First ride, think I need a new stem?

[Phixion]

Hey all,

I did my first ride today and ended up going 18 miles... problem is I feel too stretched out on the bike.

I'm 5'8" and I bought the Small Boardman Hybrid Comp, my saddle is just about level with the handlebars, maybe a touch higher.

I feel as if I am tipping on to the handlebars, meaning all my weight is on my wrists. During the ride I had painful wrists and neck as I felt I was having to really bend my head to see ahead.

Would a 30 degree stem fix this? Or go someway to remedy it? I was looking at this:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ritchey-comp-30-degree-stem/

I am a little confused on the sizing, does 0.60mm/0.70mm/0.80mm relate to the length of the stem? If so I'm guessing I want a shorter stem to increase the height and bring the handlebars closer?

Or do you think I'd be better off with an adjustable stem?

Any help much appreciated.

PS: My butt hurts... a lot.

 

[Retribution03]

Does the seat not move forward? Are you using padded shorts?

 

[Phixion]

Yes I can move the saddle forward, I thought that was a last resort though as it may affect the relation of my knee to the pedal.

I will give it a try though as it's not going to cost me anything.

I'm certain I'm not at all optimal in any sense of bike positioning. I'm 95KG and 5'8!

I don't have cycling shorts but I plan on getting some, along with a Charge Spoon saddle. I had one on my old bike and it was much more comfortable than the one that came on the Boardman.

Is the saddle too narrow if I feel sore between my sit bones?

 

[Retribution03]

Give it a try and see how comfortable it is you can possibly raise the handlebar stem to counter seat height.

 

[TissoT]

Or Flip the stem over... if its angled on the other side !

 

[Phixion]

It's already angled upwards, but it's only a 7 degree rise and it's quite long.

I think I have a few problems, my arms and torso are quite short and I don't have the physique to endure the positions some of you ride in (in comfort).

 

[TissoT]

It's already angled upwards, but it's only a 7 degree rise and it's quite long.

You may need a shorter/different stem ... what length is the stem now .

 

[Phixion]

You may need a shorter/different stem ... what length is the stem now .

I measured from the center of the stem to the center of the handlebar bit, is that right?

If so, it's 9.5cm. Does that sound right?

 

[TissoT]

I measured from the center of the stem to the center of the handlebar bit, is that right?

If so, it's 9.5cm. Does that sound right?

Your right with how you measured it ....its not a over long stem , but it sounds its not for you
Try a shorter stem ... would need to see pictures of you on the bike
if the bike is new take it back and explain

 

[edindave]

If you are 5 feet 8, I'd suggest that a small frame is too small for you.

Yep, this. I'm 5'6" and have a medium Boardman hybrid.

 

[GreigM]

1st ride might well give you some aches and pains as you get used to the bike (I assume it's your first ride on a road bike)

Also I was told putting the seat back would place more of your weight on your bum and lessen the weight on the wrists (maybe I was told wrong though)

 

[Phixion]

Yep, this. I'm 5'6" and have a medium Boardman hybrid.

I tried the medium but had barely any standover and the reach felt even worse.

I know a few my height, some taller ride the small. The top tube length is long on the Boardman Hybrids.

If anything, the reach still feels long for me, not too short. I want the bars closer to me.

 

[edindave]

I tried the medium but had barely any standover and the reach felt even worse.

I know a few my height, some taller ride the small. The top tube length is long on the Boardman Hybrids.

It is reachy but I like that, as opposed to a more upright position. Hard to judge by height - I also know someone who is 5'9" and rides a large.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

One ride is no way to judge anything, unless you regularly ride another bike.

rgds, sreten.

 

[Steady]

Don't overlook the saddle either.

My stock stock (not the same bike as yours though) made me feel like I had a wrong size frame, throwing me forward to the handlebars, wrist ache and uncomfortable!