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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Kelowna, BC, Canada
    Posts
    2,737

    Yet another bike fit question

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    I have been riding my road bike for a year now. I decided to flip the stem so I can be in a "more agressive" position. It's not a huge difference but I really like to be able to get down lower. However, not unexpectedly, I have found my shoulder blades/upper back is tight and sore after the first couple of rides. Is it just a matter of getting used to the new position? Do I need to get my fit rechecked now that I'm in a bit different position? Do I need to go back to the way it was?

    Any thoughts?
    It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Elliot


    My podcast about being a rookie triathlete:Kelownagurl Tris Podcast

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    I'm the only one allowed to whine
    Posts
    10,557
    Try it for a week, and see how it goes?
    "If Americans want to live the American Dream, they should go to Denmark." - Richard Wilkinson

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Bendemonium
    Posts
    9,673
    When you flip that bar you also effectively lengthen the reach. Give it try for a while. This could just be your body reacting to the stretch and needing a bit more core strength to support the position. Don't flip back without an honest period of time testing it.

    If I'm off the bike for a long period, I have the same problem on my road bike that has the largest saddle to bar drop (9 cm on a 51 cm bike so pretty aggressive). After a few weeks of training the pain goes away.
    Frends know gud humors when dey is hear it. ~ Da Crockydiles of ZZE.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Kelowna, BC, Canada
    Posts
    2,737
    So if it keeps hurting, maybe I should adjust the seat a little?
    It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Elliot


    My podcast about being a rookie triathlete:Kelownagurl Tris Podcast

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Bendemonium
    Posts
    9,673
    Why would you adjust the saddle? The saddle position is the point from which all other things are fit.
    Frends know gud humors when dey is hear it. ~ Da Crockydiles of ZZE.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Kelowna, BC, Canada
    Posts
    2,737
    yeah, duh, I was thinking after I posted that, that everything would go out of whack if I adjusted the seat. My on-going noobie-ness is shining thru once again. I guess I was wondering how to shorten the reach if it was now too long.

    I will definitely give it another 3-4 rides before I worry too much about it.

    Thanks for the input!
    It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Elliot


    My podcast about being a rookie triathlete:Kelownagurl Tris Podcast

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Washington, DC
    Posts
    1,315
    Depending on what kind of stem you have, you might be able to adjust the angle somewhat. For example, some Specialized stems have several angle options. So, you could raise it up a tad without going all the way back up. Also look at what you may be able to do with spacers. You'll still be more aggressive than where you were set up before.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Middle Earth
    Posts
    3,997
    Hey there Kelowna, when we make changes to our bike set-ups, unless there is radical discomfort, we usually trial it for a few weeks...

    For me its about 4-5 weeks, or 16-20 rides
    For my partner, its about 3 weeks as he is able to ride more often and longer distances.

    Good luck


    Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,
    "I will try again tomorrow".


 

 

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