After Sunday's cross race, I've had a sore right shoulder along with a small bruise due to carrying the bike up the run ups. I also had a bruise in the ribcage/back from the cranks/pedals. I've been using my MTB that weighs about 25lbs so its pretty obvious what's causing the pain, however are there any way I can reduce damage? Small shoulder pad? Applying bar tape on the top tube? Or is this something that is just part of the territory?

BTW - buying a cross bike is not an option at the moment because I'm considering purchasing a SS in the coming month.

BTW - I finished 6th in the 3/4's race. My best placing this season. :)
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nice job.

get some packing foam or whatever you think will make a good pad, tape it to your shoulder under your jersey. somewhat discreet if u care about that, and it should help. make sure u can still move ur arm as neccessary to ride, steer, run, etc. if you have a friend who is a doc or sports med or kids on a sports team, talk to the trainer and they might be able to hook u up with a good foam pad.

Who's tougher than you?

I hear you on the lack of funding. That being said, most cross bikes have a level top tube and a larger front triangle than an MTB. The design allows you to carry the bike with your shoulder farther forward in the front triangle, and the cranks/pedals won't hit you in the back as much, if at all.

You can also use pipe insulation as padding by taping it around the top tube or the junction of top tube/seat tube. (gray tubular padding)

my answer is just get used to it. i too had a bruise in the middle of my back from a pedal after a race this year as well as a sore and red collarbone.

its just called cyclocross.

Please whatever you do, dont buy that shoulder sling thing sold on ebay ----------- I've been wanting to say that for like a year now!

not every race will do that to you. you could wrap foam around your TT, but then you'd still have the pedal in the back-----maybe dont run a left pedal? :thumbsup:

Skip the foam.Toughen up.

Learn how to hold your bike right so you don't bruise up. Practice practice practice and find the best position for running. It does go away with time too.

If you are getting banged in the back from your pedal you need to learn how to dismount so the pedal is in the correct position. The right crank should be in the forward position and the left in the back position so its not in your ribs. If you get the accidental crank spin learn how to reach back with your left arm and turn the crank to the proper position when your running.

Then buy a true cross bike when you get some $. You wont go back (unless you have back problems)

If you have a couple bucks buy an instructional video like the one cyclesmart puts out. It might help improve your abilities even on a mtb.

Use a couple of maxipad tampons and stickem under your jersey! Don't drop one during the race or you might get worked over by your riding buds! No actually I always thought a jersey/skinsuit padded in the shoulder area would be ideal for cross.

my answer is just get used to it. i too had a bruise in the middle of my back from a pedal after a race this year as well as a sore and red collarbone.

its just called cyclocross.

Please whatever you do, dont buy that shoulder sling thing sold on ebay ----------- I've been wanting to say that for like a year now!

not every race will do that to you. you could wrap foam around your TT, but then you'd still have the pedal in the back-----maybe dont run a left pedal? :thumbsup:
I get the pedal the the lower back, or back of the stomach area cause the rear wheel and pedals on my fixed cross bike keep turning, dang!!, I sometime run a fair bit depending on the course and I don't usually get a sore shoulder.

That's what I did a few years ago for a couple cross races when I was recovering from a broken collarbone: foam shoulder pad from a woman's suit duct taped to body under skinsuit. You could try that... or simply grow a pair and stop whining about your ouchie. :wink5: