Saddle height and fear

[ln_ib]

So, I'm out looking at new bikes, because I've committed to riding in a long charity ride. I am looking especially at a Jamis Aurora (2009, about $780 with my discount). But as it turns out, I have some issues. Some mental issues.

I've ridden bikes for years, but probably have never ridden a bike that actually fit me correctly. I've also never ridden with drop bars and those fancy shifters. So I have a lot to learn. And, when I went out on my test ride with the saddle height at the correct height for me and my leg length, I was completely intimidated. I had a real problem stopping and starting, and felt like I was going to fall off the bike.

I have a plan -- it's to go ahead and buy the bike, and adjust the seat down a inch or an inch and a half, so I can get my feet to the ground. That way I can get used the bike, and the shifting ... and then I can gradually raise the seat back up to right height as I gain confidence.

So, my question is ... is this plan crazy? Is it inherently flawed?

[KnottedYet]

So, my question is ... is this plan crazy? Is it inherently flawed?

Nope! Lots of folks have done the exact same thing.
Just make sure you don't buy a bike that is too small, and be sure to explain to the salesperson exactly what you are planning to do. They can help you choose the right size bike and then drop the saddle down a smidge before you leave.

The other thing you might consider is raising the bars. Again, your shop can be a big help.

[sarahspins]

I think it's fine... honestly that 'intimidated' feeling is 95% of why I did NOT buy a road bike when I was shopping late last spring... I just wasn't comfortable mentally, and I didn't feel like the handling on those bikes (compared to a flat bar or hybrid) inspired much confidence in myself. I hadn't really ridden a bike of my own in a long time.. and definitely not one that fit me very well.

So based no what I liked when I was trying out bikes, I bought a hybrid.. but it didn't take me too long before I was wishing I had gone with a road bike... so I don't think it will take you long to get comfortable on it.

[Zen]

Sounds like a fine plan to me and a superb choice of bicycle

[Trek420]

I've also never ridden with drop bars and those fancy shifters. So I have a lot to learn. And, when I went out on my test ride with the saddle height at the correct height for me and my leg length, I was completely intimidated. I had a real problem stopping and starting, and felt like I was going to fall off the bike.

Remember the bulk of your time will be on the hoods or on the bar. You might be in the drops briefly on a descent or if you need to sprint. So drop bars are not that different, narrower I suppose then what you're used to.

You could also consider a flat bar road bike. But the Jamis is an excellent choice.

Make sure the shop knows what kind and length of ride is your goal.

[MartianDestiny]

The feeling is perfectly normal; however, I would caution against lowering it too much or getting used to it lower and just leaving it.

If you don't raise it to something resembling close to "proper" height before the event, you will be miserable on a "long" ride and you run the risk of doing severe damage to your knees.

Also don't be surprised or discouraged if you feel like you are putting in a lot of effort and going nowhere or you are getting aches and pains from riding. That happens to everyone, but riding a bike that is not adjusted correctly for riding will likely make it even worse.


Honestly, I'd put the bike into a mid-range gear and get used to starting and stopping with the seat in the "correct" position on relatively level ground, THEN get used to shifting (ie: I'd personally do it "backwards" of what you are considering).

A hint that may help with this: Most no-one can comfortably put a foot down while still seated in the saddle on a road bike (I can touch a toe NOW, but by this point I'm darn comfortable leaning my bike over while I'm still on it). When you are about to stop get off the saddle (move forward and down), put your weight on one foot with the pedal in the 6 o'clock position, and step off the bike with the other foot (pedal at the 12 o'clock position). If the bike fits, you likely won't have to lean it or anything and this will become second nature with some practice.

[PamNY]

I have a plan -- it's to go ahead and buy the bike, and adjust the seat down a inch or an inch and a half, so I can get my feet to the ground. That way I can get used the bike, and the shifting ... and then I can gradually raise the seat back up to right height as I gain confidence.

So, my question is ... is this plan crazy? Is it inherently flawed?

That's exactly what I did and it worked just fine. I live in Manhattan and no way was I starting out in traffic with the seat where it should be. Hope you get a great bike and enjoy it!

Pam

[hirakukibou]

If you have access to a trainer, another thing that might help, is put the bike on the trainer and practice shifting until it becomes easy. This way you have some "muscle" memory when you are actually on the road.

Your plan with the saddle is also a good one. This is similar to what I do, as a cycling instructor, with students who are new to a specific bike and want to get used to something new for them.

But it is also a good point, that as you increase your miles, you do want to raise your saddle, as you will be uncomfortable and your knees will suffer.

Best of luck!

[ln_ib]

Thanks for the thoughtful and sound advice. Also key: another LBS employee came over and said it looked like the seat was actually adjusted too high for me. She brought it down, and I made sure she erred toward the low side, of course. Now I'm feeling much more comfortable in the saddle.

[KnottedYet]

That is a BEEEEEOOOOOTIFUL bike! Congratulations!

[Zen]

They did class it up since I bought mine, but I got such a deal I can't complain. And I kind of like my root beer color too.

Is that the stock saddle?

[Grog]

Classy!

[ln_ib]

That is the stock saddle. My first assessment is that it will need to be replaced, but LBS is telling me to be a little bit patient. Patient?!

[indigoiis]

If you have access to a trainer, another thing that might help, is put the bike on the trainer and practice shifting until it becomes easy. This way you have some "muscle" memory when you are actually on the road.

Your plan with the saddle is also a good one. This is similar to what I do, as a cycling instructor, with students who are new to a specific bike and want to get used to something new for them.

But it is also a good point, that as you increase your miles, you do want to raise your saddle, as you will be uncomfortable and your knees will suffer.

Best of luck!

This is better to do than lowering the saddle - practice mounting and dismounting on a trainer, and raise the bars instead. On the trainer, your rear tire will be higher than on the road, so as you get used to the trainer, once you get out on the road it will almost feel "too" upright.

[featuretile]

I also felt intimidated about a drop handle bar road bike (and now that's my third bike in a year). You probably saved yourself a couple of upgrades. I may be one of the few people who can actually put a toe down with the bike tilted to get on and off. I put the toe down, then slide forward to get off. When I get back on, I put the right foot in the half toe clip, start peddling, and then get the left foot in the half toe clip. It took a few weeks to get that second toe clip on, but you can ride with it upside down until you get to a safe spot. Club members assure me that I will eventually want to go clipless, but I don't want to fall down while I'm learning that skill since I had ACL surgery a few years ago. Being able to touch the ground with my toe took all the stress out of riding a road bike. However, I raised the saddle up 1/4" a few weeks ago. I think you made the right choice and the bike looks beautiful!