Fifty Plus (50+) - loses weight - new fit to "dial in"

Ok not new to biking and think I know the answer, but -- also agree up front might fit better in road Forum ,but I so much more relate to the practical advise and wisdom found here. Have lost approx. 40 lbs. - the loss was not a simple weight loss but a concious decision to leave weight training which put on heavy muscle to pursue different regime whichresulted in greatere efficiency on a bike. Am currently on a custom Waterford that was a dream but now "slightly off" can't really tell why, just not the same, Weight reallocation? Need new fit ? Is reason that new "Dial in" would be required? Any insight appreciated . B/4 I take to LBS and they laugh me out for claim that new body proportions require refit.

Thanks, MLS

Ok not new to biking and think I know the answer, but -- also agree up front might fit better in road Forum ,but I so much more relate to the practical advise and wisdom found here. Have lost approx. 40 lbs. - the loss was not a simple weight loss but a concious decision to leave weight training which put on heavy muscle to pursue different regime whichresulted in greatere efficiency on a bike. Am currently on a custom Waterford that was a dream but now "slightly off" can't really tell why, just not the same, Weight reallocation? Need new fit ? Is reason that new "Dial in" would be required? Any insight appreciated . B/4 I take to LBS and they laugh me out for claim that new body proportions require refit.

Thanks, MLS

as you add miles ridden, consistently, you'll most likely also need to 'adjust' position. a little of it due to weight loss, but much of it due to the body adapting to more cycling specific motion and biomechanics.
Cycling causes both a strengthening and shortening of some muscles, while a few other muscles benefit from some small degree of stretching. But overall, unless a rider makes a conscious effort to include 'stretching' routines, the body will conform to specific cycling biomechanics.
time for a position adjustment.
I personally evaluate my 'position' ongoing. Being careful to not 'react' to issues due to a tough week, plateauing or other fatigue issues.
continuing with alternate sporting endeavours and a consistent overall stretching program will help keep you from becoming a cycling lump. Either way, positioning really does change often and never stays the same.
From personal inquiry, almost all cyclists (dedicated and performance oriented) I've spoken with, to a rider, who have adopted yoga as part of their physical routine, report that in the very least it has benefited them greatly. Some claim even greater changes/improvements in their cycling and overall life because of yoga. I've been trying to start a yoga program for the past 7 months now, but have been unsuccessful in finding an organized 'starter' class due to scheduling issues. I'm just gonna start a DIY yoga course, just to get started finally; even though I really feel a 'teacher/pupil' approach to this is prolly the right and best approach.
as for a well rounded stretching routine, I'll have to say it has helped me in overall wellbeing as much as in cycling.
I would suggest you try to define more of what feels 'slightly off', as you put it, before you go for another fitting. Be it directly some cycling motion, muscle condition or some general discomfort. Becoming very aware of every element of your cycling from motion, to weight distribution and expecially posture will make a fitting session much more productive. A good fitter should be able to take these considerations and based on current settings, give solid recommendations for things to readapt which might create improvements.

Just another personal observation to throw into the mudpool.

I'm currently messing about with bike fit using Peter White's article (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm).

My seats are now much further back than I've ever ridden with - had to buy a new seat post for the Europa who has been with me since the eighties. Does that mean I've been riding it 'wrong' all these years, or is it a case that I now have a 'safety gut' (works on the same principal as an air bag in the car except that this is inflated all the time :rolleyes:) that throws about 20kg of unnecessary cyclist down low and in front of my pelvis which has changed my weight distribution and hence where the seat needs to be?

Richard

I had to progressively raise my saddle as I lost weight because my butt got smaller! Less butt size = more apparent leg length.;)