 Comfort is the most important aspect in maintaining your cycling and increasing your enjoyment
With any new activity, your body and muscles need
time to adjust so initial discomfort after riding may be a sign that
your body is adjusting and is quite normal when you start cycling.
However, if the stiffness persists, or if you should feel unduly
fatigued after riding, you may be working too hard! Slowing down
and progressing more gradually should help. Don’t push yourself
too hard too early, as this is a sure way to give up.
Also if you notice discomfort in your lower back, neck, shoulders,
knees and saddle contact points your bicycle may not be set up properly
and needs adjustments. Visit your local bike shop and ask for
assistance.
Some common problems: Potential
Reasons Solutions
Muscle
stiffness? Dehydration Carry plenty of water and drink before you are thirsty.
Stretch
regularly
Sore
legs? Slow
Pedal
cadence Gear down. Try to maintain about 80 revs per
minute until your legs are tougher
Fatigue?
Low blood
sugar Eat. Bananas, pastries and macadamia bars are useful
sources of quick energy
Numb hands or stiff
neck? Handlebars
too
low Raise handlebar or change stem
Sore
back?
Poor seat
position Adjust seat angle and seat rail position
Sore
knees?
Low seat height,
slow Raise seat, increase pedal cadence, use
pedal cadence,
poor stiff soled shoes
footwear
Sore
buttocks
Wrong seat choice,
not Change seat,
cycle more, use good knicks
accustomed to cycling
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