Long Torso, Short Legs.

[kelleil]

I'm in the market to purchase my first road bike! YAY!

I looked at Orbea's but they are for short torsoed, long leg people. I tried a Specialized Ruby and would need a longer stem, but the leg situation was great. Any recommendations of how to deal with this particular fit issue?

Thanks!

Kel

[Eden]

Actually you are the opposite of a fit "issue" :rolleyes: Most bikes are made for your build.

Unless you are super short and just cannot ride a 48 or bigger my suggestion is to stop looking at "WSD" bikes, which are built for short torso, long legs and start looking at standard fit bikes, which are made for your build. If you liked the Ruby, check out the Roubaix. It will probably fit you better out of the box.

[kelleil]

Well now I'm confused. :)

I did like the fit it gave my tush on the Ruby. So I'd have to swap out seats and bars if I went to the Roubaix.

HEY MY BF has a ROUBAIX. I'll try his.

Thanks!!

[Owlie]

I agree with Eden. Unless you're really short, go look at non-WSD bikes. They're generally for short-torso'ed, long-legged people. You have a load of options--Giant, Cannondale (though they've improved their women's road bike offerings of late. Never thought I'd be able to ride one.)

I rode a Roubaix. Nice bike. Specialized's saddles are actually pretty similar between the men's and women's. Just swap out the bars.

[TigerMom]

I'm 5ft 1in and on a 48cm Amira Elite, but I have a long torso and short legs for a woman (I'm built like a gymnast). So my girl parts are touching (but not jammed into) the top of the bar and when I stop, I usually tilt the bike sideways when I put one leg down just in case. I have always tilted the bike when I stop since I am very short, but this doesn't bother me much.

I tried the 44cm Ruby, but I my back curled up when I rode the bike and was very uncomfortable. I rather be comfortably riding and be minimally uncomfortable getting off of the bike. I did not buy a man's bike because Specialized company said that the man's bike is heavier than a woman's bike for the same sized bike.

Also because I have wide shoulders and wanted to swap out for carbon handlebars anyways, I got a slightly wider carbon handlebar than the original stock alloy handle bar that came with the 48cm Amira Elite.

It's really hard to figure out what is comfortable as a newbie. So, as everyone else on Team Estrogen usually says....try out all the bikes in your price range of various sizes, brands, men/WSD.


_______________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[MGM]

Actually you are the opposite of a fit "issue" :rolleyes: Most bikes are made for your build.

Unless you are super short and just cannot ride a 48 or bigger my suggestion is to stop looking at "WSD" bikes, which are built for short torso, long legs and start looking at standard fit bikes, which are made for your build. If you liked the Ruby, check out the Roubaix. It will probably fit you better out of the box.

Agree! The "unisex" or "mens" version is usually built for shorter legs longer torso. The men's Roubaix would have a longer stem, too.

I have a Ruby and I love it! But I also rode and loved the Roubaix.. go to a good shop that can fit you properly and help you determine which geometry is right for you. Bars, stems, saddles, are all easy swaps.
Oh, and the Specialized shops usually have the BG Fit system.

[Koronin]

I'm another to say to look at the men's or unisex bikes and not the WSD bikes. I'm 5ft 0in and chose a Felt F-5 (there is no WSD version of the Felt F series). I love the bike. Mine's a 48cm. I also have shorter legs with a longer torso. I did swap out the seat, but it's for a different men's saddle, just one that is much more comfortable than what came on it. Also I've kept the handle bars because for me they are comfortable. The ONLY WSD bike that I even looked at and would be comfortable on is the Specialized Ameria.

[kelleil]

I know 44 is too small and I'm best at the 48 in specializes. I was leaning towards Ruby. What do you think of the Amira?

[kelleil]

I only ride a redline 925 which is unisex. I just had a great waist down experience with the Ruby. Not so much waist up.

I'm going shopping on Saturday. I'm soooo nervous!

[Koronin]

The Ameria is the ONLY WSD bike I like at all. It has a geometry that is more like the men's/unisex bikes than what the Ruby and Dolce has. I did a test on both the Dolce and the Trek Lexa and felt cramped (waist up) on both of them. I did not test the Amira (no one has one in a 44cm in stock that I knew of). I think the Amira may solve some of the issues with the waist up issue if if the issue is of a more cramped type feeling. The Amira has a bit longer top tube than the Ruby.

[Eden]

Really.... I just recently switched from an old style Ruby (pro '05) to an Amira (pro '11). I was worried, because I already have reach issues - I have *really* short arms, I had a 70 stem on my 44 Ruby... The Amira actually feels better to me than my Ruby did (I still have the 70mm stem). The "cockpit" feels shorter (and I get less neck discomfort too!), even though looking at the measurements it seems like it shouldn't.

