Riser Stem?

[Crankin]

Catrin, keep practicing whatever movements you think you need to have before you do any major adjustments, changing of shifters, etc. I'd hate to see you spend a lot of $, when this is more of a practice issue.
I am not sure it's easy for some to understand how it feels to not be able to take your hands off of the bars, or change position. I've been riding for almost ten years and I still have a very difficult time with the water bottle and will only drink while riding if the conditions are what i term "optimal."
I had a lot of issues using the drops until two years ago. There were no issues with the STI shifters, etc., that always seemed intuitive to me, even when i switched from trigger shifters, when I got my first road bike. But, I always felt like I was almost lying down when trying to ride in the drops. In observing my DH, I noticed he looked like he just moved his hands down, but his body stayed in the same position when switching to the drops. So, I knew the shape/position of my bars had something to do with it, but most of it was my shaky coordination. I knew my core was in pretty good shape (maybe not as good now ), so I did 2 things. First, I bought the short and shallow bars. Did tons of research and narrowed it down to 2-3. I bought the Specialized ones, but there are others that would have been fine.
Then, I just made myself practice. The bars made a difference, but I found that by getting in the drops on flat roads, where I could put it in the big ring and go really helped.
I still don't feel as confident with my handling skills when in the drops, but I use them a lot now.

[indysteel]

I actually do understand why a new rider might have trouble reaching for bar end shifters or the water bottle. I know I did when I started riding again, but that's why I tend to think that Catrin's issues may have less to do with the bike set up and more with just being new to riding. Without at least seeing her on the bike, it's just so hard to tell. I'd suggest, too, that if the bike really does have squirrelly handling because of the way it's set up and/or in how Catrin's weight is distributed over it, then she would likely sense it all the time, not just when she takes one hand off the bars.

Catrin, I know Jonathan has told you that he would prefer to do a fitting once you have more miles on the bike, but you might explain your situation to him and ask if he might have some spare time to head out to the parking lot and watch you on the bike. If nothing immediately jumps out at him in terms of how you look and how the bike is set up, then I'd suggest that it's really just a matter of practicing.

If nothing else, let's try to find a time where we can meet for a ride. Bring both bikes so that I can at least watch you ride it. If we met at my house, I could even set it up on my trainer and look at your positioning. I've spent so much time with my own fittings that I feel like I have some idea what to look for.

[Becky]

I think Indy's onto something here. IMO, her suggestions are good ones. Hopefully, you can resolve this- good luck!

[OakLeaf]

Tangentially - from the picture, I would say that the stem IS short enough to make the bike pretty twitchy. The rise is so steep that it looks like the effective stem length is maybe 30% less than the actual measured length.

[indysteel]

Tangentially - from the picture, I would say that the stem IS short enough to make the bike pretty twitchy. The rise is so steep that it looks like the effective stem length is maybe 30% less than the actual measured length.

Good point. I went back to the pictures Catrin originally posted of the bike to get the bigger picture. Oakleaf is right that the stem is awfully short. Your bars are also high relative to your saddle. Was that a conscious decision on your part?

If you'd let me, I wouldn't mind riding the bike myself for a few minutes to get a feel for it.

[ny biker]

FWIW, I've been riding my road bike since late 2002, and while I'm comfortable taking my left hand off the bars (to get a drink, signal a turn, whatever), I'm still not comfortable holding the bar with my left hand and taking my right hand off for more than a split second. (I'm right-handed.) And I don't think I would like those bar end shifters at all.

Also, last year I had a very short riser stem put on my bike and I didn't notice any difference in handling or twitchiness (sp?) with the new stem. What I did notice was that my shoulders are no longer hunched all the time and most of my neck pains have gone away.

[tongue_tied]

Also, last year I had a very short riser stem put on my bike and I didn't notice any difference in handling or twitchiness (sp?) with the new stem. What I did notice was that my shoulders are no longer hunched all the time and most of my neck pains have gone away.

That's exactly why my bike shop fitted me with a very short riser stem. And it's definitely made a difference.

[Catrin]

I actually do understand why a new rider might have trouble reaching for bar end shifters or the water bottle. I know I did when I started riding again, but that's why I tend to think that Catrin's issues may have less to do with the bike set up and more with just being new to riding. Without at least seeing her on the bike, it's just so hard to tell. I'd suggest, too, that if the bike really does have squirrelly handling because of the way it's set up and/or in how Catrin's weight is distributed over it, then she would likely sense it all the time, not just when she takes one hand off the bars.

Catrin, I know Jonathan has told you that he would prefer to do a fitting once you have more miles on the bike, but you might explain your situation to him and ask if he might have some spare time to head out to the parking lot and watch you on the bike. If nothing immediately jumps out at him in terms of how you look and how the bike is set up, then I'd suggest that it's really just a matter of practicing.

If nothing else, let's try to find a time where we can meet for a ride. Bring both bikes so that I can at least watch you ride it. If we met at my house, I could even set it up on my trainer and look at your positioning. I've spent so much time with my own fittings that I feel like I have some idea what to look for.

I will call Jonathan's shop later today and ask them about at least doing a visual check with me riding through the parking lot. I understand why they want to wait on the fitting. Without input it is easy for me to assume that XYZ is the problem when it might actually be LMN or QRS.

It IS more difficult to hold a line on the LHT over the Trek - it is just increased greatly when I start trying to move around on the bike. If I can't work something out with Jonathan I will certainly take you up on your offer - though it would be nice if we could just go for a ride without the extra stuff

Sadly it is supposed to storm all weekend, but the 46 mph windgusts we are expecting this afternoon are "supposed" to be over by 4-5. I am hoping this happens so I can take the LHT back out for a little this evening and experiment with a slightly lower saddle after, hopefully, swinging by the LBS.

Thanks everone! This thread was started because someone I know suggested raising my bars a tad.