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I'm really horrible with names, especially the people! Billy sounds right, tho- red and white?Quote:
Originally Posted by elk
I'll have to measure and take the new stem for a spin. It's torrential rain up here, so I spun for a minute on the trainer, but need to road-test. And aluminum is fine- I'm not too terribly concerned with weight- coming from a mtn bike this bike seems insanely light.Quote:
Originally Posted by TxDoc
So turns out once I go my actual dressmakers tape out to measure things that my handlebars are 44cm!! I had measured them before with a not long enough ruler and I guess I missed when I got 40. Had DH measure my shoulders and I'm about 36- no wonder they seem a bit wide! I think I might finally suck it up and head to the LBS to get a handlebar fitting- maybe and actual 40 wouldn't be too bad. I need my bars a touch wide so the weight is on the medial side of my bad wrist, so I guess I'll try 38 and 40 if they have them.
I'm starting to realize the LBS I got the bike at doesn't really fit everyone going out the door- I didn't even think to ask for a womens saddle. Granted since it's my first real roadbike, there was some getting used to it to figure out what was and wasn't working, but maybe the other shop that throws everyone on a trainer would have been a better idea even though I got her at essentially 1/2 off. The frame seems to be close to the right size- I did one of those online measure yourself a bunch of ways fit things and it says I'm dead on with frame size and seat tube, and pretty close with reach- it said I could go farther, but the fit thing didn't have a check button for crap wrist and no core strength ;) My main conundrum is the original shop owes me a tune up, so it'd be easier to go to them, but they don't have the selection of the other place. Hmmmm.
:)The way I see it - they DO owe you a fitting service, and if they want to keep you as a customer they should really do that for free and without complaints. As per product selection... if they are a serious bicycle business they should be able to order anything you need to have the bike fitted properly.Quote:
Originally Posted by mayanorange
That said - given your measurements the D4g could be the bar for you, but it is 38, so if your wrist needs a wider correction maybe you may want to try an anatomical 40 as well, like the Deda or the ITM. I would not suggest bars with very short reach and shallow drops like Salsa poco, because that may end up putting excessive strain on your wrist and certainly you do not want that.
In any case, as soon as my synapsi comes in (next week I hope!!!) I'll be glad to give you a couple of bars in 38/40 if you want to give it a try.
If you want to test ride bars, I have a brand new 40 that is just sitting there, still wrapped up and never mounted on a bike - and plan to take out the Deda 4 girls as soon as the new carbon bar comes in. So if you want to try them let me know, I can just pack them both and put them in priority mail.
TxDoc- thanks for the input, I'll give them a call and see if they even have anything I can try (combo bike/ski shop, so have really low stock levels). It'd be great to try out yours (of course I'll let you know if I miraculously find something this weekend). Which 40 do you have? and are they both 26 clamps? I'll have to go get the stem I just returned last week if so- mine's 25.4 and the good shop accidentally got me a 26 that I would have kept, but it didn't quite go as high, tho might work with different bars. I must be driving these guys crazy between swapping out about 6 saddles and now the stem craziness. :D
Just called- they have a 40, so I'll head over there tonight and try that out and see what they say.
40: Ritchey pro road, brand new, 31.8 clamp size.Quote:
Originally Posted by mayanorange
38: Deda 4 girls, used, 26 clamp size.
Good luck!
Sorry, I meant to write the measurements too, the Ritchey is 110 reach and 145 drop I think.
They're both definite possibilities. I'll report back after the bike shop.
Well that was a waste of my time. Well, not totally- he adjusted my derailleurs and showed me how to wrap my bars and gave me tips on pedaling. But when it came to fit, it was a waste. They had a ritchey wing topped 40 that bent back (bad for wrist) and something ancient from the basement that may have been a nitto that was 40 and felt okayish, but they didn't have another stem to put in to try the ritchey or any other bars to try. Oh, and I knew more about clamp sizes and bar shapes than he did! Sigh.
So do I go to Landrys and get a proper fit? Or should I just try TxDoc's bars? I am a biomechanist, so I understand a lot of the fitting issues and have read a lot, but I can't step back and look at myself, so am doing some by tape measure then by feel from there or just by feel. I have a cycleops trainer which helps- as long as I can reach my tools I can adjust while sitting there Maybe there's something more I'm missing?
