How can I make it more comfortable?

Nikonos
Nikonos Posts: 18
edited September 2011 in Road beginners
After many years only riding mountain bikes in June this year I bought a road bike.
Having suffered back problems in the past I had my doubts about it but went ahead and bought a Specialized Roubaix Elite 105...... we got on like a house on fire, no back problems at all and I've properly got the bug!!
This week I got the chance to buy a Specialized Allez at a very good price and thought it would make a good winter bike instead of using the CF bike. In for a penny and all that!
Took it out for the first time tonight and can't believe how different it feels to the Roubaix.
My back was aching after 10 mins and got progressively worse.
I tried altering the seat height but it made little difference.
Can anyone suggest ways I can make it more comfortable. I keep reading that the seat 'set up' is important. What does this mean and how do I know what it right. If I raise the angle of the bars would that help?
I've flipped the stem and still no joy. Would a shorter stem help? So many questions!!!
I seem to be stretching much further to the bars than on my Roubaix.
Any help would be appreciated. I would like to persevere :(

Comments

  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    Measure the set up of your Roubaix & try to replicate that as closely as possible on your Allez.

    Start with the saddle (height/lay-back) & work from there. Then handlebar height & reach. :D
    Cycling weakly
  • gmacz
    gmacz Posts: 343
    http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php ... b0s88p1713
    This is what I am needing and probably the same for you.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF7qtyrtq9M
  • coman1985
    coman1985 Posts: 46
    I had a similar problem i imagine the frames are different sizes as when i was buying a road bike i borrowed my dads and his was a large frame. This gave me terrible pain at the top of shoulders and neck.

    When i got my own bike i was suggested a medium and theres a massive difference i didnt lean nearly as far forward and i dont get the pain anymore...

    Could be ones a larger frame or a longer reach...
  • FSR_XC
    FSR_XC Posts: 2,258
    The geometry is different between the 2 bikes. The Allez is similar to the Tarmac and therefore a racier position.

    As mentioned, Try to replicate the seat height & layback, then look at the reach to the bars (often measured from the tip of the saddle to the tip of the levers). It might be worth looking to buy a Specialized adjustable stem (to lift the bars) to bring up the height of the front end (as well as stack height).
    Stumpjumper FSR 09/10 Pro Carbon, Genesis Vapour CX20 ('17)Carbon, Rose Xeon CW3000 '14, Raleigh R50

    http://www.visiontrack.com
  • Nikonos
    Nikonos Posts: 18
    The reason I bought the Allez is so I can continue to ride through the winter without ruining the Roubaix.
    I am trying a shorter stem tomorrow and I'm moving the seat forward slightly, to get somewhere near the geometry of the Roubaix. Thanks for the suggestion skyd0g. :)
  • Nikonos
    Nikonos Posts: 18
    The reason I bought the Allez is so I can continue to ride through the winter without ruining the Roubaix.
    I am trying a shorter stem tomorrow and I'm moving the seat forward slightly, to get somewhere near the geometry of the Roubaix. Thanks for the suggestion skyd0g. :)
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    I will never understand this,

    Buying a bike that fits perfectly and is comfortable then deciding not to ride it for half the year and ride something inferior instead :?

    It's a bike, enjoy it all year round :D
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I'd much rather save my expensive bike from getting shagged on gritted roads and ride a bike thats suited to winter better - so slightly wider tyres for more grip and full mudguards.

    Why have just one bike when you can have two ? And if you do it properly - the winter bike should fit just as well, just that its slightly cheaper. Not inferior - just different.
  • Nikonos
    Nikonos Posts: 18
    Well put! That's exactly the reason I bought the Allez. I dread to think what the salty gritty roads would do to my carbon fibre Roubaux ...... surely that makes some sense?
  • Ringo 68
    Ringo 68 Posts: 441
    Makes perfect sense to me to have a winter bike.

    I wish I could afford one.
    Cube Agree GTC Pro
    Boardman Comp
    Carrera Subway Hybrid
  • Nikonos
    Nikonos Posts: 18
    I checked the distance between the front of the seat and the centre of the bars and there is 30mm difference between the Roubaix and the Allez
    I picked up a 90mm stem (20mm shorter) and moved the seat forward 10mm. Lifted the bars slightly and guess what?.... No back ache, job done! :wink:
    Thanks for all the help and advice.
  • snowley
    snowley Posts: 149
    Well done, now time to enjoy the roads all year round!!

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