Most common injuries in cyclists: prevention and recovery

Most common injuries in cyclists: prevention and recovery

Article April 15, 2025

Most common injuries in cyclists: prevention and recovery

Article April 15, 2025

Cycling, whether road, mountain, or urban, is one of the most complete and healthy ways to stay fit.

At Bewatt, where we design and manufacture high-end electric bicycles in Spain, we know how important it is to take care of your body to fully enjoy every ride.

Below, we review the most common injuries among cyclists and how to prevent or treat them correctly so you don't stop riding.

1. Knee pain

Common cause: poor saddle alignment, excessive load on climbs, or inefficient pedaling.

Prevention:

- Adjust your saddle height and setback properly.

- Use correctly aligned cleats.

- Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.

Recovery:

- Active rest (reduce intensity, don't stop completely).

- Apply ice if there is inflammation.

- Specific stretches and, in persistent cases, physical therapy.

2. Lower back pain

Common cause: poor posture during long rides or lack of core strength.

Prevention:

- Adjust your handlebars and saddle to avoid forcing your back to curve.

- Work your abdominal and lower back area at the gym.

- Avoid staying in the same position for too long.

Recovery:

- Gentle stretching.

- Strengthening your stabilizing muscles.

- Change your position from time to time during long rides.

3. Numb or tingling hands (carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression)

Common cause: Excessive pressure on the hands or incorrect posture on the handlebars.

Prevention:

- Wear padded gloves.

- Change hand position frequently.

- Adjust the handlebars to the correct height to avoid excessive forward weight.

Recovery:

- Massage, rest, and stretch the affected nerve.

- In more severe cases, see a physical therapist or medical specialist.

4. Neck pain

Common cause: keeping your head in an elevated position for long periods of time, especially on bikes with very aggressive geometries.

Prevention:

- Check your handlebar position.

- Strengthen your neck and trapezius muscles.

- Alternate your gaze between distance and near to relax your muscles.

Recovery:

- Apply local heat.

- Cervical mobility exercises.

- Relative rest and postural correction.

5. Chafing or irritation (saddle, pants, etc.)

Common cause: prolonged friction, wearing inappropriate clothing, or poor saddle position.

Prevention:

- Wear shorts with a quality chamois.

- Use anti-friction creams if you're going on long rides.

- Make sure you have a balanced posture on the saddle.

Recovery:

- Proper hygiene.

- Soothing or regenerating creams.

- Change your sports underwear regularly.

Prevention is smart cycling

At Bewatt, we believe that the cycling experience should be safe, healthy, and fun. That's why our electric bikes are designed to deliver the best performance without compromising comfort or ergonomics. From frame geometry to custom component selection, every detail counts to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Remember: if you take care of your body as much as you take care of your bike, you'll go much further.

Have you experienced any of these injuries? Would you like to discuss custom adjustments or ergonomics at your next Bewatt appointment? Write to us or visit us at our showroom in Madrid!