Ok, I am missing the whole picture here... what is the geometry of your bike and what's your current setup (saddle height, stem, bars angle...)?Quote:
Originally Posted by mayanorange
And well yes, a professional fit would always be best!
Now, with your profession you may get by and do it yourself - with mirrors and some help (like someone taking your measurements and angles while you are on the bike on the trainer). It will take much longer than doing it in a pro bike shop. Of course it's cheaper, but again, a good fit is very important...
Anyway, I just placed the bars with some other stuff on the TE yard sale, if you decide to try them let me know and I can scratch them from that post :)
But seriously what is the geometry of the bike? I think I'm quite confused now at what the reach problem is :confused:
As a side note: when you find out that you know more about bikes than the shop owner (and your name is not Lance Armstrong or Jeannie Longo), then you need to change bike shop!!!
Good luck!
sidenote:
can I re-use my Brooks leather tape if I change back to my other bar? It's on the new bar thats on the bike until I decide.....?
:rolleyes:
Pic of my current setup at the bottom. It's a 54 and here's the specs from bikepedia: http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...4301&Type=bike I don't have official geometries but I took a few measurements. My measurements: height 5' 7.5", inseam 91cm, around the torso (looped around crotch and shoulder) 155cm, arm length 60cm. Current saddle height 92cm from pedal at the bottom of the stroke (I like to point my toes a bit). Current reach for center of bar clamp to center of seat clamp 63cm.Quote:
Originally Posted by TxDoc
As for the reach problem, basically I just wanted my bars a bit higher since I have my seat rather high for toe pointing. I went for a ride yesterday and I felt a bit cramped in my body but my arms were so splayed to reach the hoods at 44, that I can't go further out yet. I think once I get a smaller bar, I'll want to increase my reach to closer to the original (90mm) but still bring it up a bit (so maybe 100-105 but 20-30 degree), which helps my wrist and flabby tummy deal better.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/...5a44ef490e.jpg
I see your higher seat as an advantage actually. If you keep the bars leveled or use a low-rise stem (5 degrees or 8), because that would allow you to flatten your back and be 1-more comfortable (!!!) and 2-more aerodynamic. By raising the bars to the same level of the stem, you are basically neglecting yourself that advantage.
Also, if I understand your wrist problem (not sure I got it right...), I think that the more upright position is putting extra strain on your wrist and cousing more pain. A correct flat-back position, especially with your hands in the drops or on top of the hoods, should allow your elbows to bend more and your wrists to be in a natural position, relieving the pain.
Yes different bars will help, but I would definitely consider changing the riding position a bit. You could try a 5 degree stem (80 or 90mm), so that your seat is higher than the handlebars, and you can rotate the pelvis more and achieve a flat back - or almost flat ;)
In my opinion (and hey I am NO expert, just ride a bike sometimes) this change may solve many of your problems, including reach AND wrist pain.
Since you have a stationary trainer, you could just give it a try - although efficiently rotating the pelvis takes time, so it will be a gradual change from your current upright position to a flat-back more aero position.
As per toe-pointing... despite most coaches preaching against it (with good reasons) - we occasionally see toe-pointers among pro cyclists and champions. I guess you have to find your own balance, and figure out the position that allows you to pedal comfortably while getting the most out of your power output. The problem with toe-pointing is that some of the energy that you use to pedal is not efficiently transferred to the pedal/crank because of that position - so virtually you could go faster by using a more efficient position on the pedal. But again, finding the right angles take time, so if you are comfortable with some toe-pointing right now that can be ok as well - just make sure that it does not put unnecessary strains on the ankle or other parts of the body.
Hope this helps! :)
TxDoc- I think you're right that I should be lower and maybe even further out. I'm trying to get a bent elbow to reduce strain on wrist, but with the wide bars I end up having my elbows in a weird rotation which is tiring and then they get straightened, hurting my wrist and making me feel like I should sit up to put the weight on my tush instead.
I rode over to landrys and eventually managed to catch the fitter- he measured me at 37 and suggested a 38 because of my wrist. They couldn't find the ones they were supposed to have, so have an appointment with him tuesday night. It's worth it to figure it out quickly and know I'm actually where I belong, not just where I think I do! He's suggested the FSA compact bars in a 40 (which is 38 in the hoods) which looks like it could be very comfy- I was wondering why bars usually don't taper into the top. I asked if he knew the Deda 4 girls and he was hesitant since it's 38 outside to outside (thus a 36 really) and he might not want so much reach for me. We'll see what comes of tuesday- it's much nicer to talk to someone who really knows their stuff.