I'm guessing my legs must be relatively long for my height. I don't have stand over issues at all with compact frames. I have tons of clearance. Even with my old 19" Trek with a traditional straight top tube I could still clear without feeling like I was in danger....

[TigerMom]

Be excited and not scared.

I would recommend that your sales person is a certified fitter so that maybe they can throw in a qualified bike fitting for free when you buy your bike.

I love my Amira and feel that the handling seems less ackward than on the Ruby. Also, you might want to get the carbon handle bars to decrease road vibration. Because I changed stock immediately before I took the bike out of the store, my very nice local LBS gave me some store credit back for the stock alloy handle bars and for the handlebar tape (I changed from the white stock handlebar tape to black).

However, there are a lot of Ruby lovers and Cannondale Synapse lovers out there. So enjoy trying out all the bikes this weekend. Maybe if you can write down what city,state you are in, some of the Team Estrogen members can recommend good LBS shops.
_______________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[kelleil]

The specialized guy I talked to was trying to talk me into the Ruby as opposed to the Amira. I'll have to ride to see. I did appreciate the whole Zerts situation with Ruby.

For some reason I'm anti-trek and cannondale. Can someone talk me out of that? Its so lame.

The other thought was Bianchi....

Anyway, so my legs are sorta long for someone who is 5 foot, 1. My torso from the hips to the rib cage is long. I lose a couple of inches between my chest and my shoulders. So I'm a bit odd. So I'm mostly long torsoed. Arms are... normal?

I'm at a 730 standover and a top tube of 515 with my commuter, both which place me between the 48 and a 51 on the specialized. The Roubaix 49 may indeed be the better fit, which is 730 and 518, respectively.

When I was on the Ruby I felt comfortable on the hoods but not comfortable in the drops. I wanted to stretch out slightly more.

Ya'll are awesome!

[Jo-n-NY]

I also love my Amira. I have the 48cm. Loved my Ruby although it is a 2007 and since then Specialized has fine tuned the handlebars on the women's geometry bikes. I was not comfortable in the drops of my Ruby at all and it was a 51. I am very comfortable in all postitions of the Amira and the bike just rides awesome. +1 on all Eden said about it.

I am also not a fan of Trek not that was always the case. It is just my personal opinion of the company, customer service etc. So I cannot help you in to go in that direction.

[Koronin]

Sorry can't help you with your issue with Trek. My issue with Trek is that the men's bikes don't come in the 47cm frame anymore and Cannondales are too big for me.

I love my Felt F-5 and would say to check Felt out if you have a dealer semi close by. Our store that has Felt is also our Specialized dealer. When I told them what I was looking for and what I prefer and all, they felt the Amira was the better choice for me over the Ruby (if I went that way) because the Amira does have more of the men's geometry vs the Ruby. Then we also looked at the Felts both the Z and the F series and the F series was what was best for me. I love my Felt. The Felt F 5 has a slightly lower standover height (48cm) than the Amira (44cm) with a longer top tube and wheel base.

[kelleil]

Soooo everyone loves the Amira... Interesting!

I live outside of San Francisco so I've got every dealer nearby. Soooo lucky.

I am so thankful for y'all, I'd never even thought men's.

I like Felts but I get gnarled at the color choices (I'm against anything in the color white, which is vastly stronger than my dislike of trek or cannondale. I know, it makes no sense. I also hate bananas but love plantains. This color problem will most likely keep me off binanchi's)

Marin's, Jamis any good? The giant time trial bike is sooooooo hot but otherwise I'm skeptical based off on nothing more than hunch.

Y'all seriously rock!

[zoom-zoom]

For some reason I'm anti-trek and cannondale. Can someone talk me out of that? Its so lame.

Don't be anti-Cannondale...they are awesome. :) I'm also anti-Trek, even though my homestate is Trek central. I've heard too many warranty claims horror stories in the past year to ever give them the time of day, though I DO love their Bontrager saddles.

[Koronin]

I agree that some of the colors Felt has can be interesting at best. Most of the F series have a black base color. We have last year's F 5 bikes, hubby's is the base colors of black with orange (this year's F-5 is black with green). Mine is a special edition that is black with blue. I didn't look at the ZWs at all. I know their cruisers have some really wild colors.

[Owlie]

Soooo everyone loves the Amira... Interesting!

I live outside of San Francisco so I've got every dealer nearby. Soooo lucky.

I am so thankful for y'all, I'd never even thought men's.

I like Felts but I get gnarled at the color choices (I'm against anything in the color white, which is vastly stronger than my dislike of trek or cannondale. I know, it makes no sense. I also hate bananas but love plantains. This color problem will most likely keep me off binanchi's)

Marin's, Jamis any good? The giant time trial bike is sooooooo hot but otherwise I'm skeptical based off on nothing more than hunch.

