new bike, or new to you bike, GET IT FIT

There are times I am so DENSE!

Once upon a time...
I had to buy a new bike on short notice - the MS 150 was coming up and the frame was cracked on my bike. I got a sweet deal on a Specialized from a bike shop that is still trying to rebuild after Katrina. It "seemed" like the bike fit, so I rode off into the sunset a happy camper.

But my knee and hip started hurting, a lot. Reaggravated an old injury. The light bulb started flickering "on." So I called the shop where I bought the bike, they're still closed, no longer have a mechanic, and they recommended I go to another LBS.

So yesterday, me and the bike went to see Todd. I wasn't on the trainer for very long before he told me to stand up on the pedals so he could adjust my seat. Raised the saddle an inch! It was up and down a few more times before he was happy with the fit. In total he raised the saddle an 1.75 inches :eek: . Said my knees and hips should be much happier.

In the afternoon, went riding with the team after work - one of the "A" group riders pulled... 19 mph into the wind. I managed to hang on for almost 8 miles before I had to drop - the heat and lack of air finally got to me. But today my knees aren't screaming either.

Moral of the story - no matter where you get a bike, find a good mechanic to FIT it to you!!!