New Bike - Fit Issues

[quint41]

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).

Yes, Lisa, I understand the difference between taller and shorter. I think that is the way I need to go, too.

I'm on my way out for a morning ride to see how it feels today. Certainly, this is going to take some adjustment, but I should not be in pain when I ride, that much I know! Thanks everyone!

[Triskeliongirl]

If your hands hurt, it definitely means they are bearing too much weight. That can be for a number of reasons. Certainly they could be too low (I too like my bars level with my saddle) or too far away, as has been mentioned. Your saddle could be tiliting down, throwing your weight on your bars. Your balance on the bike also could be off, you may need to move both the saddle back and the bars closer/higher (but this also depends on your KOPS position which the LBS should have looked at). Lastly, you may need to develop the abdominal and back strength needed for a drop bar bike. Think of your bars as a resting place, not a place that should be supporting your body. I think a visit to your LBS is in order.

[KnottedYet]

I have my bars about an inch ABOVE my saddle height. And, as Martha sez, "it's a good thing."

(and quill stems... also a good thing when playing with bar height)

[quint41]

LBS got my message and responded tome last night. He said he thinks stem may need to be a cm higher and hoods moved a bit higher as well. He got back to me on a Sunday evening -- not bad service! I'll keep you posted.

[neuroticcyclist]

In addition to stem height that is discussed, remember to keep your arms "soft". You should not have elbows locked and it should be as if your arms are floating. It is weight that is tiring them. To let your arms float, that means CORE strength. Yoga or, my personal favorite, pilates will give you that strength. I used to have a tired upper back and lower back on biking and now, after 2 years of hard core pilates, particularly in winter, my arms can just float there and I don't get these issues, since my back and abs support the upper body for hours, even if I am in the drops.

[aicabsolut]

In addition to what everyone else has said about stem length, angle and whatnot... Have you checked your seat? If it's too far forward, than in order to hold your body up, you'll lean on your hands. Farther back, and you can take your hands off the bars without falling on your face. Same for seat angle. Check to make sure you're not a little nose down. These things you probably wouldn't notice too much in your seat/lower back.

[quint41]

Hi, everyone! I had the bike adjusted at LBS on Thursday. Stem and hoods were both moved just about 1 cm higher/closer. What a difference a cm can make! Elbow pain is gone! So is the mild burning between the shoulder blades!

Absolutely, no locked elbows here. I know better than that. I've been weight training for years and know locked joints are never a good thing.

Core strengthening -- we could all use more of it. I do a lot of ab work at the gym. I don't do Pilates or yoga, mainly because they don't do classes t the gym I go to, and I'd have to find extra time to sign up for a class. Single Mom, two teens, job ... time is at a premium!!

You guys are great. Keep the tips coming.