Y'all seriously rock!
C'Dale makes nice bikes. Their aluminum CAAD10 rides about as nicely as the carbon version (Supersix) for a lot less money. There's a good chance the CAAD10 Women's is going to be my next bike, provided there's no geometry changes between the 2012 and 2013 (when I graduate--present to myself!) models. (I'm the opposite of you--short torso, long legs.) Jamis is also nice. Check out their steel road bikes (Satellite/Quest). I have no opinion of Trek or Marin.

(I don't like white either--I spent an hour yesterday putting nail polish over all the scratches on the white bottom half of my bike. I can't find a true color match, so it's sort of obvious.)

[MGM]

Soooo everyone loves the Amira... Interesting!

I live outside of San Francisco so I've got every dealer nearby. Soooo lucky.

I am so thankful for y'all, I'd never even thought men's.
!

The Amira's a fine bike, but I didn't like the ride. It's harsher, but that's because it's more of a performance or racing bike. It does have a lower, more aggressive posture. Give it a try - but do try that Roubaix. If you loved the Ruby the Roubaix might do the trick. I also felt cramped on the Ruby until I realized I had to go up in size to a 54cm, not a 51. And then we did the fitting to adjust everything just right.

[kajero]

What do you mean when you say you felt "cramped." I test road a Ruby 44 and it feels so small to me, but the LBS said he felt that was the correct size. I know he wasn't trying to sell me a floor bike because he had a 47 on the floor and ordered the 44 from specialized. My Giant Bike is one size bigger than the 44 and is a hybrid. So I really don't now how to feel. :confused:

I already bought the Ruby 44 but it is at the shop due to my accident. So I really do have time to change my mind regarding size.

[Koronin]

The Specialized 44cm is basically what a Trek 47cm is or a Felt or Felt 48cm is. Specialized measures their bikes differently.

[winddance]

Soooo everyone loves the Amira... Interesting!

I live outside of San Francisco so I've got every dealer nearby. Soooo lucky.

I am so thankful for y'all, I'd never even thought men's.

I like Felts but I get gnarled at the color choices (I'm against anything in the color white, which is vastly stronger than my dislike of trek or cannondale. I know, it makes no sense. I also hate bananas but love plantains. This color problem will most likely keep me off binanchi's)

Marin's, Jamis any good? The giant time trial bike is sooooooo hot but otherwise I'm skeptical based off on nothing more than hunch.

Y'all seriously rock!

I LOVE my Amira. LOVE. Yeah, it's a bit of a "harsher" ride compared to a Ruby with all of the vibration-dampening inserts built in, but I've always liked a stiffer, more aggressive ride. It's a very responsive bike, you ask and it gives back. I actually went into the shop intending to buy something more like a Ruby but based on my feedback they got me on the Amira, and I got off with a huge grin on my face. I knew I had blown my budget and found my bike.

My other contender aside from the Ruby was a Trek Madone WSD (I can't remember which number.) I did like the fit but it wasn't as nimble as the Amira and felt a bit clunky in comparison. It was a nice bike for the (closeout) price, however, and I did consider it, but it didn't make me go, "Wheee!" the same way the Specialized bikes do.

I did also like the feel of the Cannondale CAAD series, but they were too long in the top tube for me. Since I had just gone through that with my unisex Orbea frame, fixing that at the stem was the last thing I wanted and the more compact Amira cockpit felt better.

I would actually say the Cannondale I rode was the closest to the Amira in exciting me - but I just wasn't willing to go there with the top tube. I know there are lots of C'dale fans here and that you're not one (I'm usually not either since the fit is usually all wrong for me) but don't talk yourself out of a really good bike for you!

[kelleil]

I do my first shopping tomorrow. First go is to ride Specialized Roubaix, Ruby, Amira. Then orbeas. THEN jamis and felts. Then giant and Fuji. Trek, cannondale, marin last.

And no white!

Thoughts on clips? I've never clipped in.

[kelleil]

What do you mean when you say you felt "cramped." I test road a Ruby 44 and it feels so small to me, but the LBS said he felt that was the correct size. I know he wasn't trying to sell me a floor bike because he had a 47 on the floor and ordered the 44 from specialized. My Giant Bike is one size bigger than the 44 and is a hybrid. So I really don't now how to feel. :confused:

I already bought the Ruby 44 but it is at the shop due to my accident. So I really do have time to change my mind regarding size.

I felt like I was kneeing my boobs constantly (I'm not large chested so that was an accomplishment) and my upper back felt like it was tied up in knots!

