Cycling / quads seize up very quickly

Hi, I have been cycling for a few years now, I cycle to work which is about 4K there, 4K back. Sometimes I get the train sometimes I get the bus so, I'm not cycling every day and I don't really cycle at the weekends. One of the main reasons I don't cycle more is that whenever I start cycling, in a very short time (almost immediately) I get very stiff quads and after that cycling is a slow grind, really hard work. People overtake me on much heavier bikes than mine easily. After I stop riding I feel very dizzy but when I've recovered my legs don't feel like they've worked that much - they don't stay stiff. Only my quads feel like they're working when cycle. Why could this be? Might it be a case of bad seating position? Maybe just the wrong bike frame for me?

Well you have been doing this for a long time now, so I doubt it has anything to do with getting use to the trip, which it would be in my case since I dont ride my bike much, maybe you are working it wrongly somehow, applying odd pressure or something like that.

bandrew,

I have a few suggestions for you to try:

1) If you aren't already stretching your quads before AND after the ride, then please start. (In a standing stretch, make sure your knees remain together - no cheating)

2) Think about raising your seat to take the quads out of their inner range (which can easily lead to nasty cramps)

3) Try a magnesium supplement to combat cramps

4) Get a good, solid sports massage to loosen the muscles

5) You might be looking at a psoas (hip flexor) injury, which can be confused as quads pain. This muscle attaches proximally to the lumbar spine, so lower back posture can be a factor. A physio can assess and treat if need be.

Please let me know how you're getting along.

HI THere,
Firstly, I would recommend getting your local bike shop to do a bike fit for you - doesn't need to be too complex to make sure you're in the correct cycling position.. I would then consider whether your lower back is causing issues with the posture if that doesn't help and see a sports physio - preferrably one you can take your bike to for a postural examination in the aggravating position. you may need some postural positional Xrays of your lower back (ie. in full bend and full arch) to see if there are any issues with stability and get that managed too - the dizziness after with your quad symptoms indicate that there's something going on perhaps with a neural irritation or lumbar position. 4km should not be a problem if you're not grinding huge gears or cranking up hills.
get it checked out from your bike to your back and let us know how it goes.

msk101 :)