Fit
Make sure your bike fits you, not you to the bike. Spend time getting a proper bike fit and researching what bikes fit you before purchasing one. Pain can be alleviated by using bars with a shallower drop or by raising your handlebars.
Using a shorter stem can shorten the top tube length and might alleviate pain. Another idea is to move the saddle forward but this should be done slowly and cautiously to keep from developing knee pain.
Posture
Even the best fitting bike will not solve all neck problems if a rider doesn't use correct form on the bike. Your shoulders should be pushed forward and your back should be arched. You also want your elbows to be bent.
Other Considerations
Other sources of neck pain can be the placement of sunglasses and/or placement of helmet on the head. Make sure your helmet is placed correctly and not too far forward. A too far forward helmet can block the rider's view, making him compensate by tilting his head up.
Sunglasses or eyeglasses that fall down the bridge of the nose can also force a rider to have to hold his head up higher to see and this may cause neck pain.
Article Written By Courtney Johnson
Courtney Johnson is a freelance sports writer and photographer based in California. Her articles and photos appear regularly in newspapers and magazines such as "Triathlete" and "Cross Country Skier." Johnson graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in media production and minor in writing. She is studying for her copy editing certificate at the University of San Diego.
