Gear for little people

[mayanorange]

TxDoc- I think you're right that I should be lower and maybe even further out. I'm trying to get a bent elbow to reduce strain on wrist, but with the wide bars I end up having my elbows in a weird rotation which is tiring and then they get straightened, hurting my wrist and making me feel like I should sit up to put the weight on my tush instead.

I rode over to landrys and eventually managed to catch the fitter- he measured me at 37 and suggested a 38 because of my wrist. They couldn't find the ones they were supposed to have, so have an appointment with him tuesday night. It's worth it to figure it out quickly and know I'm actually where I belong, not just where I think I do! He's suggested the FSA compact bars in a 40 (which is 38 in the hoods) which looks like it could be very comfy- I was wondering why bars usually don't taper into the top. I asked if he knew the Deda 4 girls and he was hesitant since it's 38 outside to outside (thus a 36 really) and he might not want so much reach for me. We'll see what comes of tuesday- it's much nicer to talk to someone who really knows their stuff.

[TxDoc]

The FSA is very nice - and I think it has a shorter reach so it could help as well. I am glad you got a good fit, that is really priceless - working with real professionals changes everything, doesn't it?
It looked like the first bike shop did not really treat you appropriately. It seemed also strange to me that given your reach/wrist issues they decided to fit you on the Aurora that has sort of a touring/upright geometry. I would have thought that they'd suggest something like the Xenith instead - equipped with a short stem and a short-reach handlebar... but hey, they are the bike expert so I guess they must have had a good reason

So give the FSA a try and see how your hands feel. But still, once you have bars of the right size, consider leveling your stem and trying out how you do with a more flat position. That may help the wrist and also save some fatigue. We never think how important aerodymanics is until we try it...
Good luck!

[mayanorange]

The answer is they didn't fit me much at all. I tried a few different bikes, but then we walked into some clearance Venturas that also felt rather good- my Sport is shorter reach than DH's Comp model which I had tried in a 54 also and definitely noticed the length. We were lucky enough to get the one sales guy who owned a road bike, but the fact I got close to what I need was mostly me... going by feel.... having never had a real roadbike before (80s tenspeeds don't count). I'm lucky I got as close as I did. This is why I'm wondering why I didn't just go to Landrys and pay more and have the right bike. Too late now tho- live and learn.

My new best friend (did I mention he's quite easy on the eyes too? Don't tell DH) at Landrys is going to address the stem once he locates the right size FSA. I'm sure he'll find a better saddle position too.

[Surlygirl]

I went to one of the BIG bike stores in Boston and well, they basically ignored me and told me they didn't have much in my size and walked away. I had one of those Julia Roberts moments, big mistake pal. (I left with my wallet).
My favorite bike store is Gear Works in Leominster. I know this is a haul for you but its right off rt 2. I bought my Orbea Dama from them. Young crowd and they all ride. Might be worth the trip. Darren is great!!!!
Landrys I've found to be hit or miss. I've been in the one in Westboro and Natick. Summer help sometimes isn't very knowledgeable. Just my two cents worth.

[mayanorange]

Surlygirl- I agree Landrys can bit hit or miss, but I enjoyed my fitting last night with Andy in Natick. I grilled him about angles he chose and why and he was very open to telling me anything I wanted to know. I then of course threw DH on the trainer once home and fit him to his bike better.

So I now have the FSA wing pro compact bar in a 40 and I think it's pretty great so far. He actually moved my saddle up a lot (guess I wasn't toe pointing) and forward some to get the right leg placement. He didn't have the right stem- we're going to try 100 and 110 at 20 degrees, but for now I have stubby 30 degree stem on. He also wrapped me up with some bar phat and white tape (she looks so snazzy now!). I'll post an 'after' pic once the new stem comes in.

I also hopped on a bike that had the Selle SMP stratos on it- it was much tinier than I thought they'd be. It was interesting, but I'd need the plus or trk to get wide enough for my tush. Maybe I'll try a TRK at some point, but I can't really afford the plus.

All in all I think it was a great fit, tho it'll take a bit of getting used to where I'm really supposed to be!

[TxDoc]

So I now have the FSA wing pro compact bar in a 40 and I think it's pretty great so far. He actually moved my saddle up a lot (guess I wasn't toe pointing) and forward some to get the right leg placement. He didn't have the right stem- we're going to try 100 and 110 at 20 degrees, but for now I have stubby 30 degree stem on. He also wrapped me up with some bar phat and white tape (she looks so snazzy now!). I'll post an 'after' pic once the new stem comes in.

Sounds great - now we definitely want to see pictures!
So how does it feel with a higher saddle and a lower stem, does that relieve some pressure off your wrist?