My on bike position

gibby_lespaul

Hi guys I wondered if any can give some input on my position. Especially leg angles and how I personally look to the well trained eye. I have a thoracic curve in upper back so I can’t ride a low position.

seanoconn

Do you feel comfortable, not too cramped? Saddle looks too low, hip angle at the top of the stroke looks tight. Pics may be misleading but your arms seem long and might need a longer stem. All leading to a lower position I’m afraid. Probably not what you wanted to hear.

Actually on second look the reach might be ok with a higher saddle. Shorter cranks are an option (expensive) if you’ve tried everything and don’t want to mess with the saddle height too much.

MidlandsGrimpeur2

Always tricky to tell from photos. I would say it looks fairly reasonable to me, nothing too out of sync. I'd agree with seano that your saddle height does look a little too low, your leg extension could be a bit longer from the looks of it.

Your upper body seems fairly relaxed, not too stretched out and your arms seem in a comfortable position.

Were there any particular fit issues you are experiencing or just looking for a bit of general feedback for peace of mind?

trevor.hall12

Saddle is way too low the minor things in the upper will mostly rectify when you raise it

thegreatdivide

Saddle height depends on the rider's hamstring flexibility.

darkhairedlord

raise the height of the computer monitor screen support thingy so you are looking forward, same as if riding, rather than down.

DeVlaeminck

Saddle does look a bit low and maybe the reach could be longer

gibby_lespaul

Cheers guys I’ll give ago raising my stand. I had a play about today and raised the saddle 1.3cm. I lack flexibility in my upper back/neck so that’s what stops me going lower otherwise I can’t see ahead.

First.Aspect

gibby_lespaul said:

Cheers guys I’ll give ago raising my stand. I had a play about today and raised the saddle 1.3cm. I lack flexibility in my upper back/neck so that’s what stops me going lower otherwise I can’t see ahead.

Raising the saddle is about your knee angle, and how easy it is to put the power down. If that means you can't see forward, raise the bars as well.

slowmart

@gibby_lespaul

https://www.thebikefitphysio.co.uk/

I’d advocate a qualified physio/ bike fitter to get your sorted. The outcome will be grounded in science and probably save time and discomfort rather than a individuals viewpoint from a personal perspective.

As you cycle more your position can evolve incrementally as your fitness and flexibility increases/ decreases but setting a baseline is vital to ensure you get the most out of your pastime

Oh and I’ve no involvement/ link with the above link. You can always Google qualified physio bike fitter or go through the British cycling website.

DeVlaeminck

It's not really vital - I've managed to reach the age of 55 without a bike fit. It may be very beneficial for some people but I've also known people have bike fits and they've had to abandon the position because it caused them discomfort.

webboo

DeVlaeminck said:

It's not really vital - I've managed to reach the age of 55 without a bike fit. It may be very beneficial for some people but I've also known people have bike fits and they've had to abandon the position because it caused them discomfort.

I wonder how people managed before bike fits were invented.

First.Aspect

webboo said:

DeVlaeminck said:

It's not really vital - I've managed to reach the age of 55 without a bike fit. It may be very beneficial for some people but I've also known people have bike fits and they've had to abandon the position because it caused them discomfort.

I wonder how people managed before bike fits were invented.

It was agony.

super_davo

Personally I would go for a bike fit if I were the OP because of the thoracic curve in the back. It's very difficult for strangers on the internet that aren't medically trained to know what that stops you doing.

Looking at the photos I'd go for a higher saddle, longer stem which would put you in a lower position but with your upper back still straight, possibly with shorter cranks. But that's without knowing much about your condition.

I share the cynicism of others for bike fits for average people that muddles along OK. They aren't cheap and they are a little bit like physio or therapy - expecting a single session to find everything and result in a perfect position off the bat is not realistic. If you're talking about repeated visits then it can be £££££. However... they can be transformative if you're in pain or have a condition you need to work around.