Boooooo accident. Hope you are ok!

[kelleil]

"Wheee!" the same way the Specialized bikes do!

yes! Exactly! I want that wheeee factor and I hope my budget and ego don't get in the way!

[Koronin]

Personally I'm not comfortable with clipless. I have a set of pedals that are platforms on one side and clipless on the other side. I have no issues clipping in with my left foot, but I still have issues with my right foot. So I prefer these pedals.


For my feeling cramped on the both the Dolce and the Lexa was feeling my back was too curved due to the top tube and feeling like my arms/shoulders were being forced to be too tight to my body. Part of the reason I prefer the men's/unisex bikes as long as I can find ones that have a low enough stand over height. For me this just proved to me again why the WSD bikes are not for all women.

[kelleil]

Personally I'm not comfortable with clipless. I have a set of pedals that are platforms on one side and clipless on the other side. I have no issues clipping in with my left foot, but I still have issues with my right foot. So I prefer these pedals.


For my feeling cramped on the both the Dolce and the Lexa was feeling my back was too curved due to the top tube and feeling like my arms/shoulders were being forced to be too tight to my body. Part of the reason I prefer the men's/unisex bikes as long as I can find ones that have a low enough stand over height. For me this just proved to me again why the WSD bikes are not for all women.

That's sage perspective. My commuter is unisex and I feel better on it even though it's not perfect. If I can get the rear support I felt with the Ruby and not feel too curved, that will be the one.

Clips unnerve me but I know it's best for power throughout.

[Owlie]

That's sage perspective. My commuter is unisex and I feel better on it even though it's not perfect. If I can get the rear support I felt with the Ruby and not feel too curved, that will be the one.

Clips unnerve me but I know it's best for power throughout.

You don't have to get clipless pedals immediately. It took me a year of riding to make the jump. (I went straight from platforms to clipless, rather than using the cages that came with the bike.)

While I need a short top tube, I find my back is happier with a more aggressive posture. It's strange.

[MGM]

For my feeling cramped on the both the Dolce and the Lexa was feeling my back was too curved due to the top tube and feeling like my arms/shoulders were being forced to be too tight to my body. Part of the reason I prefer the men's/unisex bikes as long as I can find ones that have a low enough stand over height. For me this just proved to me again why the WSD bikes are not for all women.

Yes, WSD frames are not for all women. Some are more comfortable on the unisex frame and that's fine. It's good to have a choice. I have a bike that's a men's frame, and two that are WSD. I have a Specialized, Trek, and Cannondale. They are all terrific bikes. Each one felt completely right for that type of bike, but the brand didn't translate into guaranteed comfort on another. For example, my hybrid road bike is a Cannondale Quick 3. I thought I'd love the Cannondale Synapse when looking for a road bike. I liked it alot, but it didn't feel quite right, and the aluminum didn't give me the "whee!" factor (though the carbon did). The Specialized frame geometries were more comfortable for me on the road bikes. It's great that there's so many choices available to us even though it can be confusing initially. Good luck on your quest today, kelleil! Oh, and do get properly fitted. The potentially right bike can feel totally wrong with a bad fit!

[winddance]

I do my first shopping tomorrow. First go is to ride Specialized Roubaix, Ruby, Amira. Then orbeas. THEN jamis and felts. Then giant and Fuji. Trek, cannondale, marin last.

And no white!

Thoughts on clips? I've never clipped in.

I like Speedplays. Not only are they kind to your knees, but I feel like they're a good first option due to the amount of float they have. I'm somewhat of a klutz but have found they were easy to get out of and avoid the slow tipover. ;)

I have to say the thing I loved the most about my Orbea (aside from its overall prettiness,) was the fact that it absolutely OOZED up hills. That bike probably would have climbed without me. Its new owner finds it to be the same.

If you like the Amira's feel but not the WSD fit, the unisex version is the Tarmac, so perhaps add that to your list as well?

[Catrin]

As far as clipless pedals are concerned, I LOVE my Speedplay Frogs - just love them! They are a dream to clip in/out of, have never unclipped accidentally, very knee-friendly, and as mountain bike pedals the platform is larger than SPD mtb pedals. Nothing wrong with using mtb pedals on the ready as the recessed cleats does make it easier to walk around.

I've heard good things about LOOK and Speedplay road pedals but I've not used them.

[kelleil]

Ladies, I couldn't get off the Amira. The ruby and roubaix were fine (48 and 51 for the ruby, 49 for the roubaix. Of the two I liked the roubaix better.) But with the Amira, my upper back didn't hurt, it was effortless in the drops, and I had this deep sense of joy. My butt didn't love it as much tho, so the ruby/roubaix gets a point there.

