Pain in elbows???

[Jiffer]

There are bike fits and then there are bike fits. My LBS, for instance, will do a basic fit for free before you leave with a bike you just bought from them, but they have a professional bike fit guy, who gets real detailed in the fit. He puts the bike on a trainer and measures various parts of you and the bike and makes sometimes miniscule adjustments that make a big difference. Sometimes in the seat, sometimes in the handlebars. He also watches you ride and tells you how your riding technique can improve and if you're sitting properly on the bike.

I was putting too much weight on the handlebars, like it's possible you are doing. He said I needed to support my weight on the seat with my core and don't hold the handlebars with a death grip. My back was arched wrong and I was sitting too far forward in the seat, etc. It has taken a long time to adjust my body to his recommendations and I still don't do it perfectly, I'm sure. But I find myself doing what he says more and more and it's feeling more natural and comfortable. I don't have to "think" about it as much as I used to, but still find myself sitting wrong and readjusting every now and then.

So, yes, I HIGHLY recommend a professional bike fit with a reputable fitter. Make sure you get a good recommendation if you can, cause bike fitters are not all created equal. I think I paid like $125 for my fit and he spent about 2 hours with me. I'm sure this price is vastly different in different parts of the country.

Good luck!

[effy]

I want to thank you all for your help. I can clear see the importance of being fitted by a professional. Thank you all for your input.

[MauiRockHopper]

My elbows hurt on the lower insides, not the actual joint. but it's not too debilitating and mostly noticeable after 3 hours but by that time everything hurts.