New Bike - Fit Issues

[quint41]

OK, I picked up my new bike today. I was not able to take the bike out for a test ride right from the shop as I had intended, as a family issue came up. But, I did take it out for a short ride this afternoon. Now, this is my first road bike, I was on mountain bike flat bars until now. Yes, I was fitted, and this bike was adjusted to my specs with new wds bars, different stem and seat. This is what I felt on my first ride:

I felt as if my weight was all on my hands.

Shortly into the ride, I started to feel pain in my right elbow. (I had tendinitis in that elbow 2-3 years ago, and I do NOT want to deal with that again -- it took FOREVER to clear up last time.)

I found myself putting my hands up near the stem in an attempt to get the weight off my hands.

Started to feel mild stinging between my shoulder blades.

The rest of me felt fine (hips, lower back, butt, legs).

I sent an e-mail to the LBS (they were closed by the time I took my ride). I don't expect to hear from them until Monday. So, I appreciate feedback from you experience riders. Thanks!

[melissam]

Louise,

I'm no expert, but I'll take a stab.

What's your handlebar height in relation to your seat height on your road bike? Is it about level, or are the handlebars lower than the seat?

What's the handlebar height on your "old" bike in relation to the seat?

My guess is that you sat more upright on your old bike, which puts less weight on the hands. If this is the case, I think you have a couple of options:

1. See if you get used to the new height on the road bike. (May not be a good option, given your history with tendinitis.)
2. Have your LBS change out the stem so it's higher.

As far as the shoulder pain, when you put your hands on the tops of the bars (near the stem), they were probably closer together, which can result in shoulder pain. If you rode with the hands on the tops of the bars, but further out toward the brake hoods, did that feel better?

I'm sure others will have good advice, and definitely have your LBS weigh in. If I remember correctly, you had someone work with you on the fit, so it sounds like they know what they're doing and can make minor adjustments when you tell them what hurt during your first ride.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

-- Melissa

[quint41]

Yes, handlebars are lower than the seat. I spent my ride on the hoods. I'm all new to the road bike, so I wasn't going to venture too far from the brakes for too long! I did sit up on the bars once or twice for just a couple of seconds because the elbow was hurting, but quickly went back to the hoods.

I agree that I might have to get used to it, but I haven't had any pain in that elbow for 2-3 years -- I had forgotten about the tendinitis until today. I had that for a year, and I'm not about to risk it happening again!

Thanks. I'm sure the LBS will get back to me as soon as they can. Anyone else care to add a voice to this?

[SouthernBelle]

I've recently made the same change, from a flat bar to a bar with drops. I still don't use the drops! You might want to give it a chance before you change anything. Since you are getting accustomed to everything being in a different place you probably aren't moving them around enough. You get used to them quicker than you think.

HTH,

[emily_in_nc]

I would recommend changing to a longer stem (or flipping yours over if it's flat rather than angled up) so that your bars are the same height as - or no more than 1" below - your saddle. That seems to be the most common position for female road riders who don't race. Men can have a lower handlebar because they typically have longer arms. I can ride a road bike with bars equal to saddle height very comfortably but would have upper body problems if my bars were much below my saddle.

Your LBS can help you with the stem. Good luck!

Emily

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I would recommend changing to a longer stem (or flipping yours over if it's flat rather than angled up) so that your bars are the same height as - or no more than 1" below - your saddle. That seems to be the most common position for female road riders who don't race. Men can have a lower handlebar because they typically have longer arms. I can ride a road bike with bars equal to saddle height very comfortably but would have upper body problems if my bars were much below my saddle.

Your LBS can help you with the stem. Good luck!

Emily

I agree with Emily....except be sure to understand that she means a TALLER/HIGHER stem, not a "longer" stem, which would actually put MORE weight on your hands. Speaking of that- you might want to consider a taller and SHORTER stem (ask your LBS to explain this seeming contradiction if you are totoally confused now). I changed last week to a shorter stem (which brought my handelbsars closer to me), and it really helped eliminate the "falling onto my hands" feeling. And yes, having your bars more similar to the height of your seat may help you be more comfortable.