The FSA is very nice - and I think it has a shorter reach so it could help as well. I am glad you got a good fit, that is really priceless - working with real professionals changes everything, doesn't it?
It looked like the first bike shop did not really treat you appropriately. It seemed also strange to me that given your reach/wrist issues they decided to fit you on the Aurora that has sort of a touring/upright geometry. I would have thought that they'd suggest something like the Xenith instead - equipped with a short stem and a short-reach handlebar... but hey, they are the bike expert so I guess they must have had a good reason :confused:
So give the FSA a try and see how your hands feel. But still, once you have bars of the right size, consider leveling your stem and trying out how you do with a more flat position. That may help the wrist and also save some fatigue. We never think how important aerodymanics is until we try it... :)
Good luck!
The answer is they didn't fit me much at all. I tried a few different bikes, but then we walked into some clearance Venturas that also felt rather good- my Sport is shorter reach than DH's Comp model which I had tried in a 54 also and definitely noticed the length. We were lucky enough to get the one sales guy who owned a road bike, but the fact I got close to what I need was mostly me... going by feel.... having never had a real roadbike before (80s tenspeeds don't count). I'm lucky I got as close as I did. This is why I'm wondering why I didn't just go to Landrys and pay more and have the right bike. Too late now tho- live and learn.
My new best friend (did I mention he's quite easy on the eyes too? Don't tell DH;)) at Landrys is going to address the stem once he locates the right size FSA. I'm sure he'll find a better saddle position too. :rolleyes:
I went to one of the BIG bike stores in Boston and well, they basically ignored me and told me they didn't have much in my size and walked away. I had one of those Julia Roberts moments, big mistake pal. (I left with my wallet).
My favorite bike store is Gear Works in Leominster. I know this is a haul for you but its right off rt 2. I bought my Orbea Dama from them. Young crowd and they all ride. Might be worth the trip. Darren is great!!!!
Landrys I've found to be hit or miss. I've been in the one in Westboro and Natick. Summer help sometimes isn't very knowledgeable. Just my two cents worth.
Surlygirl- I agree Landrys can bit hit or miss, but I enjoyed my fitting last night with Andy in Natick. I grilled him about angles he chose and why and he was very open to telling me anything I wanted to know. I then of course threw DH on the trainer once home and fit him to his bike better.
So I now have the FSA wing pro compact bar in a 40 and I think it's pretty great so far. He actually moved my saddle up a lot (guess I wasn't toe pointing) and forward some to get the right leg placement. He didn't have the right stem- we're going to try 100 and 110 at 20 degrees, but for now I have stubby 30 degree stem on. He also wrapped me up with some bar phat and white tape (she looks so snazzy now!). I'll post an 'after' pic once the new stem comes in.
I also hopped on a bike that had the Selle SMP stratos on it- it was much tinier than I thought they'd be. It was interesting, but I'd need the plus or trk to get wide enough for my tush. Maybe I'll try a TRK at some point, but I can't really afford the plus.
All in all I think it was a great fit, tho it'll take a bit of getting used to where I'm really supposed to be!
Sounds great - now we definitely want to see pictures! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by mayanorange
So how does it feel with a higher saddle and a lower stem, does that relieve some pressure off your wrist?
So, we went with a 38 cm Ritchey WCS Carbon Evolution SL with 132mm drop and 75mm reach. I'm excited to see how it feels. The bummer, my bike got selected to be shown in the Edge Composites booth at Interbike next week. I won't get to ride her until October! (she's got a temporary Edge handlebar now)Quote:
Originally Posted by TripleGem
You can see her here though...http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php...3847712&ref=mf
WOWOWOW
If anybody hasn't checked out how her custom bike turned out you really should. It is ridiculously hot!
If my Look turns out 1/2 as great I'll be happy...
I had the same problem with a Terry Isis Sport - Came with Salsa Short and Shallow -38 cm.
After a professional bike fit, the handlebars were swapped out with 36 cm version- aluminum. Works great, and a very big improvment from the 38 cm model.
Salsa also carries a Poco version for shorter drop and reach. Available in aluminum and carbon. I am using the bike for sport/touring and prefer the aluminum version.
Also had the same issue as you with Campy. No issue with the Shimano brifters which are shimmed.
Hope this helps.