Bike Fit (new images attached) tops,hoods,drops

flyer

Thanks for all your comments.

The set up so far is:

I have made sure saddle position forward & back and is in line with centre of axel, and is the correct height to get the bend in the leg.,

The stem is 110

The shop I bought it from did a bike fit and said because I have short in side leg (30") but a longer upper body, then a 54cm frame with a 110 stem.

Problem is after about an hour I get a pain in my shoulder blades and that is why I am trying to change position.

I mainly ride on the tops that may be where the problem is, I was thinking that riding on the hoods would make my back arch even more.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/hu17/4479640468/

Thanks for any advice

Flyer

Anonymous

Whereabouts do you live?

New fit looks a little better...

Ben6899

You look a lot more relaxed in these photos and your position looks better IMO. The pain in your shoulder blades - I wouldn't be surprised if graduating to the hoods relieved this as you open the blades up and relax the muscle.

If this is the case, then it might tell you there's scope for flipping the stem or losing some spacers. Just a thought.

I don't know enough about bike fitting to comment of the LBS' advice re your short inside leg.

Ben

flyer

I live in Beverley in East Yorkshire

Anonymous

flyer wrote:

I live in Beverley in East Yorkshire

Roger...

I was going to recommend you see someone in particular but they are in Staffordshire. (Although it would still be well worth the visit!)

Garz

If your new to this flyer then give each adjustment a week or so before tinkering anymore. Too many adjustments will make finding comfort longer. Your position looks alot better now, get more mileage in before the next tweak.

It takes time to find the right setup for you as we all dont have default body sizes.

johnboy183

Mr NapoleonD
Who would you recommend in staffs? think my position is okay but would like further advice if poss...
cheers

flyer

Is the best posture for fitness cycling riding on the hoods?

I tend to use the tops and never the drops, but then again thats because my tummy gets in the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flyer

Anonymous

johnboy183 wrote:

Mr NapoleonD
Who would you recommend in staffs? think my position is okay but would like further advice if poss...
cheers

Adrian Timmis at cadence sport.

Best 100 quid I've ever spent on cycling...
The footbeds are brilliant.

http://www.cadencesport.co.uk

dennisn

I cast my vote for saddle height too high. Your left leg looks a little too extended. Do you tend to rock back and forth sideways in the saddle as you pedal? I looks like you're really sort of reaching for the pedal with your toes.

Anonymous

dennisn wrote:

I cast my vote for saddle height too high. Your left leg looks a little too extended. Do you tend to rock back and forth sideways in the saddle as you pedal? I looks like you're really sort of reaching for the pedal with your toes.

??? Pictures have changed!

I agree with Dennis, saddle looks too high now!

Team Banana Spokesman

the pic of you on the drops - saddle is too high. leg is straight.

you want a bend like this MINIMUM:

Anonymous

I would take a pic of me on mine since I had a fit but I look an utter tool.

Monty Dog

I agree regarding saddle height unless you pushed back over the back of the saddle for the final photo - you may want a slightly more pronounced bend in the knee - try dropping the saddle by a cm or so - it probably won't feel much different but it means you don't have a power 'dead spot' at the bottom of each stroke. Try riding a bit whilst making small adjustments - it can take a while to adapt.
In terms of riding on the hoods, tops or drops it's really down to your preference and flexibility - on the drops requires greater core body strength and puts greater strain on your lower back - but it's useful to be able to hold the position for a while for fast efforts and downhills. Most bikes are set up for the hoods - hands on the brakes and gears and your neck and shoulders relaxed and naturally looking forward.
With regard to your shoulder pain, you may find a lower position puts more strain on it because of more weight put through the arms - it may also be useful to get a physio to advise on some simple exercises to help strengthen muscles in the area.

amaferanga

Are you Gordon Brown?

red dragon

I have been to Racescene in Barnsley (traveling from North Yorkshire) and for the cost found it to be really well worthwhile. The end result has been great, a more efficient position and less knee pain (much less, my saddle position was well out) - height and fore and aft.

ACMadone

red dragon wrote:

I have been to Racescene in Barnsley (traveling from North Yorkshire) and for the cost found it to be really well worthwhile. The end result has been great, a more efficient position and less knee pain (much less, my saddle position was well out) - height and fore and aft.

+1

johnboy183

thanks Napoleon.

kingrollo

Agree with the leg thing.

Another thought - Have you thought of some upper body strenghening excercises ?

Lie on your stomach - put your hands under your forhead - then slowly lift and hold ..this works for me.

(PM me if you want pictures of the excrcises)

flyer

If you look at image 1 it looks like my leg is about right, however its because I am on the tops. The last image I am on the drops, and this looks like I am reaching further which is lifting my body "and my leg"?

What you think?

Would the stem make any difference?

Ian

joosed

In the first picture you have a slight knee bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke - but only because your foot position is angled downwards. It definitely looks as if your seat is too high, flyer.

All the best.

forward_loop

hi Flyer -fwiw

perhaps some repatition here - cant continuously look at older comments.

I think even on image one your saddles looks too high. - your foots pointing down - bending at the angle. - if you sit on the saddle with a right angle ankle - can you skim the pedal with your shoe ? so on this basis photo 1 and 3 confirm saddle too high.

As a sport rider you are looking at comfort as the first requisite - aero secondary.

when you've got the saddle height much closer. things will start improving. If you are going to want to ride with people/through towns, then you really need to be comfortable riding on the hoods - for extended periods. If you're hands start creeping back to the tops to decrease back pain - then try reducing the stem length especially if there is something like a stock 110mm on there. Also Have you got all the spaces under the stem ?

Do you wear contact lenses or prescription glasses when riding - they can easily cause indirect back pain as they force you to raise the head - riders with good eyesight can glance up with the head down

yoga for flexibility - and core stability exercises.

overall though - your probably much closer to a fit than you might feel

why not go back to the original lbs and chat to them about fit - they should be happy to get a turbo out or to have a look at you now that you've done a few miles ?