While I'm on my bike, I cannot let go of my handlebars without falling forward...what could this mean and does anyone else have this issue? How did you fix it (shorter cranks, shorter stem, moving saddle forward)?
I have always felt that I had too much weight on my hands/handlebars. Are my shoulders supposed to be aligned as if I am standing regularly or do they flex forward while I am on my bike (as is natural if I extend my arms in front of me)?
I admit that although I do not have a six-pack, my abs are not weak. I am able to support my upper body on my commuter bike (a small Trek Mountain Track--14.5") without using the handlebars.
I would love to hear all your thoughts (and/or pictures) regarding this!
Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.
Results 1 to 15 of 23
Hybrid View
-
10-02-2008, 05:23 PM #1
pedaling my heart away
- Join Date
- Sep 2007
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Posts
- 646
Fit: weight ratio between saddle and handlebars
Last edited by Ana; 10-02-2008 at 05:46 PM.
Ana
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009 Lynskey R230
Trek Mountain Track 850
-
10-02-2008, 09:19 PM #2
I like my bike
- Join Date
- Mar 2007
- Location
- Sierra Foothills, CA
- Posts
- 800
What type of bike and what type of handlebars? That info might help folks answer your question.
-
10-03-2008, 03:30 AM #3
its not easy being green
- Join Date
- Feb 2008
- Location
- south georgia
- Posts
- 949
It could be as simple as tweaking the nose of the saddle up. It could also be a reach issue and you need a shorter stem. What kind of bike?
-
10-03-2008, 04:46 AM #4
pedaling my heart away
- Join Date
- Sep 2007
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Posts
- 646
Bike
Oh right. I'm riding my road bike (LeMond Tourmalet) with drops, Shimano 105.
I tried moving the seat back a bit and that seemed to help the fit although I have yet to take a long-ish ride with this modification
Ana
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009 Lynskey R230
Trek Mountain Track 850
-
10-03-2008, 05:25 AM #5
Ride your ride.
- Join Date
- May 2006
- Location
- Md suburbs of Wash. DC
- Posts
- 2,131
There are many other ladies here who are way more knowledgeable about fit issues than I am, but one thing I believe you want to avoid is moving your saddle fore & aft. Saddle placement should be determined by the position of your knees relative to your cranks, and then left alone. Reach issues are probably better dealt with through a shorter stem or even by raising your bars.
Anyone out there want to confirm/correct this info, or explain it better?"How about if we all just try to follow these very simple rules of the road? Drive like the person ahead on the bike is your son/daughter. Ride like the cars are ambulances carrying your loved ones to the emergency room. This should cover everything, unless you are a complete sociopath."
David Desautels, in a letter to velonews.com
Random babblings and some stuff to look at.
-
10-03-2008, 05:50 AM #6
Registered User
- Join Date
- Sep 2006
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Posts
- 1,315
A rule of thumb is to put your saddle as far forward as you can without falling if you let go of the bars, then check the position of your knee relative to the pedal spindle. But if the saddle is pointed too far downward, then that could be shifting your weight too far forward. Check the nose angle, and if that's good (like moving it up would be uncomfortable to sit on), then move the saddle back.
Reply With Quote
