fitting

[dolcerider]

Just came off a great club ride with my new bike - a womans specific ruby comp, when a few of the older and more experienced riders commented that my handlebars were too wide and so was my grip on them. The riders felt my fit resembled someone riding a mountain bike. I had gone to a shop that is utilized by the pros in the community and a lot of time was spent being fitted on my bike. Was this an oversight or is there any truth to the riders comments?

[KnottedYet]

I wouldn't worry too much about what other riders say, I'd pay attention to how you *feel* on the bike.

A good fitter will look at how your body works, where you are and aren't flexible, where you are strong, and how you naturally tend to hold yourself. (Even which way your ribcage moves most when you inhale! A narrow aero grip would be useless for someone who breathes sideways - it would cramp their chest and reduce their breathing efficiency.)

If they do their job right, your fit will be as unique as you.

[Kalidurga]

I wouldn't worry too much about what other riders say, I'd pay attention to how you *feel* on the bike.

If they do their job right, your fit will be as unique as you.

I'll second that. I think that too many people get hung up on how you "should" be fit on the bike and are afraid to be creative with the way their bike is put together and adjusted. I've read many an article about how some pro riders have somewhat bizarre positions on their bikes because of how they've insisted on having them adjusted. To me, those riders are a perfect example of how your bike needs to fit you and how you ride, not some general standard.

How do your handlebars feel? Are you comfortable? Do you feel in any way inhibited or limited by your grip on them? If so, go back to your fitter. If not, enjoy the ride!

[snapdragen]

I'll third that! My first fit session was done by a guy who believes everyone should be in the "butt high, handlebars low" position. I was horribly uncomfortable, and ended up undoing everything he had adjusted.

If your handlebars feel good to you, and the bike fit feels good, then don't worry about anything.

[dolcerider]

Thank you for your feedback. Yes the bike fits great! I have no problem with how it handles. Interesting comment on breathing. I hadn't thought about that... I do breathe that way. Years of pilates? LOL
This was my second bike from this establishment and at the time felt very comfortable with the fit. He had even made some corrections with length when he observed how I pedaled.

[ehirsch83]

I agree with everyone else!
ex. right now my bike looks really silly because I have a 60mm salsa mtb stem on it(it is a roadbike).
But... my frame is to big for me and I am having major shoulder issues from being so streched out. So low and behold- until I can get a new frame, the next best thing was done.

A lot of people make comments because it looks silly- but I don't care because I feel better!!

So go with how you feel, not with what others say- they aren't in your shoes