Set up help

[2Loose]

Sore hams would indicate over straightened leg, lower back may well be caused by too high\low\stretched bars.

In fact, are you feeling a bit stretched out? As this may be causing all symptoms...no one said it was going to be easy

I know that the stem on my Defy 2 was shortened to a 90mm and all of a sudden the bike was mega comfy as opposed to just ok...just a thought.

 

[jowwy]

The one thing that is right is my handlebar height and reach.

Gonna stick with the lemond method and see how i go.

 

[MrJamie]

Since you got me curious I just roughly measured up while i was cooling off outside after a run, the inseam measurement might not be accurate and my bikes a hybrid not a roadie if that makes a difference, but Ive OCD micro-adjusted my fit until I got it perfect for me.

BB to Saddletop 74.9cm (29.5")
Inseam 84.5cm (33.3")
Ratio: 0.8864

Its quite close to 0.883, infact about 3mm out which could easily be accounted for by dodgy measurement.

It might be worth looking at the saddle offset too, mine used to be set quite far back because it felt like I was getting more power to the pedals, but I would get tight hamstrings and lower back pain and have to stop mid ride to stretch my back, putting the saddle forward about 15mm seemed to fix this.

 

[black'n'yellow]

The one thing that is right is my handlebar height and reach.

You can't possibly know that until you have your saddle position correct. The 'normal' procedure is to establish the saddle height/set-back first, and work everything else out from there.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'm unscientific. Through trial & error I have my saddle set so that my knee is just bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. I'm very happy with this position and I'd recommend the same to other riders.

 

[snorri]

My apologies sincerely - just frustrated a tad.

It happens now and again, apology accepted, I hope you get your adjustment right soon.

 

[cyberknight]

not sure that would be much help, tbh. You may have heard this before, but to get in the 'ballpark', just sit on the bike with your socks on and put your heel on the pedal. If your leg is fully extended - or even slightly over-stretched - at the point where the pedal is furthest from your saddle, then your saddle height should be there or thereabouts once you are clipped in.

Fine tuning from that point really has to be down to you, and how you feel on the bike.

This !!

I have found that the above method gives near enough the same result as a modified lemond method of multiplying by .889 rather than .883 .The lemond method assumes you have the right length cranks for the bike as well.
My measurements..

inside leg.. 77.5 cm
saddle height to BB = 68 .8 cm.(.889 gives 68.89 )
saddle setback to BB = 4 cm, close to KOPS
reach to hoods = 63 cm from tip of saddle to where the hoods turn up .

I use this site ...
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefitchart.html

 

[jowwy]

This !!

I have found that the above method gives near enough the same result as a modified lemond method of multiplying by .889 rather than .883 .The lemond method assumes you have the right length cranks for the bike as well.
My measurements..

inside leg.. 77.5 cm
saddle height to BB = 68 .8 cm.(.889 gives 68.89 )
saddle setback to BB = 4 cm, close to KOPS
reach to hoods = 63 cm from tip of saddle to where the hoods turn up .

I use this site ...
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefitchart.html

thanks cyber very much appreciated

 

[sidevalve]

I'd post mine but being an old git [who liks a lowish saddle] it wouldn't be much use to you and I can't remember what I used 30 years ago ! However one thing I have noticed the bar height can make a big difference. Might be worth leaving the saddle alone and moving the bar up/down for a couple of rides. Worth a try anyway.

 

[HLaB]

When I bought the Bianchi the owner sized me up I was a bit dubious, despite being comfortable. A few months later I got a bike fit done at another shop (£35 iirc); the original shop was almost spot on A few years later when I got my next bike, out of curiosity I did an on line one at www.wrenchscience.com and it broadly agrees too. My mate who runs a bike shop was trying to get me to do his fit but at £200 I can't see much extra benefit.

 

[jowwy]

When I bought the Bianchi the owner sized me up I was a bit dubious, despite being comfortable. A few months later I got a bike fit done at another shop (£35 iirc); the original shop was almost spot on A few years later when I got my next bike, out of curiosity I did an on line one at www.wrenchscience.com and it broadly agrees too. My mate who runs a bike shop was trying to get me to do his fit but at £200 I can't see much extra benefit.

set up a wrench science account earlier - put all my measurements into it and their bike fit came out within a few mm's of how i know have it set-up.

will see how it works out on my ride into work and home tmrw, 30 mile commute should be long enough of a test.

 

[HLaB]

set up a wrench science account earlier - put all my measurements into it and their bike fit came out within a few mm's of how i know have it set-up.

will see how it works out on my ride into work and home tmrw, 30 mile commute should be long enough of a test.

Good luck!

 

[jowwy]

ok - back now feels a lot better while riding and so do the Hammy's - but my knees are aching slightly, but no pain, so i think this could be due to cleat position

but saddle height and reach all now sorted