Yet another bike fit question

[kelownagirl]

I have been riding my road bike for a year now. I decided to flip the stem so I can be in a "more agressive" position. It's not a huge difference but I really like to be able to get down lower. However, not unexpectedly, I have found my shoulder blades/upper back is tight and sore after the first couple of rides. Is it just a matter of getting used to the new position? Do I need to get my fit rechecked now that I'm in a bit different position? Do I need to go back to the way it was?

Any thoughts?

[KnottedYet]

Try it for a week, and see how it goes?

[SadieKate]

When you flip that bar you also effectively lengthen the reach. Give it try for a while. This could just be your body reacting to the stretch and needing a bit more core strength to support the position. Don't flip back without an honest period of time testing it.

If I'm off the bike for a long period, I have the same problem on my road bike that has the largest saddle to bar drop (9 cm on a 51 cm bike so pretty aggressive). After a few weeks of training the pain goes away.

[kelownagirl]

So if it keeps hurting, maybe I should adjust the seat a little?

[SadieKate]

Why would you adjust the saddle? The saddle position is the point from which all other things are fit.

[kelownagirl]

yeah, duh, :o :o I was thinking after I posted that, that everything would go out of whack if I adjusted the seat. My on-going noobie-ness is shining thru once again. :D I guess I was wondering how to shorten the reach if it was now too long.

I will definitely give it another 3-4 rides before I worry too much about it.

Thanks for the input!

[aicabsolut]

Depending on what kind of stem you have, you might be able to adjust the angle somewhat. For example, some Specialized stems have several angle options. So, you could raise it up a tad without going all the way back up. Also look at what you may be able to do with spacers. You'll still be more aggressive than where you were set up before.

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Kelowna, when we make changes to our bike set-ups, unless there is radical discomfort, we usually trial it for a few weeks...

For me its about 4-5 weeks, or 16-20 rides
For my partner, its about 3 weeks as he is able to ride more often and longer distances.

Good luck