On bike comfort

beefcake2
beefcake2 Posts: 157
edited July 2009 in Road beginners
Hello

I am struggling a little with comfort when on my bike. I ride a Scott Speedster S2 which has a ride that is a little harsh and I was wondering what I could do to make the bike as little more comfortable.

I currently run Continental 2000 (700x23 tyres). Would 700x25 make much of a difference? I also have a Specialized BG Avatar saddle. I have also invested in some Phat Wrap and gel inserts for the bars. The bike also has Scotts CR1 carbon fork. I did think that carbon bars might help but as I am on the heavy side I am a bit nervous of carbon parts.

I am sure that things will improve with the more I cycle but the idea is that if I can get more comfortable then I will cycle further.

Cheers

Beefcake2

Comments

  • zedders
    zedders Posts: 509
    Theres loads of things you can do to improve your ride as far a comfort is concerned.

    But it depends on where your getting discomfort? Hands? Arse? Back? All over?

    1) Check the seat height? To high or to low?
    2) Decent shorts? Budget shorts? Not enough padding?
    3) Decent saddle? Is at the saddle at the right angle for you? Do you like the saddle?
    4) Bigger tyres will make a difference? But it will also slow you down = very bad! How about taking a bit of the air out, to cushion the ride a little more?

    Any alterations sure be made bit by bit. I mean a millimetre at a time IMO.
    "I spend my petrol money on Bikes, Beer, Pizza, and Donuts "

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/38256268@N04/3517156549/
  • beefcake2
    beefcake2 Posts: 157
    Hi Zedders

    Lower back, arse and hands. I have invested in some assos bibs and set my bike up to the usual straight leg when heel is on peddle and knee is centred over spindle of pedals.

    This may sound like a stupid question but how do you know which adjustments to make or is it just trial and error. For example, I get pain in my lower back which is probably partly due to core strength, but could it also be that I am a little overstretched on my bike. If that is the case should I move the saddle forwards or shorten the stem. Could it also be that I am too cramped on my bike?

    I am 6ft tall and my frame is 56cm.

    Beefcake2[/list]
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    How long have you been riding for?
    How far do you ride before these pains occur?

    ...it could be just a case of putting more miles in & building-up your core-strength etc.

    There's a guide here http://www.bikedynamics.co.uk/page_1228826262495.html that you could check-through to give you an idea of fitting & what you may have to adjust. :D
    Cycling weakly
  • rogerthecat
    rogerthecat Posts: 669
    M8, your bike appears to be a little small, IMO, I am 6' 2" and ride a 62cm frame.

    :!:
  • soveda
    soveda Posts: 306
    rogerthecat wrote:
    M8, your bike appears to be a little small, IMO, I am 6' 2" and ride a 62cm frame.

    :!:
    Not necessarily, I'm 6'1" and ride a giant M or 18" in Kona MTBS. Any bigger is just uncomfortable.

    Edited for spoolong
  • rogerthecat
    rogerthecat Posts: 669
    I stand corrected :?
  • soveda
    soveda Posts: 306
    rogerthecat wrote:
    I stand corrected :?

    Why the puzzled smiley? Top tube length is the most important part of bike fit when it comes to the frame surely!
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Fix the saddle height and fore / aft position first (sounds like you've done that right already) Then you can fiddle with bar height / reach, but not very much. (that's why top tube length is critical in bike fitting)

    You can bring the bars closer by fitting a shorter stem. You can raise the bars by flipping the stem and / or moving spacers from above it to beneath it. You can't really add spacers if the steerer tube has already been cut short.

    Fitting 25mm tyres will make bugger all difference to rolling resistance, but can increase comfort a lot (I run 25's for that reason). And don't believe that you need to keep them at 110 psi either. I pump mine up to 80 front and 90 rear, but often find they have been much lower than that and riding just fine

    Saddle comfort is a subject in it's own right. Yours is a quality saddle, some people swear by the BG design, others hate them. Give it a bit more time, then if still not comfy start to experiment with others. I switched to a Charge Spoon for less than £20 and it's been brilliant for me. YMMV
  • rogerthecat
    rogerthecat Posts: 669
    @ soveda
    I did not know that big blokes fit on small bikes, thats all buddy!

    :D
  • fatgit
    fatgit Posts: 166
    rogerthecat wrote:
    @ soveda
    I did not know that big blokes fit on small bikes, thats all buddy!

    :D

    I'm nearly 6'3" and have a 59cm frame if it helps. :D
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    My vote goes to wider tires with less pressure. See if you can have a second party
    take a look at your position on the bike. Seat height, angle, setback, handlebar setup,
    that kind of thing. Try and get someone with a bit of experience in these matters, of course.

Categories