Just swopped from hybrid to road... I am a real newbie.. help!

[narrowangle]

New to the forum. I am a runner who does the occasional triathlon. Bought a flat bar road bike 3 years ago but have really enjoyed cycling this summer so decided to upgrade.

I intend to use bike alot more but as Autumn/winter approaches i hope to commute once a week to work as cross training (24 mile round trip) and use for a tri in two weeks then the occasional leisure cycle until spring arrives.
Just bought a Dolan Mythos though they said they had given me a Hercules frame in the end. Looks lovely. Was fitted in shop... all seemed well. They suggested i might need a shorter stem but to give it a go. Went out today and found 10 miles hard work. Totally different feel. Felt stretched and also too high. Lowered my seat slightly but still think im stretching for pedals (not yet in spd's). I could move my seat forward and give that ago b4 i takle the plunge and change stems. I was cycling 20-30 miles comfortably before the swop. Is it normal to have these teething probs. Mid 30's lady here and i really did find it uncomfortable. Any advice appreciated.

 

[RedBike]

It's quite normal to find a new bike strange but you shouldn't feel stretched out and if anything clocking up the miles should be easier!

It sounds like the bike is either badly adjusted or the wrong size.

Spend some time setting up your saddle relative to the pedals (You will need the correct shoes and pedals on) then start working out which stem / how many spacers you need to get the bars in a comfortable place.

(I wouldn't start moving your saddle to get the reach to the bars right).

 

[narrowangle]

Thanks for ur reply. Bolton is not too far from me. I am near Wigan.
I got your reply 20 minutes after adjusting my seat... which i now see is against ur advice. I have a feeling its the stem. The guy in the shop did all the fitting things. Looking at my sight of the front wheel whilst sat etc. Got seat to correct height etc. I have now lowered seat slightly and it feels better but i find my hands resting just in front of the black gear/brake bits rather than comfortably there as they should.. I will get it sorted as they said i can go back but y tri is in two weeks. I just felt cntd peddling was too much and kept having to stand up. Whereas on my hybrid my fitness level meant i never had to do that.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Welcome!

Take a read of this, it might help.
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

Most important is to get your self sitting properly with respect to the pedals... only then start to make the bars fit to you. The article explains.

 

[narrowangle]

Thanks FF... will read the article. Just had a quick look and looks good.