My bf tried to talk me into the ruby due to the cassette being better for climbing as we've got 2000 ft climbs here but the Amira won hands down.

Granted I had a hard time getting started on any. On my commuter I stay on the seat with a toe down. To start from standing is going to take getting used to.

And then the clips... I'm not ready but I'm thinking MTB clips.

Oh what have I gotten myself into?

There will be crazy descents! I don't have health insurance!!

Ayeee!

[kelleil]

Speed plays, crank brothers, shimano MTB? Those are the recs I've received thus far

(although really I gotta be good just starting, a month or two maybe)

[Koronin]

Glad you were able to test all 3 to decide which was best. Also for for your butt, it could be a different saddle would help with that.

[MGM]

Congrats! You're feeling more comfortable with a more stretched out position. The Amira is a super bike and one you'll be proud to own. I went clipless for the first time with my new road bike, and got the Speedplay Light Action (road pedals). A lot of people use the Speedplay Frogs on their roadies too (mountain bike shoes). They are very light, two sided so no fumbling for the correct side, and easier to clip in and out of than some other pedals. Have a good amount of float, too, so you don't feel locked in one position. I told my bike shop that if they could find me a shoe that didn't hurt my foot and a pedal that I could get in and out of with relative ease then I'd consider going clipless. Well they did, and I went clipless. :eek:

[MGM]

Oh, and you could switch out your saddle, which I believe is the Jett(?) to the Lithia Comp used on the Ruby. Both are Specialized. They make very nice saddles.

[Owlie]

Ladies, I couldn't get off the Amira. The ruby and roubaix were fine (48 and 51 for the ruby, 49 for the roubaix. Of the two I liked the roubaix better.) But with the Amira, my upper back didn't hurt, it was effortless in the drops, and I had this deep sense of joy. My butt didn't love it as much tho, so the ruby/roubaix gets a point there.

My bf tried to talk me into the ruby due to the cassette being better for climbing as we've got 2000 ft climbs here but the Amira won hands down.

Granted I had a hard time getting started on any. On my commuter I stay on the seat with a toe down. To start from standing is going to take getting used to.

And then the clips... I'm not ready but I'm thinking MTB clips.

Oh what have I gotten myself into?

There will be crazy descents! I don't have health insurance!!

Ayeee!

The Amira is an awesome bike. (I'm actually considering one, since I think the Ruby may be too upright for me.) You can swap out the saddle. It may be more comfortable because of the extra padding in the Lithia/Riva as compared to the Jett.

As far as clipless pedals are concerned, I'm currently using SPDs (Shimano MTB pedals). I like them. There was a bit of a learning curve there, but I like them. I'm probably going to be changing them out for Speedplays or Looks on my next bike, but they're fine to get started.

[winddance]

My bf tried to talk me into the ruby due to the cassette being better for climbing as we've got 2000 ft climbs here but the Amira won hands down.

There will be crazy descents! I don't have health insurance!!

Ayeee!

...Yeah. That was my argument to myself about the Ruby or the Trek, because I have a compact on my Amira and live in some pretty hilly territory. But!! I love riding my bike so I figured that would help me get strong enough to ride on those hills instead of having a sort of, "meh" feeling about the entire situation. And the descents are fuuun.

Give yourself time on clipless. No need to rush. Enjoy your bike!

[Eden]

Cassettes are cheap (relatively - maybe about $100...) and easily replaceable... in fact they are a part that wears and *needs* eventual replacing. That certainly shouldn't be a deciding factor.

[kelleil]

So tonight I talked to a friend who is a bike shop manager and a triathlete who recommended totally different ones. First said Looks, triathlete said the shimanos and not the speed plays. So confusing.

Consensus please!! No...? Oh...

I just don't want to have to think about it!

Should I swap out for a different cassette? I'm getting ahead of myself. I've gotta be able to get on it first.

Re saddle: yes it's the Jett. The original ruby pro I tried had the same. The others were indeed the Lithia.

Y'all have been awesome.

[Eden]

So much of it is about personal preference.... I love my speedplays. I grew up with toe clips... flip the pedal over to put your foot in.... My speedplays are double sided - I don't think I'd ever go back to a single sided pedal like a look, but that's me. Other people love their looks.

What cassette comes on each of the models you are looking at? I would guess the difference isn't huge. Try what's on the bike and if you are experiencing problems then change it. (Now we are only talking about the rear gears here.... changing the *cranks*[front gearing] from say a standard to a compact or to a triple is a whole different proposition, and is expensive)

[Crankin]

Do not let anyone's "opinion" sway you. There are a lot of "myths" in cycling, i.e. don't do this, do that. Try everything. The fact that the saddle isn't comfortable means nothing. I don't know anyone who kept the saddle that came with his/her bike.
I have Speedplay X pedals on one road bike and Speedplay Frogs on the other. I've also used regular SPDs. I liked the SPDs until my knees started complaining and now that I've been using Speedplays for about 7-8 years I never want to change.
I have the same saddle on both bikes and I don't want to change that, either!

