Seeking Bike Fit Help

[Veronica]

Are you talking about my picture or Kathi's picture?

I don't think I'm bent over that far at all. My saddle and my handlebars are at about the same height, so that when I do go into the drops, I am not bent that far over.

I just did my yoga workout, so I know I can bend a lot further than that.

V.

[GLC1968]

Ana -

The way you describe your body is exactly how I would describe mine (short but with a long torso, short legs, small hands (and I also have short arms). I'm 5'4" and I ride a 19" terry (48.5 cm)...so we are quite similar. My bars are the same width as yours, my cranks are the same length and my saddle and bars are at the same height as each other. My guess is that your stem is probably too short. When I had my bike professionally fitted (a 3+ hour procedure), she lengthened my stem and lowered it. I was concerned about comfort being less upright than I thought I should be, but with a little core strengthening, I was fine. (and I mean 'little'...it didn't take much!). What I got out of the deal was WAY more comfort on the bike overall. My back, neck, shoulders, elbows and hips felt better not only while I was riding, but better once I got off the bike even after a 6+ hour ride. I also greatly increased my power, so I *finally* was able to keep up with my fellow riders in the flats (where they always used to drop me). This was just a bonus, too...I was mostly being fit for increased comfort.

I basically only use my drops in a descent (in the picture in my avatar) or in a flat when I'm trying to hang on to the 'big boys'. Most of the time, I ride on the hoods. As you can see, I'm not all that bent over and my knees do not hit my elbows. If I were to crouch lower (trying to pick up speed, perhaps), my elbows do need to go to the outside of my knees...but it feels natural, not like I have to think about it or anything.

When you are on your bike (maybe on a trainer) have someone check to see (or use a mirror) if the angle between your upper arms and torso is about 45 degrees. If it's less, you are probably too upright for effecient pedaling and joint comfort given the geometry of your bike.

Disclaimer - I'm no fit expert...I'm just speaking from my own experience of being a shorty with a tough body to fit on a stock bike!

[VeloVT]

When you are on your bike (maybe on a trainer) have someone check to see (or use a mirror) if the angle between your upper arms and torso is about 45 degrees. If it's less, you are probably too upright for effecient pedaling and joint comfort given the geometry of your bike.

FWIW -- at my recent fittings, I was told that they're looking for an arm/torso angle of about 90 degrees.

[GLC1968]

FWIW -- at my recent fittings, I was told that they're looking for an arm/torso angle of about 90 degrees.

Yes, yes, yes...sorry! I meant 90 degrees...not 45. Oops!

[Ana]

You all have great things to contribute! I might go back and have my stem put back a little longer...

I'm thinking maybe they shortened it TOO drastically :P My stock was an 85 and I think my LBS swapped it for a 60 mm.... Maybe something in between?

[emily_in_nc]

You all have great things to contribute! I might go back and have my stem put back a little longer...

I'm thinking maybe they shortened it TOO drastically :P My stock was an 85 and I think my LBS swapped it for a 60 mm.... Maybe something in between?

Yes, and you might find that the more you ride, the more comfortable you feel stretched out just a bit and that the original 85mm stem is just fine. I rode a 2001 Terry Isis with a stock 65 mm stem and over time found that I wanted it longer, even though it felt right when I first got my bike. My next bike had the same top tube length as the Terry, but I was able to use a 90mm (80 mm effective since it slanted slightly) stem and was very comfortable with more "cockpit room".

You might want to try a 70-75 mm stem now instead of the 60 (stems that short can also lead to squirrely front-end handling anyway), but hang onto the 85 mm just in case.

Good luck!
Emily

[tulip]

FWIW, I've been riding for 20+ years and I rarely ride in the drops. I'm happy on the hoods or on the tops, and I know I can get to the brake levels quickly.

Your thought about flexibility is a good one, though. If you work on your flexibility and core strength, I bet your rides will be more comfortable, drops or no drops.