my new bike?

[ridebikeme]

Simply a reminder... a 'fit" is NOT something that generally happens in one visit. Sometimes, people can communicate enough to the fitter, and couple that with the fitters experience and they do hit it right the first time. Generally, however it's something that is a process, and that process involves alot of communication.

Regardless of whether the person is new to the bike/sport truly has nothing to do with it. An experienced/knowledgable fitter will know which questions to ask so that they can make the adjustments for that particular person.

Suggestions are wonderful, but the end all is the communication between the cyclist and the fitter. As they say" communication is what makes the world go round" and in this instance it's the most important part of the fit process.

[redrhodie]

What's going on with your bike? Any luck getting the lbs to help you?

[Antaresia]

update:

So, I went back to the LBS. Dude was really rude, I was really upset (I never did ask for a refund). He says "Well, I guess I should have gone over a few things with you, but I thought you could handle it" at which point I wanted to shake him, because I have a sneaking suspicion the reason he didn't "go over a few things" has everything to do with the fact I heard him say he wanted to leave work early that day and nothing to do with the fact he thought I could handle it, because I made it CLEAR that my total biking experience was limited to 5 months glued to a 30 year old mixte that was probably to small for me. But after that one dig (and some smaller ones that made it clear it was *my fault* I couldn't ride the frigging bike as it was); he honestly seemed to want to get the bike in a state where I could ride it. Anyway.

I spent some time there, no shims in the breaks, the seat was lowered, and switched. My bike feels a lot better, I can actually get on and off it without use of a sidewalk for a boost. I still need time to get used to it.

Part of me feels this should be love at first sight; and it's not. It still might be, I probably just need time. The bike just eats road miles, it has more "go" power than the beater. A lot more road buzz. My hands and elbows are sore. It's twitchy. It's hard to get on & off of it, or started if I'm not by a sidewalk. I think the drastic change from old bike to new is a lot; I will post more pictures when it's finished (fenders) and probably tell you all I'm liking it more than I do now.

Oh, and my co-workers didn't even notice I had new bike, but another regular on my commute did. Indecently, he's the only regular on my commute who also has a soma (the ES); so that did make me a feel good, haha.

[redrhodie]

That was a quick update! I guess we were posting at the same time.

Anyway, yes, give it some time to get to know it. I'd also check your tire pressure. It's sounds like you could back off a bit for comfort, and that might take care of the road buzz.

[redrhodie]

Oh, and I wanted to ask, are you starting with your butt already on the saddle?

[Antaresia]

Oh, and I wanted to ask, are you starting with your butt already on the saddle?

No, I kind of have to "lift" myself onto it. Almost dumping the bike a few times has me too spooked to do the "sit on the bike & lean" kind of stop; but I remember when I was new to biking I actually did google "how to stop a bike". The video showed a stop where you totally get off the seat & peddles and just stand over the bike, I probably couldn't find it again but that's what I do. So to get on it again & get started, I push one pedal up, and used it as a step to get back in the saddle. It's impossible for me to get started with my butt in the saddle unless I'm by a sidewalk for the boost. I'm still a little clumsy, but I can tell I'm getting better.

[redrhodie]

I was going to say to (temporarily) lower your seat even more if you need to start from sitting, but what you're doing is great.

I hope you get comfortable with her really soon!

[goldfinch]

No, I kind of have to "lift" myself onto it. Almost dumping the bike a few times has me too spooked to do the "sit on the bike & lean" kind of stop; but I remember when I was new to biking I actually did google "how to stop a bike". The video showed a stop where you totally get off the seat & peddles and just stand over the bike, I probably couldn't find it again but that's what I do. So to get on it again & get started, I push one pedal up, and used it as a step to get back in the saddle. It's impossible for me to get started with my butt in the saddle unless I'm by a sidewalk for the boost. I'm still a little clumsy, but I can tell I'm getting better.

I had mentioned leaning slightly when I get off my bike. I didn't realized you were trying to stay on the seat. I get off the seat and lean the bike over a bit as I stop. It helps me be sure that I clear the top tube. I leave my right foot on the pedal and my left foot goes on the ground and the bike leans to the left just a little. I never am on the seat. I can't be. It is rare that someone can stop and stay on the seat on your style of bike. If they can they either have long feet or the seat is too low. You will get used to starting as you say, by putting your leg over and give a push on one pedal, then get up on the seat as you get moving. It will be second nature soon.

I am glad that they are helping you get adjusted but it was really rude of the guy to make it your fault. Customer service rule number one is that if the fix is easy take all the blame and fix it.

[Antaresia]

It shouldn't even have been about blame! I mean, I know I'm new and not that great. I told him that many times. I don't need to feel bad about being new, I'm trying!

I taught 3 of my guy-friends to embroider (don't ask, lol). Ya, I ended up threading the needle for them a bunch of times (it was faster and they would get frustrated) but I never made it out to be *their fault*. Geez. I'm getting a new LBS once my bike is finished.

[Velocivixen]

Your bike shop should be supportive and appreciate your business. They sound like they are not so helpful.

[WindingRoad]

http://youtu.be/i5SjHvHDuxg

Catrin this is for you too. Hope this helps you both :-)