Last winter I suffered from an aching elbow. The ache disappeared in the spring but has now reappeared. The only explanation that I can come up with is that I ride a different bike in the winter than I do in the spring and summer. The winter bike is slightly bigger with a longer reach to the handlebars. Is there such as condition as "cycling elbow"?

Jonathan Fox, via email

It's not unheard of, and usually means that too much of the strain of supporting your upper body weight is being taken by the arms - which is exactly what you'd expect with a longer reach. The cheap and cheerful solution would be to take measurements off your summer bike, particularly the position of the saddle relative to the handlebars (both reach distance and height differential), and alter the winter one to match. Failing this, it would be worth paying for a "cycle-fit" service at a bike shop, and then asking them to make adjustments.

It may also be a good idea to start Pilates or similar "core strength" exercises: the more your torso can support itself, the less strain on your arms.

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