Quote Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl View Post
I agree with the comments that your seat looks too far back, but it could be an optical illusion depending on photo angle. But, depending on the STA of the bike, you may need the saddle in a different place on different bikes. What I noticed looking at this pic, and remembering pics you posted previously of you on your friday and Aegis, is that you are definitely riding more upright now than then, and your elbows are now locked. I don't know if that is due to your accident shifting your position, or you are just used to riding mountain and city bikes in recent years. You do want a bit more bend in your elbows. the things you can do to get there, are to bend a bit lower (looks like your back is making a ~50 degree angle, try a ~45 like i think u used to have), use a shorter stem or shorter reach bars, push the saddle more forward (assuming that still gives u the KOP relationship you want). But I also noticed that you started the post by saying 'your husband noticed you are too stretched out' not that you are uncomfortable. So if you feel comfortable and powerful, then all is good. Just curious if you are still riding your friday? I thought u loved it as an all purpose road bike and it fit you like a glove.
I do love it, but with the small (20") wheels, it can be a little harsh and chattery for the type of riding we do here in KC. The urban and suburban roads are a mess -- lots of cracks and ruts, and we ride lots of bike paths as well, which are anything but smooth. I usually ride my MTB as that is the most comfortable option I have, but it has been in the shop this week for some brake work, so that got me back onto the Trek. My Bike Friday is at my mother's in NC so is not an option right now. We were packed to the roof driving out here with four bikes, so there was no way to get yet another bike here. I bought this Trek for a great price on ebay early this year and have been very happy with it, though I haven't ridden it much.

I know the photo (which is a bit blurry) makes it look like my elbows are locked, but they actually are not. They are not bent significantly, I agree, but there is a small bend in them that doesn't show on the picture. I know better than to lock my elbows as that is terribly jolting to the joints.

I am probably riding more upright now after years of riding mostly mountain bikes and beach cruisers, you're right. I have gotten out of the habit of riding road bikes, though I did ride my Bike Friday quite a bit in Chapel Hill in 2010 and 2011 before we moved to Belize, and I also maintained a more upright position on that bike since I'd gotten used to riding my MTB. I spent more time on the tops of the bars than I used to, I noticed. It's very possible that some of my position change is due to my accident, as I've noticed I have more hip pain when I ride at more of an angle for longer periods of time. So, sitting more upright is one way of protecting myself from the ache that I never seem to get on a MTB or other upright bike.

I actually feel quite comfortable on this bike (Trek Pilot) and enjoy riding it. It's light and has a ton of acceleration power compared to the Jamis. My position on it feels very similar to my Bike Friday to me, though it may not be. But as I said (and as you point out), it was my DH who thought I looked too stretched out, not anything I really felt. I thought he was wrong, but the comments I've received here make me realize he was probably onto something.

I haven't had a chance to try the KOPS test yet but will definitely do that. I hate to change to a shorter stem since that can affect handling, but I will consider it if it turns out my KOPS is in the right place after all. I am hoping I can move my saddle forward just a bit to get more of a bend in the elbows.

Thanks everyone -- I'll report back!