[winddance]

So tonight I talked to a friend who is a bike shop manager and a triathlete who recommended totally different ones. First said Looks, triathlete said the shimanos and not the speed plays. So confusing.
.

My tri coach recommends speedplays. But I already used them before we started working together. ;) Ask 50 people and you'll get 50 answers.

There is no consensus, so just find what works for you. For example, my father used to use SPDs but struggles with plantar fasciaitis, and got hot spots from the SPDs. I have a myriad of foot issues but had never had problems with my Speedplays, but WAS having trouble with the spin bikes at the gym (SPD.) I shared this observation with him, and he bought himself some Speedplay light action pedals. Now he can ride his bike comfortably again. It turned out to be a "big cleat/small pedal" (Speedplay) vs. "small cleat/bigger pedal" (SPD) issue for him that was concentrating the pressure on a small part of his foot. The Speedplay cleat seems to spread the pressure more evenly and thus doesn't give him problems.

So, just think about YOU, your body, and what would work best. Ask a lot of questions. You can always change your mind later.

[MGM]

My tri coach recommends speedplays. But I already used them before we started working together. ;) Ask 50 people and you'll get 50 answers.

There is no consensus, so just find what works for you...

So, just think about YOU, your body, and what would work best. Ask a lot of questions. You can always change your mind later.

Yup, best advice you can go by. You have to find what works for you, just like when you chose your bike (but the SPDs are much heavier. Just sayin'... ;-) ).

[Catrin]

...You have to find what works for you, just like when you chose your bike ..

+1,000 I've had this proved so many times since I started my cycling adventures over 2 years ago. There really isn't a consensus except that - what works best for you. There isn't a perfect pedal or a perfect cassette. Many would find my preferred riding position to be painful for more than a few miles but it is all-day long comfortable to me - so much of this is subjective.

SPD pedals are heavier though, and the smaller footprint can cause hot foot problems. Will your bike shop allow you to test different pedal/cleats on a trainer?

[TigerMom]

Yippee!! We are getting more and more Amira lovers.

My Amira climbs well....just need to work on this engine here.

I just finished a 34 mile hilly marathon climb in Irvine with a bad rear derailleur (because I tipped twice and smooshed it...so I was getting a little bit of resistance on my chains after falling). And I still finished at 14mph after derailling twice and having nice fellow cyclists helped me. But, at the first 8 miles (prior to tipping), I was passing a ton of people and probably could have finished the 34 mile bikeathon at least at 17mph. Oh well. At least I didn't crash.

If possible, I would try out a few different brands (ie. Speedplay or Frogs, etc.) of clipless pedals. I already have the SPD pedals at loosest tension and still wasn't able to unclip my second foot fast enough when I was tired out. Granted, I am extremely clumsy, so tipping is no surprise to me (I think I am on the 15th time of tipping after 2.5months of the clipless pedals). The bad part about tipping today was that my poor bike chain/rear derailleur was rubbing all the way to the finish line.


_______________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[kelleil]

So What cassette comes on each of the models you are looking at? I would guess the difference isn't huge. Try what's on the bike and if you are experiencing problems then change it. (Now we are only talking about the rear gears here.... changing the *cranks*[front gearing] from say a standard to a compact or to a triple is a whole different proposition, and is expensive)

I've got an 11x28 but thinking of an 11x32. Cuz I'm a newb.

[kelleil]

Yup, best advice you can go by. You have to find what works for you, just like when you chose your bike (but the SPDs are much heavier. Just sayin'... ;-) ).

All you ladies gave Great advice. Components and gear is so expensive so I would love it if I could avoid trial and error.

Today was my inaugural ride. 30 miles, avg speed of 11 but with sprints at 21. So I can't move now and my wrist is all messed up! Seriously, I could barely squeeze the break at the end.

Do y'all do off bike strength training?

[kelleil]

SPD pedals are heavier though, and the smaller footprint can cause hot foot problems. Will your bike shop allow you to test different pedal/cleats on a trainer?

my bf struggled with his spd's for much of the ride and I was like "whaaaaat?"

I can ask the shop!

So aside from excruciating wrist pain (its currently braced) I was spending much of the ride practicing mounting and dismounting. This is what I found...

I put the right pedal all the way down and lift off that position, putting the left foot all the way down on the ground. I keep the left foot down, and would basically then unclip the right, reset the right pedal to the up position, re clip in And then mount.

