Question about bike size

[teresa]

I just bought a Bianchi She, 50 cm. I am 5'3". Does this sound about right. The guy I bought it from supposedly fit me to it with me sitting on a trainer and it felt okay but after just a short ride my shoulders were pretty tight and my privates were uncomfortable. The saddle is a Selle Royal that came on the bike. No cutout and kind of soft. I called the guy I bought it from and it told me how to raise the stem a little by flipping it over which I did this morning so I'll see if that works but I just wonder if I bought the right size to begin with or if I should have gotten something shorter than a 50.

[ilima]

Size is probably okay. I'm 5' 4" with longish arms and I ride a 49cm unisex Merlin. The top tube is long than on your bike. Obviously, I can't say with 100% certainty it's the right size for you over the internet. But it sounds okay.

It's important you get comfortable in the saddle. I have found that soft saddles are not good for me; nor do I like cut-outs, because the nose of the saddle ends up wider than I like. First, I'd play around with the saddle tilt and then, if you can't get comfortable, go saddle shopping.

As to your shoulders--you have to remember that fit is something that evolves over time. As you log more time in the saddle you'll increase your flexibility and get more comfortable overall.

I just bought a Bianchi She, 50 cm. I am 5'3". Does this sound about right. The guy I bought it from supposedly fit me to it with me sitting on a trainer and it felt okay but after just a short ride my shoulders were pretty tight and my privates were uncomfortable. The saddle is a Selle Royal that came on the bike. No cutout and kind of soft. I called the guy I bought it from and it told me how to raise the stem a little by flipping it over which I did this morning so I'll see if that works but I just wonder if I bought the right size to begin with or if I should have gotten something shorter than a 50.

[teresa]

I really appreciate your response. I definitely need to change the saddle I think. I tried to change the slope of the saddle that is on it and I don't think I can on this bike. Have you ever heard of that? I can move it forward and backward but there is no adjustment bolt or lever or anything for the tilt that I can find. What do you know, if anything about the Bianchi She in general. I hope I bought I good bike. It is the second one I've owned. I just traded up. Thanks again.
Teresa

[ilima]

You probably can adjust the tilt, but some seat posts are really finicky. I replaced the seatpost that came with my bike with a Thomson, because it's easy to adjust.

From Bianchi's website, it looks like a nice bike. Enjoy!

I really appreciate your response. I definitely need to change the saddle I think. I tried to change the slope of the saddle that is on it and I don't think I can on this bike. Have you ever heard of that? I can move it forward and backward but there is no adjustment bolt or lever or anything for the tilt that I can find. What do you know, if anything about the Bianchi She in general. I hope I bought I good bike. It is the second one I've owned. I just traded up. Thanks again.
Teresa

[Kano]

Teresa -- it sounds to me like you're new to a road bike and its riding position? If so, the bike's fit may well have nothing to do with your shoulder/upper back pain. It took me a while to get strong enough to support myself without putting a lot of stress on my shoulders -- I had to learn how to place my hands so I wasn't locking my elbows, for one thing, and to get enough core strength that I could comfortably maintain that change!

The saddle, now that's another matter!

Karen in Boise

[rij73]

The bike size may be just fine, but it will take awhile to find the right saddle, right handlebar adjustment, and the most comfortable riding position. It took quite a bit of trial and error before I was happy. Also, as your muscles get stronger from riding, you will feel less pain. The body has to adjust too...

Nice bike! Enjoy!