elbow and back ache on new bike

radiation man

i own 2 bikes, one which i use for winter and my new summer one, which is a 54 frame, im 5ft 7 nearly 32 inside leg, my winter bike is a trek pilot 56 frame, bars and seat same height, 100mm stem.
my new bike is a trek 1.5, bars and seat same height but i just put a 110mm stem on it, it use to have a 90mm stem on it, but i got back ache and arm ache so i got a longer stem, now when i ride on the hoods my elbow joints ache and i feel as if my body weight is pressing down on my wrists, my lower back aches as well but i get none of this on my winter bike.

kingrollo

Check the length of the top tube - then your reach 2 the bars - you might find a difference on the two bikes.

Monty Dog

By the sound of it you're over-reaching and from your size, I may unwelcomingly suggest your frame might be too big - someone of your stature I would typically expect to ride a 52 or 54cm frame at most. Your solution is to move the bars closer to the saddle by fitting a shorter / riser stem and or spacers. The problem is that your arms are 'locked' and thus transmitting road shock as well as causing accelerated fatigue - your elbows should be relaxed and your wrists, arms and shoulders 'loose' for the majority of time and don't grip the bars tightly. Likewise, your core body muscles could be weak or tight, so a regime of core body exercises/ stretching could help too.

radiation man

ive just put my shorter 90mm stem on 7degree rise so seat is now level with the bars, on the trek 1.5. 54cm frame
so the top tube is 19 inch and end of seat to bars is 18 inch
the trek pilot has a 100mm stem and is a size 56cm frame, seat and bars level with 17degree rise stem
the top tube is 19and a half inch and end of seat to bars is 19and a quarter inch

radiation man

so what size stem should the 1.5 have on it to be same as the pilot

kingrollo

radiation man wrote:

so what size stem should the 1.5 have on it to be same as the pilot

Its not quite that simple - frame angles make the comparison void - if youve got the reach the same - thats a step in the right direction. If the pain persists - I would suggest a proffesional fitting service. Although if one bike is ok - get someone to take photos of you on both bikes and compare the position - for example you maybe overreaching on the pedals, causing you to rock on the saddle.

Bottom line is you know 1 bike position works for you - so keep tweaking, there are forward seat posts and adjustable stems - but these can be expensive - I think you need to investigate further (but don't alter the good bike !)