I can't get my right foot to do the ground thing. My brain just plain refuses. I do this also on my commute bike when dismounting.

Does this seem wrong or inefficient? The bf says its fine, don't worry.

[kelleil]

Yippee!! We are getting more and more Amira lovers.

My Amira climbs well....just need to work on this engine here.

I just finished a 34 mile hilly marathon climb in Irvine with a bad rear derailleur (because I tipped twice and smooshed it...so I was getting a little bit of resistance on my chains after falling). And I still finished at 14mph after derailling twice and having nice fellow cyclists helped me. But, at the first 8 miles (prior to tipping), I was passing a ton of people and probably could have finished the 34 mile bikeathon at least at 17mph. Oh well. At least I didn't crash.

If possible, I would try out a few different brands (ie. Speedplay or Frogs, etc.) of clipless pedals. I already have the SPD pedals at loosest tension and still wasn't able to unclip my second foot fast enough when I was tired out. Granted, I am extremely clumsy, so tipping is no surprise to me (I think I am on the 15th time of tipping after 2.5months of the clipless pedals). The bad part about tipping today was that my poor bike chain/rear derailleur was rubbing all the way to the finish line.


Are you ok??

The more I hear the less enthused I am with the spd!

[TigerMom]

Thanks for caring! I just have a few light bruises (no bruised ego because all my friends know how clumsy I am). I was more upset that I temporarily damaged my rear derailleur for the last 26 miles out of 34 to the finish line. I had wanted to know how fast I could actually go an a somewhat difficult hilly course as it was only my second bike marathon (I did one the day before but it was flat and I took it easy just to see what 31 miles was like). My LBS said that when the rear derailleur gets smooshed inward, they have to use a special device to pull it outward...so nothing that I can fix myself if it happens again.

I think today I am going to practice riding up to my front lawn with grass on both sides of me and practice falling and seeing how fast I can unclip. I can unclip fine if I am relaxed, but not if I am about to fall over (which sadly happens a lot because I am clumsy). Until I am able to unclip fast during a "slow" fall, I am staying away from roads and roads with thin bike lanes.

As for your right leg refusing to unclip, I would practice with sneakers on (pretending to unclip the right leg) to build muscle memory and practice unclipping with both the right leg in the 6:00 position and the 12:00 position. Then practice with your clipless shoes.

By the way Kelleil, we would all love to see a picture of your new bike and exactly which bike you bought when you have a chance. We love seeing beautiful new bikes on this website.
_______________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Eden]

I've got an 11x28 but thinking of an 11x32. Cuz I'm a newb.

Check with a mechanic before you buy that - it may be too big for the derailleur to accommodate. If I'm remembering correctly that one generally requires a long cage derailleur to work properly.

[Crankin]

I have an 11X34 on my custom Guru. It works perfectly. She might have to get a different derailleur, but it's a good option when you have a compact and you need to be able to climb big hills.
I have a 28 on my other bike, which is a triple (I've gone from a 25 to a 27, then 28) and the compact has lower gearing. It took a bit for me to get used to the jumps between gears, but now I like it. I don't use the lowest gears that often, mostly when I am very tired coming up my street/driveway after a long ride. But, I know I will be using them in the Berkshires, etc.

[kelleil]

14451

May I introduce you to Amy*

She's a 2012 Specialized Amira Apex comp!

*I name all my bikes after Doctor Who Companions.

[Owlie]

Very nice! Many happy miles!

[TigerMom]

Congrats and can't wait to hear more about Amira "Amy"!

_______________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[kelleil]

Thank you, you very supportive awesome ladies!

Any thoughts to this excruciating nerve pain in my left hand?

I had similar on my Redline and I still get it on long rides with Captain Jack (Harkness, not Sparrow) but its not as bad. We plan on raising the bars and tilting the seat up slightly. I saw these gore MTB gloves that claims to address nerve pain, and add gel pads under the tape.

AND THEN work on my abs.

That seems like a lot of work.

Also my hands swell during exercise.

[Crankin]

Get gloves in a bigger size. And , the padding/gel may be the culprit of your pain, along with gripping the bars too tightly, as well as position.

[kelleil]

I'm sure I'm gripping to tight but I don't think it's everything. :(

[MGM]

Strengthen your core, so that it's supporting you and you're not putting so much weight on your wrists. The more forward position of the Amira would be a contributing factor. The stem can probably be flip-flopped and angled upward so you're not so aero (unless the shop already did that in the fitting).
And very good gloves.

This is one reason I can't ride the Amira... :(

[Koronin]

She looks nice.

I agree with getting the right gloves. I actually have to have gloves with minimal to no extra padding as that can actually cause me issues.

