Question: I have 170-mm crankarms on my road bike and 172.5 mm on my mountain bike. Is it correct to have longer MTB cranks than road cranks? I ride both bikes regularly and notice that my legs are often sore when on the road bike. Could it be from the crank length difference? -- Laura M. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Mountain bikes traditionally have longer … [Read more...] about Can Alternating Crankarm Length Cause Sore Legs?
Pain
How to Prevent Numb Hands When Cycling
Question: After about 30 minutes of riding, my hands get so numb and tingly that I can't shift gears. My handlebar is level with the saddle. Can you help? -- David W. … [Read more...] about How to Prevent Numb Hands When Cycling
Why Do My Triceps Get So Sore From Cycling?
Question: How come the backs of my upper arms are sore for several days after a long bike ride? — Timothy W. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Your triceps muscles get sore because they are not used to supporting your body weight on the handlebar for long periods. To eliminate this nuisance, first check your riding position. An overly long reach to the handlebar tends to stress … [Read more...] about Why Do My Triceps Get So Sore From Cycling?
How Can I Look Pro Without Hand Pain?
Question: I'm 63 and ride 150 miles a week, often with a fast group of younger riders. I get a perverse delight in staying with the young bucks and even making them hurt on occasion. But they still haven't accepted me completely, probably because I was riding an early '80s steel bike with friction shifting and exposed brake cables. So, I bought a new bike with what the … [Read more...] about How Can I Look Pro Without Hand Pain?
Can a Low Stem Cause Knee Pain?
Question: I lowered my stem slightly after 18 months of riding in the same position. Immediately I felt knee pain on my usual 20-mile lunch ride. Coincidence, or did the stem change cause it? If it did, is there some other adjustment I should make to compensate, like lowering my saddle? -- Mike P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The lower stem might be the culprit, or you may … [Read more...] about Can a Low Stem Cause Knee Pain?