Any ideas or tips as to why my hamstrings are ultra tight/sore and lower back sore? Have been training (riding) since January following a progressive program and previous fitness/strength was very good. Could it be the bike is not set up for me correctly?
I assume that your winter training was indoors on a trainer or spin bike. Out on the road it's a little different. I spin all winter too, but my first few road rides in the spring always give me a few aches.
You might try making adjustments to your bike. Seat height, seat angle and seat fore-aft position can all be adjusted as well as handlebar height and angle. From personal experience, often a tiny adjustment can make a huge difference in the comfort and fit. Last time I bought a new seat, it took 2-3 hours of playing around to get it just right.
And, as tstrawbridge says, stretching is very important.
Thanks. Yes I am stretching, but I could always do more! Did change bikes a month or so ago so it could definitely be that. Great advice! Thanks to you both for your input.
Did you get the bike properly fitted when you bought it. ie riding it on a trainer with a trained mechanic who will measure and adjust. If not you should do that. Lower back suggests the distance between seat and handle bars is too far, but maybe by only the smallest amount as other poster has suggested.
If a professional fit is not available, I would suggest trying (i) raising the handlbars if you can (but in .5 cm increments) or moving the seat forward on the rails again by .5 cms at a time.
Thanks! Problem is not when I am riding but all the time in between.... maybe I just should stay on the bike and never get off! LOL! Will look into someone helping me fit properly. Thanks for the suggestions.