[Owlie]

It could be any number of things: Bike fit (have a proper fitting done!), gloves, core strength (or lack thereof), bad saddle fit (the saddle is compressing soft tissue, so you shift most of your weight to your hands to give yourself some relief).

[murielalex]

I actually have to have gloves with minimal to no extra padding as that can actually cause me issues.

Same here. I went through three pair of gloves before I learned this.

[Koronin]

Same here. I went through three pair of gloves before I learned this.

Nice to know it's not just me. Same here it was 3 or 4 pairs to figure it out.

[kelleil]

Strengthen your core, so that it's supporting you and you're not putting so much weight on your wrists. The more forward position of the Amira would be a contributing factor. The stem can probably be flip-flopped and angled upward so you're not so aero (unless the shop already did that in the fitting).
And very good gloves.

This is one reason I can't ride the Amira... :(

You just described my whole plan! But core work takes time. :(

Soooo much time.

I've had wrist pain throughout, even on my commuter so it's not _all_ Amy.

I'm thinking of these for gloves:

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_GALPCO?landingid=1208436857561O

[kelleil]

She looks nice.

I agree with getting the right gloves. I actually have to have gloves with minimal to no extra padding as that can actually cause me issues.

Too much padding can be a problem?

[kelleil]

It could be any number of things: Bike fit (have a proper fitting done!), gloves, core strength (or lack thereof), bad saddle fit (the saddle is compressing soft tissue, so you shift most of your weight to your hands to give yourself some relief).

I was chafing up in my business! Any saddle fit recs?

[Owlie]

To answer both of your questions;

1) Gloves: Yes, too much padding can be a problem. As you ride, the padding compresses, and is slightly redistributed so that it puts pressure in all the wrong places, such as the ulnar nerve (if I recall correctly). My gloves are the Pearl Izumi Gel Vent. I got them for the ventilation, but as a bonus, they aren't padded as such--they have a flexible plastic thing on the palm that's vented and provides a bit of cushioning, but doesn't compress.

2) The saddle problem might be compounded by the core strength issue, which is probably fairly common when riding an aggressive bike. I recently had my "endurance geometry" bike fitted, which resulted in a more aggressive posture. The first couple rides were really painful in the saddle area, even with a saddle I had previously found comfortable. I've been not-terribly disciplined about doing some core-focused yoga, and it's been a lot better. Not perfect, but better.

On the saddle fitting front. You might want to make yourself your beverage of choice while reading this: http://http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=39475

[Catrin]

Too much padding can be a problem?

For gloves as well as shorts, yes. However we are all different in both of these departments. I am another who requires minimal padding in my gloves, but my butt likes the rather thicker padding of the PI 3D Elite chamois, most thinner chamois won't do for me, "I" would like a thinner chamois, but my butt doesn't like it. What she wants, she gets ;)

As others have already said, there are many things that can contribute to saddle and hand soreness on the bike. The links others have provided will give you a lot of references, and some of this is totally subjective. The perfect saddle or gloves for one woman can be an implement of torture for another.

[Crankin]

I can't have one shred of padding in my gloves. Somehow, there's a lot of people who think more padding=better. I found a pair of Botranger gloves that fit the bill, they never go on sale, but after a year or so of increasing hand pain, buying these gloves plus going up a size cured the problem. I have 4-5 pairs, as I just can't wear anything else. I threw out all of my Terry gloves.

[Koronin]

Crankin, I wouldn't be surprised if the Bontrager gloves I have are very similar if not the same as yours. The other pair I've found that works is a pair of Scattante gloves. Here's a link to them:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1087733_-1___400960

[winddance]

Strengthen your core, so that it's supporting you and you're not putting so much weight on your wrists. The more forward position of the Amira would be a contributing factor. The stem can probably be flip-flopped and angled upward so you're not so aero (unless the shop already did that in the fitting).
And very good gloves.

This is one reason I can't ride the Amira... :(

This! Strengthen your core, and ease up off your hands. Make sure to relax your shoulders and leave some bend in your elbows.

[kelleil]

Crankin, I wouldn't be surprised if the Bontrager gloves I have are very similar if not the same as yours. The other pair I've found that works is a pair of Scattante gloves. Here's a link to them:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1087733_-1___400960

Those aren't awful looking but reviews were terrible!

[kelleil]

This! Strengthen your core, and ease up off your hands. Make sure to relax your shoulders and leave some bend in your elbows.

Allrught, fine. I'll download ab workouts!
I've got bend in my elbows but that's about it.

[kelleil]

On the saddle fitting front. You might want to make yourself your beverage of choice while reading this: http://http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=39475

you weren't joking. <pulls out scotch>

[MGM]

Allrught, fine. I'll download ab workouts!


Lol, yes, it does take time. :D