Stems (and i don't mean legs... :))
I'm having some trouble with the fit of my "new" (at least to me!) road bike. The guy that helped me fit it had me sit with my hands on the hoods and look straight down... since the middle of the stem/handlebars was over the front hub, it "fit." then the guy at the LBS (which i hate because he makes me feel like a total moron) told me that my elbows were too straight and that if i fell I'd break them.
ack!!
i prefer riding on the flat of the bar, rather than the hoods (my arms hurt after a while there, maybe i'm just a weakling! ;)). I'm afraid that a shorter stem will be too short... is there a "rule" as far as where the handlebars should be in relation to the wheel hub? and can i adjust them without coughing up $$$$ for a new stem? i tried moving my seat forward, but i've also heard that that will reduce your pedaling power... basically what it comes down to is, when riding, should my arms be fairly bent, or fairly straight?
and one more question... since my bike was used, i didn't have a whole lot of options (ie: no women's specific fit). my hands are really small, and i can't reach the brakes when riding in the drops without rotating my wrist (which hurts). is there any way to adjust the distance between the handlebar and the breaks? i'd go to the LBS, but i have yet to find one that doesn't treat me like an imbicile! so for now i'm doing maintenance out of a book... :p
thanks much!!!
Re: Stems (and i don't mean legs... :))
Quote:
Originally posted by fultzie
the guy at the LBS (which i hate because he makes me feel like a total moron)
i'd go to the LBS, but i have yet to find one that doesn't treat me like an imbicile!
thanks much!!!
I say go to another LBS!!! There are lots of things you can do to make the bike more confortable for you. But if it's that bad, you might not ever be able to make an ill-fitting bike fit you. A good LBS is probably what you really need. They may be able to get you a better set-up. Or they may tell you you've got the wrong bike.
Quote:
Originally posted by fultzie
i can't reach the brakes when riding in the drops without rotating my wrist (which hurts).
You won't enjoy riding as much if the bike isn't right for you. And more importantly, you could get injured!!!:mad: This doesn't sound good!