it for a bit longer certainly, just researching how a shorter stem may help, it's a carrera virtuoso (fairly entry level halfords road bike), disappointed by getting the neck ache as otherwise I can see alot of positives to road bikes but still have doubts that striaght bars might suit me better.

[RLE]

I used my road bike for the first time in six months yesterday and have slight neck pain today. Always the case for me when I transition from the more relaxed geometry of my winter flat bar hack but tends to settle down after a few further rides. I generally only ride in the drops on descents and prefer the hoods but this is a personal preference.

As above what bike is it? Frameset may be very aggressive or you may just need to make some cockpit changes to aid comfort. Stick with it though. FWIW I hated my very first road bike due to the alien nature of the riding position but actually find flat handlebars a real annoyance now.

Ah edited as I see you have replied with the bike info. Stem may help (I changed a 110mm stem for a 90mm stem on my Aeroad). Flipping the stem may also be beneficial but plenty of variables regarding fit to find a comfortable position. I find a few shorter rides help my body adjust. May just be an age thing for me though!

Edited by RLE on Thursday 16th February 23:13

[The_Jackal]

It will be the new position you are getting used to for sure.
If you have spacers on your stem make sure they are underneath the stem to give you maximum height.
Also make sure the tops of your bars are horizontal. I see a lot of bars that are set up dipped away from the rider. This also will bring your hands a little higher/nearer.
You could also try moving your seat forwards a touch.
Remember you dont have to ride in the drops just because the pros do. It is a very flexed position and not ideal if that is not a natural position for you. Ride on the hoods and just get used to a new way of riding on your new bike. You should be able to brake fine from the hoods but you will have to find the best way yourself in time from practice.
Oh also, do some stretching or your neck and shoulder muscles before and after your rides to loosen up your muscles. Try a bit of Voltorol on the back of your neck before you go out.

[neil-935ql]

Same as above really , stick with it , it will get easier I only started proper road cycling just over a year ago,and my neck hurt for the first few rides and then on the longer rides but not now , maybe you do get used to it . My back also can play up a bit . There is lots of things you can try , I have changed , stem to a shorter one , seat post, saddle ,pedals ,even bar tape has helped me get a more comfortable ride , wider tyres can also help . I like having the drop handle bars it gives you plenty of options of hand positions which helps me with numb hands in one grip position to long , stick with it

[smifffymoto]

I broke my wrist many moons ago and now suffer with aches and pains,I hoping more hand positions on drop bars help them rather than the limits of flat bars.

[Matt_N]

Is this saddle set at the correct height for you?

Is the bike the right size for you?

Post a side on picture of your bike in it's current setup and we might be able to spot some quick fixes, like bar rotation, stem spacers etc.

[TwistingMyMelon]

OP can you post a pic of your bike and another with you on the bike?

Years ago I was fit, but riding a hybrid and MTBS, when I went to a full road bike it was a bit of a shock and I got a few neck and back pains

Partly due to the new position, partly because I am between two bike sizes, so needed a shorter stem which helped a lot

[mikey P 500]

Thanks for feedback, I do now think the bike is too large for me, was told it's the smaller of the two sizes offered 51cm but seat tube measures 54cm when I measure it, I'm only 5foot 7 so really need a smaller frame, think this is certainly a large part of the problem as although can lower seat and move forward the reach is still too long, maybe a shorter stem will help but exspect I need to sell and buy smaller frame (didn't buy new).

[Barchettaman]

Mikey, you can stick a pair of cyclocross interrupter levers on the tops near the stem. They're bloody lovely things.
Make sure to order the right diameter for your handlebars as there are various standards.



As far as neck pain goes, a shorter stem, on top of the fork spacers, flipped upwards, they're all things you can try.
Keep at it, lots of shorter rides until you get used to the position.

[BoRED S2upid]

mikey P 500 said:

Thanks for feedback, I do now think the bike is too large for me, was told it's the smaller of the two sizes offered 51cm but seat tube measures 54cm when I measure it, I'm only 5foot 7 so really need a smaller frame, think this is certainly a large part of the problem as although can lower seat and move forward the reach is still too long, maybe a shorter stem will help but exspect I need to sell and buy smaller frame (didn't buy new).

Go to a proper bike shop for your next bike (not Halfords) they will be able to offer you a bike fit normally for free which will be a massive difference straight off.

[mike13]

Did this about 5 years ago, bought a Merlin road bike new from maker, rode it down my street, sold it shortly after never having ridden again, much prefer the upright position of a hybrid, horses for courses etc!