Bike fit hell......

[Andio]

Hello i would like some advise and/or experiences with your own bike fit problems and solutions. The problems started when i purchased a new giant defy alu in small size . Seemed a good fit in the bike shop and quite close to my old bike witch I found v comfortable. The problem seem to occur when endurance riding I get really tight and cramped around the shoulders and middle and lower back area. Iam not entirely sure if the flexy carbon seatpost is doing my back any favours as I feel the jarring effect surly mustn't be benificial?? I come from mtb xc background and have never suffered so much on a bike.My first dropbar bike was a caadx cyclocross commuter and I took it out on the roads and found it very comfortable if a little slow.My giant defy matches tt length ,much lower stack and seatube. Can anyone give me advise or bikes to purchase ???

 

[bikingdad90]

If the frame size is right than you are looking at reach and bar width. You should be sat on the bike with a slight bend in arms when on the hoods so your weight is on the saddle not hands.

Altering the position of saddle, stem height and length will change the position making it less aggressive and racy. Generally the shorter reach and more upright the more comfortable it is to maintain.

When on the hoods your wrists should be inline with arm. If they go inwards/outwards you will need narrower/wider bars as that can also cause pain in shoulders.

 

[Citius]

It's impossible to accurately diagnose bike fit issues over the internet without at least seeing a side-on pic of you on the bike. Preferably a video clip. Also, I don't see how the seatpost can be both 'flexy' and 'jarring'. Seatposts are generally neither, in isolation.

 

[screenman]

Lowering the bars works for many people, me included. I suggest a professional bike fit. Mind you which one and by whom is another can of worms.

 

[cyberknight]

If that worked for you, can you get this bike set up the same as that bike, a close as possible? Saddle to pedal distance and set back. Saddle to bars and drop.

What he said .
Sounds to me like your to long/low with your reach to the bars but its hard to say without seeing you on the bike, you could always go back to the shop and ask them to advise you .

 

[Andio]

Lowering the bars works for many people, me included. I suggest a professional bike fit. Mind you which one and by whom is another can of worms.

I May try this as I ve only thought of going higher with the bars. My hands feel as if too much pressure is place on them .Would this become worst or better if I lowered the bars???

 

[Andio]

What he said .
Sounds to me like your to long/low with your reach to the bars but its hard to say without seeing you on the bike, you could always go back to the shop and ask them to advise you .

Thanks for the reply .I know of this option and to be honest I don't like messing too much with stem length because of the effect on steering response. I have also looked at bike fit /custom build ,but that option gets expensive. The only direction that I'm drawn to is buying another cyclocross bike with discs and converting to road. This will heighten the stack or less drop from saddle as you said. This whole situation has me feeling upset ,I really want a normal road bike to work for me physically .

 

[Andio]

It's impossible to accurately diagnose bike fit issues over the internet without at least seeing a side-on pic of you on the bike. Preferably a video clip. Also, I don't see how the seatpost can be both 'flexy' and 'jarring'. Seatposts are generally neither, in isolation.

I know about the limitations of this forum .Iam just hoping to be pointed in a better direction.The seatpost flex's and has a jarring effect on the riders spine ,more prominent when climbing whilst being seated or on rough roads.

 

[Cyclist33]

Thanks for the reply .I know of this option and to be honest I don't like messing too much with stem length because of the effect on steering response. I have also looked at bike fit /custom build ,but that option gets expensive. The only direction that I'm drawn to is buying another cyclocross bike with discs and converting to road. This will heighten the stack or less drop from saddle as you said. This whole situation has me feeling upset ,I really want a normal road bike to work for me physically .

The "stem effect" matters much less on general road rides than it does on the handling of a mountain bike, mind you.

Just give it time, new bike, new type of riding, let your body adapt to the different positioning.

Is your saddle up high enough by the way?

 

[screenman]

A daily stretching regime (which I am sure you have already) may help.

 

[vickster]

How's your core...mine is rubbish and I often get the pains described! You still need the bike to be set up correctly though

Maybe add swimming to your exercise regimen

Or add roadbike tyres to the cyclocross so it rolls better on roads

 

[Andio]

How's your core...mine is rubbish and I often get the pains described! You still need the bike to be set up correctly though

Maybe add swimming to your exercise regimen

Or add roadbike tyres to the cyclocross so it rolls better on roads

I remember hearing something about core strength and I did more than a few exercises to strengthen the core - still got the pain though .Its got to be something small or everything needs some adjustment.
The problem really is I don't like asking for help from professionals but I suppose that's why they can make a living from bike fitting

 

[Andio]

I May try this as I ve only thought of going higher with the bars. My hands feel as if too much pressure is place on them .Would this become worst or better if I lowered the bars???

You may be pleased to know that at least from initial impressions your advise has worked. I never considered lowering the bars as almost everyone says its more uncomfortable .Also when just seated with feet on pedals leaning against wall my hands feel the pressure and I know if you've got pressure on the hands your not balanced. When riding though then body seem to spring up and pressure eases almost like your hands are floating above the bars. So initial impressions are v positive ,we will see on the next ride -a super hilly and long one me thinks. Cheers

 

[cyberknight]

Thanks for the reply .I know of this option and to be honest I don't like messing too much with stem length because of the effect on steering response. I have also looked at bike fit /custom build ,but that option gets expensive. The only direction that I'm drawn to is buying another cyclocross bike with discs and converting to road. This will heighten the stack or less drop from saddle as you said. This whole situation has me feeling upset ,I really want a normal road bike to work for me physically .

I have ridden bikes with 80 to 110 mm stems and notice feck all difference tbh.