Absolutely hooked -- road bike vs hybrid or both????

[LAB]

I am new to this forum and have found it helpful already! I am already hooked! Sometime in September, I decided to go buy a bike because I wanted to start exercising my recently retired body (59 1/2 and holding). So, I bought a hybrid Schwinn and a bike rack at one of the several bike shops in my area and made my way to a well-known bike path nearby. I was sooooooo excited about my new found sport and the discovery of MANY bike paths in the Washington DC area, that within the next couple weeks I decided I wanted to go faster. Anothor LBS steered me to buy a Trek 7.3FX, but after a couple rides, this bike made my hands hurt. They were kind enough to allow me to trade it in for a more upscale Trek 7500 hybrid. I love this bike, BUT, again I wanted to go faster! Soooooo, I went to Hudson Outfitters and they showed me this Dolce made by Specialized which is an entry level road bike. I liked the features, such as the ribbon with gel and the carbon fork to alleviate hand pain. I also like the dual break levers for safety purposes. It's a small 44cm frame which I assume is correct for a 5'3" person. Mind you, within the last 2 months I have bought and now own 3 bikes! (I retired my Schwinn to the recreation room and put it on a trainer for the winter months! Good Lord, I've gone mad!)

Now then, my issue is whether my aging body can handle this road bike! I am experiencing some elbow/wrist/hand pain on the left arm (previously injured when I fell on this elbow and bruised the nerve about 3 years ago) and then just hand pain on the right. I have the gel gloves which helps, and my handlebars are slightly higher than my seat. I do not "feel" as if I'm tilted forward, but who knows. I really like to go fast, so I wanted to give this road bike a shot but I do not tolerate pain well and do not want it to hinder my golf game! Should I just stick to my hybrid or do you think there is hope for me my on a road bike? Do I need to be fit by a LBS or do you think Hudson Outfitters can do as good a job? (They seem to have knowledgeable people and a bike repair shop.) Thanks for any suggestions. Lynda

[spokewench]

I have some hand/wrist issues and sometimes my hands and/or wrists cause me grief. I will wear braces during those times. First, I would get a good fit and tell the person fitting you that you have these issues and then if you still have problems, go to your ortho/pt/or whatever and have them get you a brace that will help your specific problem.

Call a local bike club/talk to people you know ride in the area, they may be able to steer you to someone in the area that is good at fits

Happy cycling!

[KnottedYet]

You might also want to check your elbows when you are mid-way into a ride. See if you fall into a "locked elbow" posture as your arm muscles begin to fatigue. Keeping those elbows soft uses a lot of muscle power, but it's very important (especially with a history of arm injury) to keep the elbows soft.

Bike fit influences everything, so I second the get a fit recc. You could also do some research before your fit with Andy Pruitt's book: Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists. Someone here on the board pointed me to this book, and it really is a great book and the writing is clear and easy to follow.

And welcome to TE!

[Kalidurga]

Do I need to be fit by a LBS or do you think Hudson Outfitters can do as good a job? (They seem to have knowledgeable people and a bike repair shop.) Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi Lynda,
I love Jamie at the HTO in Gaithersburg. He seems to be a great bike tech and is very patient with all the nit-picking I've done since buying a Specialized cyclocross bike from him earlier this year. As far as fitting, though, HTO does not have a great fit kit. Jamie steered me in the direction of Tom at The Bicycle Escape in Frederick, who does an authorized Serotta fitting and is a dealer in Specialized bikes. I'm going to have a full fitting with Tom next spring, but he's already helped me with my handlebar issues. I'd highly recommend that you give Tom a call.

In addition, I'd suggest that you check out the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic forums here at TE. MdHillSlug and I are riding together this Sunday, and a few of us are planning another ride on Sunday, 11/18. We'd love to have you join us!

[LAB]

Small world, Kali! Jamie also sold me my bike and he is a real sweetheart. I think a fitting would be my next step to ensure that this bike is right for me. Last thing you want is an injury. (I'll write you privately about riding.)
Thanks! Lynda

[HillSlugger]

I have hand issues with my hybrid (numbness and tingling) that are greatly lessened on my road bike. I still need to get the stem length dialed in but the multiple hand positions afforded by the road bike are a real help in regards to long-term comfort for me.

Go get a real fitting on your road bike. It's likely to make a world of difference.

I hope you'll join us on a ride sometime.

Nicole

[LAB]

Thanks, Nicole. I see you are another local! Interesting that your hybrid bothers your hands more than the road bike. I agree that when I've riden the road bike I can and DO change hand positions a whole lot!

Yes, I hope to ride with you all someday soon....

Lynda

[recycle613]

congrats on the new bikes!

there's alot of good advice here already. I just wanted to add that a smidge larger tire and a dot less psi can really soften a ride without slowing it down much. If everything seems just a little harsh you could try 28s run at 90-100 psi ... maybe even just in front ... to ease the road vibrations some. It'll still be a quicker and much more responsive ride than your hybrid.

best of luck!

[Bluetree]

Hi Lynda,

Welcome to TE.
If you're looking at the Dolce Elite, please be aware that for the 2007 model, Specialized downgraded some of their components from the 2006 model. They also dropped the MSRP from $1300 to $1100. If you can get a reduced price for last year's model (something that LBSs often do) you'll get a better bike for your buck.
Also, don't "assume" your bike size because of your height. You'll need a fit before you know for sure, and bikes of the same size all vary by manufacturer. It all depends on your leg length, torso length etc. For example, I am 5-1 and ride a 48cm Dolce. However, the 47cm Giants and Treks were too big for me.

Good luck!

[LAB]

Wow, Bluetree! I am seriously stupid! Here I am thinking that the 44cm is right for my height and now learn that you're 2" shorter than me and use a frame that's 3cm longer than mine!

I am now convinced the best thing that I can do for myself is to get a proper fitting. Kali was kind enough to recommend a place about 30 miles from where I live, so I am just going to do it! If my current bike is the wrong size, then I will simply sell it and buy a bike that is properly fitted for me. I just can't enjoy my ride when I'm in physical discomfort. Perhaps the bike shop that fits me will kindly purchase my bike!

I just keep on learning......and thank you all for the wonderful suggestions.

LAB

[mlove]

Just to chime in on getting the proper fit, I just got measured. I am 5'2" and I need a 51cm Trek Pilot. I tried one out just to make sure (since technically I am between sizes and could get a 47cm) and it was fine for me.

[latelatebloomer]

(cool, another member of the "Lynda with a Y" club!) The bike fit is definitely worth it. I bought my road bike 2nd hand, and it's an ok fit but not a perfect one, the guy who did my fit session said he would have sold me the next size down but "the best bike is the bike you have" and he did his best. Man, the bike became SO much more comfortable - I "suddenly" became faster and stronger!

and welcome to the wonderful world of women on wheels!

[light_sabe_r]

I have hand issues with my hybrid (numbness and tingling) that are greatly lessened on my road bike.

Ya know I've developed a CRACKING wrist since riding my hybrid. I hope it'll clear up when I get my roadie