Conference noted::bicycle

     You're asking a question with a potential for many answers. I'm
    not taking a shot, but you're a year older. You may be "artificially"
    tensing up. Keep a loose grip on the bars and pay attention to relaxing
    your neck and shoulders.
    
     If it's a strength issue with the traps and back you may get it back
    after riding awhile or you might have to think about weight training.
    
     This is very common. Unless the FIT KIT wasn't done properly, it
    could be some minor adjustments with the seat, handlebars, stem, etc...
    
     Good Luck...
    
          Chip

    Re:  .1 You've brought up a good point.  I've been lifting weights 
    for the past 6 months.  This  could have an effect on my cycling 
    position.  
    
    Nancy

    re base.
    
         Maybe you should try stretching before you ride.  How tall are
    you?  Maybe your handlebar width is wrong.  Do you ride with your hands
    in the same position ( i.e. only in the drops )?  If you are not moving
    your hands then start moving them around ( drops to brake hoods and 
    back ).  What type of cycling gloves do you use?  Certain gloves can 
    allow your hands to become tired quicker than others and will cause
    you to tense muscles to compensate.  Do you eat while riding or at
    least 1.5 - 2 hours before a ride?  Whenever I fail to eat properly my 
    neck, shoulder and upperback muscles become very tired after about 40 
    miles.    
         Hope some of this helps, you should be able to do a fairly long
    ride without muscle ( maybe your rear if you have not ridden much )
    discomfort.  You may need to see a sports medicine specialist. 
    
    

    
    Your saddle may be too far forward/not far enough forward. If you are
    too hunched up or over-stretching to get to the bars you'll get sore
    shoulders. Also, check that your saddle hasn't slipped down at the
    front and is forcing you down onto the bars.
    
    But, as Chip says, there's too many variables to give you an accurate
    remedy in here. Probably the best thing is to get your position checked
    again letting them know of the problems that your experiencing. They
    will then be able to make sure that your position on the bike hasn't
    changed (saddle slipped or something) or that your body needs the
    position to be changed slightly (more likely).
    
    Graham.

    Interesting about doing weights.  I was a bit sore last sunday about
    3/4 into a medium length ride - something which is odd for me.
    
    I was on the beater whuich has a *very* different setup to my usual
    (ex-usual, sob) bike so I'd assumed it was that.  But I have done
    many thousands of miles on that bike with that setup and normally only
    expect back pain after >100miles.  So when you said that you'd been
    doing weights (which is precisely what I did last winter for the first
    time) I took note.  However I think that .1, .3 & .4 have better advise
    than my rantings...

    Often "doing weights" can have the effects of tightening up
    a bunch of things and cause fit or tightness problems.  Did
    you stretch after weight training?
    
    ed

    Weight training will also reduce your flexibility. You probably don't
    have the same reach as before, at least not comfortably. So I would
    guess that you would have to move your seat a little forward. The other
    thing to remember is when weight training it is just as important to
    try to remain as flexible as possible so include stretching as part of
    your workout. I find that when weight training my back swing in golf
    will shorten quite a bit.
    
    Alan 

    Interesting - I used to stretch before but never after....

    
    As everyone suggests and I'm sure you are already aware, stretching is
    most essential after weight lifting exercises. If you have drop bars
    and constantly looking too far in front of you will cause a soar neck
    shoulder too. If all the fiting and seat adjustment etc fails, and
    you are not a racer but recreational rider you might consider flat 
    bars. 
    However, a good cure for after any workout (as in after your rides or
    weight training) I swear by this method it works. 
    After your work out take a hot shower, turn the water as hot as you
    can stand it directly hitting the effected muscles for a couple of
    minutes, then slowly turn the water to cold, keep it there for 
    like 30 seconds or so, then turn it back to hot, repeat a few times.
    What this will do for your muscles is to rush the blood through them
    hence getting ride of all the acid build up and help in a lot quicker
    recovery of effected muscles. 
    
    Shaw
    

    Bicycling had a short article about two years ago that showed
    some stretches that you can do "in-the-saddle".  One that you
    might be interested in works this way:
    
    	Put one arm behind your back; If you grew up with an older
    	brother, this position should be familiar; )  It's the
        "chicken-wing"!
    
    	Twist your torso to that side (overrotating at the shoulders).
    	
    This really works for me.  Don't forget to keep your eyes on the
    road.  I don't lift weights, but a do alot of swimming--that helps.
    
    
    r�	
    

    Thanks for all the comments.  I stretch before and after working out
    and bicycling so I'm adequately stretched and loosened up before
    and after any activity.  
    I am planning on taking my bicyle back to the shop to get it adjusted,
    I am also going to visit  my HMO doctor who will most likely tell 
    me its nothing and give me mega-doses of pain killer which I won't 
    take.  If the pain persists after a few more days, I might go to a 
    chiropractor.
    I was tempted to ride into work today (its such enjoyable weather!)
    however I think it would do more damage to my injury.  I might try my
    mountain bike after work just to see how a different bicycle feels.
    
    Thanks again for the comments!
    
    Nancy  

Get a recumbent?

M

    Or be recumbent... :-)
    
        Chip

    
    All good advice.  Just to clarify: when you say "shoulders"
    do you mean "clavicle" or "cervical spine" or "trapezius" etc.?
    Narrowing it down could give you a better idea of the cause.
    
    For example, "clavicle" soreness might mean you're hunching your
    shoulders; "cervical spine" might mean your neck muscles aren't
    yet strong enough this season to support a real aero position.
    
    Try having somebody else watch you (e.g., while riding beside you).
    
    - jodi/jle