Having a hard time adjusting...

[Kerry1976]

Update:

Took the bike to my LBS today. We spent some time doing measuring, fit, etc. At first he kind of said that maybe I needed to just get used to the bike more. But then after we did some fitting, we found some definite areas for attention.

My seat was perfect in terms of height and position, except one important detail - it wasn't level. Even the LBS owner thought it was level, so we were stunned when we actually put the level on it and it wasn't.

He then checked for reach and believes I need a shorter stem and handlebars a little up. Unfortunately, he didn't have any stems my size and that would work on my bike in stock, so will have to order. His winter hours are Thurs-Sat, so it will be around this time next week. In the meantime, he did swap out one of the spacers that he had above the handlebars to below, so at least they would be up a little.

He did comment that my posture was right on - so that was good to know. All this is new to me.

I also had him make a check of my back tire since I changed it twice - once after the flat and once later to put on Conti GPs. The second time I changed it, I was sloppy and the skewer came out, so I just wanted him to verify it was on right before I ever got it outdoors. He said it was great.

I was also pleased, again, with the service I got from my LBS. It is a very tiny shop (we are a small town) and I really want to support it if I can. I look forward to seeing how everything feels this week with the extra spacer and seat at level, and then reacclimating next week with the new stem.

And thank you all for the great tips. I was putting off going in because I thought maybe I just needed to suck it up and get used to the different geometry. Your thoughts were confirmed by the LBS and while I know I will still need to work on upper body, etc., I'm on the right track. Again, thank you!!!!

[zoom-zoom]

Great news, Kerry! I'll bet you notice extra comfort right away. It's truly amazing how seemingly tiny tweaks can make such a HUGE difference.

[Kerry1976]

Great news, Kerry! I'll bet you notice extra comfort right away. It's truly amazing how seemingly tiny tweaks can make such a HUGE difference.

Thanks, Zoomy. Next time you are in Macomb maybe we can run and ride - but be prepared to be slow at both because I'm tons slower than you are!

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks, Zoomy. Next time you are in Macomb maybe we can run and ride - but be prepared to be slow at both because I'm tons slower than you are!

Keep riding and you won't be slower than I for long!

[marni]

Update:

I was also pleased, again, with the service I got from my LBS. It is a very tiny shop (we are a small town) and I really want to support it if I can. I look forward to seeing how everything feels this week with the extra spacer and seat at level, and then reacclimating next week with the new stem.

in addition to patronizing you LBS, the bike store guys always appreciate homemade goodies and or a six pack as a thank you. You will find them ever so accommodating if you go in on short notice.

[Catrin]

in addition to patronizing you LBS, the bike store guys always appreciate homemade goodies and or a six pack as a thank you. You will find them ever so accommodating if you go in on short notice.

Yep, I took my guys some home-made fudge between Christmas and New Years

I thought about beer, but wasn't sure how that might be considered...fudge seemed a safer choice.

[Kerry1976]

A partial update. Today I rode the bike with partial adjustment done - the seat was level and the handlebars were up (a spacer was swapped from above to below handlebars). The ride was SO much better! I'm still reaching a little too far, so I can't imagine how it will feel with the shorter stem! Can't wait until this time next week, when it should be done!

[f/64]

Core exercises def helps when it comes to cycling & posture.

One thing - some shops don't offer a great fit program unless it's a store that offers high end fittings such as Retul or so..

When they fit you, make sure that they don't change up your saddle fore/aft position (rails) to compensate reach. One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to fitting..

Cheers !

[Kerry1976]

When they fit you, make sure that they don't change up your saddle fore/aft position (rails) to compensate reach. One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to fitting..

Cheers !

Thanks! They checked it but said what I had was perfect. The only thing with the saddle changed was making it level.

[marni]

Yep, I took my guys some home-made fudge between Christmas and New Years

I thought about beer, but wasn't sure how that might be considered...fudge seemed a safer choice.

Yes, it can be chancy but my daughter is a home brewer and I usually have a 6 pack of something interesting hanging around so if she has extra, I treat them and the ones that drink are always asking about her and what she's brewing or hinting habout how much they would "love it if she would just brew a few more of those excellent........"

I am more prone to take in baked stuff, but around the holidays or if they have really gone the extra mile......

[lawnchick22]

Besides going and having a "professional" fit, are there some quick and easy rules of thumb regarding bike set up?

[indysteel]

Besides going and having a "professional" fit, are there some quick and easy rules of thumb regarding bike set up?

Here's a good primer on bike fit:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm