Am I too old for Roubiax?

[Timeout]

Firstly this is my first time on Cycle Chat so Hi to everyone!


My main problem is I don't feel comfortable on my Roubaix Pro after about 30 miles or 1.5hrs.

I just can't get used to the "streched out " riding position of a road bike. I swapped my Tarmac -SWORKS last year on advise that a Roubaix would be much more rider friendly, and it is. BUT I feel much more in control with flat handle bars, I am 49 years old weigh 12st 10Ib and have been only cycling for 4 years. It could be that my body is just not fit enough, small enough or young enough to ride this bike?

I only do it for enjoyment and keeping fit, no racing etc and do around 100 miles a week in summer.

This is a hi spec bike and I don't realy want to sell it, however I simply don't enjoy riding it because its not comfortable. I have had a full bike fit and different stem etc, and so I guess a Hybrid is the only option but there is a very limited choice.

Any advise or help before I change would be much appreciated

It may just be that I am not cut out for the eggresive position?

Thanks

Timeout

 

[gavintc]

49 is young. You are only as old or as young as your own ambition. A roubaix bike is a pretty relaxed in frame geometry. You can also flip the stem to give a more level riding position. Personally, I would say, keep with it, you may need to do stretching exercises in addition to your riding to make your body more supple.

 

[rich p]

Most people say the opposite unless they have a bad back. Maybe a shorter stem would make you slightly more upright and comfortable. I am 54 and ride slightly taller than younger and more supple riders.

 

[Black Sheep]

as others have said, it could be because you've not got it quite set up for you being comfortable,

I myself was a mountain biker since the age of about 12 and started riding a road bike at the age of 24

i took to it quite well, especially considering the bike had never been measured up for me, i just got on and rode (with the assumption that dad's bike would fit once i'd restored it and made it ridable) its very comfy for me.

 

[Randochap]

No one else can tell you what position you can adopt. Beware of people saying "I ride the same bike and it fits me fine ... blah blah."

Bike fit is not a fashion; it's a science/art that fully takes into consideration your particular physiology and riding style/needs.

Most off-the-peg bikes are set up with bars too low to be comfortable for the average recreational rider, especially if you are older and perhaps have a few arthritic joints. This is complicated by the "threadless" steerer, which is often cut short at assembly.

Longer-distance riding is about comfort, not a minor wind-resistance/speed advantage.

The options are a new fork and/or riser stem. Going for a bike fit with someone who isn't married to the idea of a "racer" position is also a good idea. Listen to your body over the long haul and obey its wishes. No points are awarded for looking "fast" while suffering discomfort.

Consult the bike pages on VeloWeb for more tips. I'm working on a more in-depth fit page to be launched soon.

 

[ASC1951]

My main problem is I don't feel comfortable on my Roubaix Pro after about 30 miles or 1.5 hrs.

If that's the same ride, I'm not surprised - 30 miles at a steady 20mph makes most of us distinctly uncomfortable.

If you have had a proper BikeFit i.e. on a jig with someone who knows what they are doing, your problem could just be that the new position takes a bit of getting used to. There are lots of little muscles in the back and shoulders which don't get that sort of sustained use in any other way and it is quite normal for them to get stronger, particularly if you don't ride that bike a lot.

If you have just been 'fitted for the bike by the shop' i.e. rather than picking it yourself, the set-up could still be quite wrong for you. It doesn't need to be out by much to become unpleasant after a couple of hours.

My advice:-
- get yourself properly measured on a jig
- if you already have, ride this bike more frequently and build up the mileage.

 

[Globalti]

What is the posture of your saddle? Is it flat or slightly nose up or nose down? This can throw your weight in different ways and make a comfortable bike feel awful. Also have you tried moving the saddle backwards or forwards on its rails? I have a Roubaix Pro and compared with my previous 1990 steel bike it's a feather bed. This model is carefully designed to give folk like you and me (53) a comfortable ride so you should be able to get it right. Keep experimenting!

It might also help if you joined a gym and did some upper body work to strengthen and tone chest, arm and shoulder muscles. As we age our testosterone levels decrease and muscle bulk and strength decreases accordingly.

 

[MacB]

Good point from Rando there re the cutting of steerer tubes etc. On my new bike I've left the steerer uncut. Currently the stem has spacers above and below but it is an adjustable stem and is angled upwards. By racing standards my bars are dangerously close to being level with my saddle. I've seen quite a few bikes modified with steeply angled stems and the bars tilted, all seem to be combatting a too big initial saddle to bars drop.

 

[dellzeqq]

The Babe would have you know that 49 is young and perfect for a Ruby Pro. But I am about to die.....

 

[fossyant]

Need more miles.....then you'll be comfy.

 

[byegad]

Grow a beard buy shimano SPD sandals and a recumbent. You are old enough to know it makes sense.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Welcome Timeout

As long as the bike has been sized properly for you, then it may take only a few mm's of adjustment here and there to get you feeling comfortable and efficient.
This is a pretty useful article, try some fine tuning... In what way are you comfortable on the bike?
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

[Kestevan]

Or then again, the bike may just not suit you at all.

I know when I went to upgrade from my hybrid to my first proper road-bike I really fancied a specialized allez... after comparing that with the Trel 1200 I realisd that the spec, though a really nice bike, simply didn't fit as well as as the Trek.

Each person seams to find a "perfect fit" bike, and despite all the recomendations/cycle fit bollocks this is unique to each person, and can only be found by sitting on the bloody thing

 

[ASC1951]

Each person seams to find a "perfect fit" bike, and despite all the recomendations/cycle fit bollocks this is unique to each person, and can only be found by sitting on the bloody thing

True, but there are so many variables - frame size, frame geometry, stem length, stem height, stem angle, saddle height, saddle position, crank length etc - that you are likely to waste a lot of time and money finding that out for yourself, particularly if you are inexperienced.

IMO a jig-fit is a good investment once you are looking at spending proper money on a bike. Getting it spot on is then up to you.

 

[Gooch]

I can relate to all this. I've recently upgraded from a Speciallized Allez Comp to a Tarmac Expert. Since the swap I've had a hellish sore ar*e and I don't mean saddle sores. The bone in my butt seems to kill me on both sides of the saddle after a few rides. Also my back gives me gip after about an hour's riding.
I've put it down to the Tarmac Expert being a stiffer ride because its carbon. But it can seem a bit of a pain (literally) as I 've just spent a hell of a lot of money.
I was measured up properly in the shop by a very experienced rider who knows his stuff. I just hope my butt and back get used to it soon!