Having a hard time adjusting...

**WindingRoad** · 02-07-2011, 05:51 PM

Just a thought but you can rotate the handlebars up slightly to bring your riding position to more upright. That only requires an allen wrench.

**Owlie** · 02-07-2011, 06:12 PM

Kerry, while I strongly suggest a fitting, I had/still have the same problem. Just do short little rides, sub one mile if you need to. My arms and upper back have gradually gotten better, even though they start aching at about 15 miles or so.

The trainer is far worse than the road. There are curves and hills on the road that let you shift your weight around. If nothing else, there are stop signs that let you take a break!

**zoom-zoom** · 02-07-2011, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by WindingRoad

Just a thought but you can rotate the handlebars up slightly to bring your riding position to more upright. That only requires an allen wrench.

That is a good recommendation. When I look at the photo of your bike I notice your handlebars are tipped way down...some people like that, but I find that I like mine best sorta horizontal to the ground with the hoods up a bit.

**zoom-zoom** · 02-07-2011, 06:37 PM

Here's a pic...the angle is a little weird because I'm lower than the bike and it's leaning against the garage, but you can kinda see how I have my handlebars set. Maybe something like that will be more comfortable for you.

**Kerry1976** · 02-08-2011, 07:25 AM

This is all super helpful. I'm going to read the links and go from there. Also going to research bike fitters in the area and see what is available. Thank you all!

**Catrin** · 02-08-2011, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by Kerry1976

This is all super helpful. I'm going to read the links and go from there. Also going to research bike fitters in the area and see what is available. Thank you all!

+1000 on the effectiveness of a professional fitter. Last summer one took a bike that was unrideable and turned it into my all-day-long bike. It was not an inexpensive process as we had to make quite large changes to my bike, but I have not regretted spending the money.

**Kerry1976** · 02-08-2011, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Catrin

+1000 on the effectiveness of a professional fitter. Last summer one took a bike that was unrideable and turned it into my all-day-long bike. It was not an inexpensive process as we had to make quite large changes to my bike, but I have not regretted spending the money.

I'm going to my LBS on Friday (I have Lincoln's Bday off work) so we can do some measuring and work. Wish me luck! This is a good way to start and then can move forward from there. Thank you all for your advice.

**Kerry1976** · 02-11-2011, 12:44 PM

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** · 02-11-2011, 12:56 PM

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** · 02-11-2011, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 02-11-2011, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Kerry1976

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** · 02-11-2011, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Kerry1976

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** · 02-12-2011, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by marni

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** · 02-12-2011, 04:04 PM

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** · 02-13-2011, 03:59 AM

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 !

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