struggling with my defy 1

[jon222]

Mainly im getting a sore lower back, (coming from a hybrid. Is there a way of raising the handlebars a bit. I only use the drops on the drops and twisty technical stuff. Also the gears seem to be slow changing. Is this a setup issue? Lastly wheels feel rattly and a bit pants do others agree. Otherwise it is a fun quick machine. I have a blue defy 1 2014 Large. Im 6.2 with 32inch inside leg. Considering selling and getting one of the boardman hybrids.

 

[bozmandb9]

I found my handlebars too low at first, I had a custom bike fit, and they changed a few things, most importantly, reducing the stem length and angle, which has reduced the drop considerably. So I'd try a bit of adjustment first, try the bike properly set up for you before you give up on it, since I guess you'll lose money in changing it for another.

 

[jon222]

Thanks was thinking of taking it to lbs to be tweeked. Yep will try that first when fundage allows.

 

[themosquitoking]

I swapped the stem on my defy 1 for a shorter one solved all my stretched out problems. Go for one 20 or 30mms shorter than the standard, which is probably 100mm, solved my problems.
If you have a problem with the gears take it back to the bike shop to reset them.

 

[philinmerthyr]

Flipping the stem so that the one on the bike is the other way up may help. Mine originally pointed slightly down so flipping it raised the handlebars.

It's free and takes seconds.

 

[jon222]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Kies]

I flipped my stem for the first year. Once lost weight and built up my core, flipped it the other way.

 

[2Loose]

Rattly wheels will likely be either the reflectors or worst case, a loose spoke. Most likely the reflectors though if it is a new bike.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

How long have you had the bike? If not long then it may need a six week service just to check that nothing is loose and cables are tightened. Also if only a short time it may be you just haven't got used to it yet. It took me a good three or four months on my Allez before I got used to it, I mainly use a hybrid and for the first month or so I hated the road bike.

 

[Cuchilo]

I wanted to raise the bars on my defy 5 for the first few weeks and was told flipping the stem would do it ( although looking at it I cant see how ) Anyhow I didn't bother and now love the feel of it .

 

[jon222]

Thanks for all your replies all very helpful. If the bars could be a little higher and closer to me i think i would be more comfortable. Had a ride today 30k and it felt a bit better, so i guess i am adjusting to the road position. I think a bit more perserverence. I think i need to get it in for a 6 week type check now, as i havent always got the gear i want.

 

[jon222]

I cant see how to flip the stem also, but i can that if it was flipped it would be more comfortable.

 

[Kbrook]

You tube videos show you how to flip the them, take off handlebars, loosen stem clamp bolts remove top cap, turn stem so its the other way around, put top cap back( dont over tighten) tighten stem clamp bolts, replace handlebars. It does look a bit crap though the other way round but might be worth a go.