Neck injury

[shooter]

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get rid of a stiff neck from riding. I have a fused vertebrae in my neck & it is aggravating my neck to hold my head up. So I'm trying to figure out the best frame, headset, seat stem and so on to help get my head lifted a little. I normally ride a 58CM road bike like a Trek 5000 for instance. 
I'm sure I am not the first to have this issue & would appreciate some suggestions.

Thanks in advance!!!

[Pat]

Shooter - I'm sorry to hear about your problems.  I've never had vertebra fused, so I cannot comment on that.  I am recovering from a rotator cuff tendon problem, and wen through extensive therapy (including weights) to strengthen the right muscles in my shoulder.

That being said, I am 61, and a day on my Surly includes the usual dose of stiff necks and shoulders.  Sometimes, at the end of the ride, I almost feel like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.  I have worked with my LBS, and they wanted to get me more upright, and a little closer to the handlebars -- to limit the shoulder reaching and the neck bending.  Second, I have regularly included one or two weight sessions a week, concentrating on core strength, shoulders and neck, as well as steps for legs (which has nothing to do with this).  Third, I religiously stretch after a ride - if my neck or shoulders feel stiff, I will stretch at a stop (doesn't take more than about 5-10 minutes so I don't lose much time).

Long winded way of saying - you might want to talk to your LBS about this, and maybe a sports medicine MD.

Good luck,

Pat

[bogiesan]

1. Find a good physical therapist who understand bicycles and bike-specific exercises.
2. Don't even think about a chiropractor.
3. Look at the remarkably broad variety of designs in recumbents: high racers, low racers, short wheelbase, long wheelbase, tricycles with headrests. It's too bad you have a physical issue that might point you toward a 'bent becasue, once you're on it, you're oging to say to yourself, "Should have got this years ago."

[shooter]

I am working with a physical therapist now & we are making progress. I have considered the Recumbent idea just makes since. Problem is I'm one of them guys who still thinks he needs to race around haven't settled into the idea of just a relaxing ride. Not to say you guy's & gal's on Recumbent don't race around. I think you understand what I'm trying to say. What can a guy get a decent Recumbent for $$ & what brands & model's would you recommend?

Thanks for the great advice!

[driftlessregion]

Find a really good professional to give you a bike fit. Someone trained well and who understands how to modify bike fit for physical problems. Stay with the PT.

[nlsteve]

Shooter:

If you get the upright bike to work for you and you're happy, great.

But Bogiesan is right, there is a tremendous variety to the recumbent bike world, and I'm betting one of them would be terrific for you.  I suggest starting to hang out at http://www.bentrideronline.com, and checking out the online selection at bigger retailers such as http://www.hostelshoppe.com and  http://www.angletechcycles.com.

The proper recumbent need not slow you down, and may possibly speed you up once your muscles are acclimated to their slightly different employment on a recumbent.

 A lot of go-fast riders look to designs such as the Bacchetta Corsa and Carbon Aero, or the Rans X-Stream.   There are a lot of "high racers" built similarly to the Corsa.  The amount of layback may be a concern to you and your neck -- I don't know. This varies among different models, and some cyclists use headrests.

Recumbents are generally more expensive at a given quality level, but if you figure out what you need, you can watch for one on the used bike market. 

I am using both a recumbent and an upright bike, and I love 'em each for different reasons. 

Good luck!

Steve

[johnsondasw]

The bike fit I got solved the sore neck problem, but my problem was not as bad as yours.  They set me up with a stem with a higher angle.  I'm 63 and all my previous aching body complaints have been mitigated, albeit not totally gone.  There's a chance my next step is recumbent.