Very uncomfortable on my Bianchi road bike

[Tank63]

I'm after advice really, not long got back into cycling and last year purchased a Bianchi road bike using the cycle to work scheme. I normally ride a Scott P3 hybrid and don't suffer any problems as such. However I've been out on the Bianchi twice now and I'm finding that it's the most uncomfortable bike to ride. My arms hurt along with shoulders and lower back. Now I'm not the fittest person but I keep plodding away trying to build my mileage up, I'm also 19 st.
Is this normal transitioning from an upright position to a bent over style?
In all honesty soon as I have paid off the bike in August I'm selling both to fund a ridgeback touring bike, this again is a bent over style of riding. Is it normal to hurt after riding a drop bar bike for the fist time?

 

[Dec66]

Yes. Particularly if you're riding on the drops, rather than on the hoods or the middle bit of the bars.

The geometry between a road bike and a hybrid is subtly different and you are therefore positioned differently whilst riding.

The more miles you do over time, the less painful it becomes as your body adapts to the "new" experience.

 

[rugby bloke]

I converted from a mtb to a drop bar road bike last year without any problems To be honest I don't spend a lot of time riding on the drops - 85% of the time I'm on the hoods with the occasional foray onto the drops when I feel the need for a sprint section. I would recommend trying a few different riding positions to see which one is most comfortable.

I'm sure more knowledgeable posters will be able to give advice regarding fine adjustments to the bike set up.

 

[Dec66]

I should have asked; did the shop selling you the bike fit you for it? Or did you buy online based on a size chart?

Do you feel like you have to stretch a bit to reach the bars?

There's a number of variables at play; if the bike is the right fit the soreness will go as you get used to the position. If not, there's stuff you can do with the handlebar stem length, the bar height, the saddle height/position and so on.

 

[steve50]

@Tank63 have had a bike fit or have you just "set it up" to suit yourself?
It sounds like you are putting too much weight onto the handlebars which could mean the bike is not set up to suit your riding position, is the saddle too far forward or too low or high, is the stem too long causing you to over reach, a shorter stem might help as this will bring the handlebars closer to you.

 

[Milkfloat]

If you post a photo of you on the bike I am sure a few of us would spot anything seriously wrong.

 

[vickster]

Try flipping the stem to raise the bars. If unfit, it's likely that your arms and shoulders are supporting you rather than your core

How quickly did you start to hurt?

 

[Banjo]

It will take a while to get used to a road bike but if either the bike is wrongly sized or set up wrong for you then it will never be comfortable.

If you bought it in a bike shop go back and have a chat/ask them to check the basic bike fit.
If not either pay for a bike fit or do as milk float suggests.

Just to start the ball rolling what size is it and how tall are you and what is your standover height ie crutch to floor.?

 

[Dave7]

I speak from experience
Sounds like it could be the wrong bike for you.
Don't know how old you are or how fit and supple you are but maybe you need a more relaxed/upright bike e.g. Cannondale Synapse or Specialized Roubaix type bike.
I have a really nice Giant Defy but have found it is a bit too race style for me...........I am now looking for a more relaxed bike.

 

[vickster]

Which Bianchi is it? Some like the via nirone are more relaxed/sportive. Most likely model on C2W under the grand threshold

As above, take back to shop to get fit checked

Losing weight, getting fitter and doing some core work may also help with comfort and flexibility

 

[Tank63]

Which Bianchi is it? Some like the via nirone are more relaxed/sportive. Most likely model on C2W under the grand threshold

As above, take back to shop to get fit checked

Losing weight, getting fitter and doing some core work may also help with comfort and flexibility

It is the the Via Nirone!
I just think it's me, being a heavy built bloke (fat) putting all my weight forward.

 

[Tin Pot]

It is the the Via Nirone!
I just think it's me, being a heavy built bloke (fat) putting all my weight forward.

Position on the bike is part fitting, part practice - as others have said, go for a fitting. They'll let you know if there is anything unrecoverable.

 

[vickster]

I would flip the stem and try to sit more upright. Also, assume all of the spacers are below the stem

 

[doog]

You could buy a shorter stem ...I have back issues and have replaced 2 of my road bike stems ....and as stated above flip the bars upwards until you get accustomed. The shorter stem will reduce your reach and reduce the pressure on your arms and shoulders.

Best of luck

 

[wonderloaf]

I had a very similar problem and initially tried flipping the stem, then tried fitting a shorter flipped stem ... all these helped but eventually found the solution for me by fitting a shorter 30 degree stem like this (mines a 70mm):

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ritchey-comp-30-deg-stem/rp-prod48087

It's not uber expensive and is easy to fit so might be worth a try.

Also found that moving the saddle forward so I was sitting a bit more upright helped as well. I can honestly say that I am really comfy on the bike now, so there is always hope!