Comment on bike size fit.
 

Can I get some feedback on my current fit. Just riding on the trainer and trying to get close to a good fit. On the road the bike feels fine though think my reach is a little long so have a shorter stem coming.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=357096http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=357098
I will get a bike fit done for more accurate fitting.
Thanks
Allan

Before listening to random Internet yahoos (like myself :D) you should run the Fit Calculator from Competitive Cyclist. When I bought my Cervelo RS, I set it up according to their "Eddy Fit". When I had a professional fit done a couple of years later, the fitter only made minor adjustments to the fit...

Doesn't look too bad to me. Honestly, your stem is already really short. You might consider raising your stem instead for a similar effect. Where in PA are you (or are you)?

IMO your saddle it too high

Need none moving pics at the bottom and top of the stroke. Try to point your heel down as far as possible and fully extend your leg w/o saddle shifting.

Legs look good.

Longer stem would be better. Get a 130 mm.

Just out of Harrisburg

BTW, when looking at the bike from the right-hand side maximum leg extension for most people occurs when the pedal is at the 4 or 5 o'clock position (basically: in line with the seat post) not at the 6 o'clock position your picture shows...

I hope you're joking about this and just forgot the smiley... The OP is 5'6" tall and is riding a 51cm frame. The last thing he needs is a 130mm stem. Hell, I'm three inches taller and use a 100 or 110mm stem.

If you're willing to make the drive, I would highly recommend Glenn Pawlak at Big Bang Bicycles in Pittsburgh to help you. He's a Retul fitter, and is very knowledgeable and friendly and will help you a great deal. He will likely even do a basic fit for you for nothing, especially if he knows you're driving a long way. Just call ahead for an appointment because he gets very, very busy.

Great. I have some projects out that way so will consider.
Appreciate your feedback.

I concur, your heal needs to be flatter at 6 o'clock and then shoot a photo. I am guessing at the the current setup you rock your hips which is an indication of too high saddle.

Can we see the bike without you on it? I looks to me like your saddle is pretty far back.

You shoulders and arms look tight, as if you're putting a lot of weight on them. I don't think that's fit as much as position; rotate your hips a little and try to flatten out your back to perch your hands on the brifters. This will take core strength with the current setup.

If you're not there yet on the core strength, then I'd go with a taller (not longer) stem. And definitely try the saddle further forward (I think).

Just saw your other thread on saddle.

I concur that it looks like it's high here. I pedal toe-down (which is ruining my racing career -- haha) and still extend less than this.

My gut looking at this and reading that: lower the saddle (start with 2 cms, then move up gradually from there. Have a buddy watch you pedal from behind -- saddle should be as high as is comfy WITHOUT the hips rocking at all), potentially move it forward (note that geometry of bikes is such that as you lower it, you will effectively be moving it forward as well), and make sure that you can comfortably pedal standing (without hitting your thighs on the bars).

It took me about 10,000 miles to settle on fit. In part that's because there are so many variables; in part it's because I got a lot stronger. I was 260 when I started, 210 now.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=357173http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=357175
Ok seat was lowered 1cm. Don't feel any hip movement.
seat is as far forward as it can go.

Allan

Already looks better. Your arms don't look outstretched. You're going in the right direction--and your core will develop as you ride. Have fun!

Typically, you will want your leg angle at 6:00 to be around 30 degrees (or 150 if you're measuring from the other direction, so you may consider lowering the saddle more. I'd also consider moving your stem up, with the spacers all the way on the bottom except for the top cap. As you lose weight and gain more core strength and flexibility, you will be able to lower it, but that will take months. Also, the saddle being too high can be a cause of "saddle pain" too.

Yup. You're definitely headed in the right direction. Lower the saddle more, and move the bars up (careful not to over tighten the headset nut).

I think with that you'll be okay. Next step would be to turn the seat post and see how it feels with the saddle a little more forward. You have a setback post, and a non-setback one would allow you to move it further forward.

Comment on bike size fit
 

As a good start for forward/aft seat position, with your crank arms parallel to the floor the center of you knee joint should be over rhe axle of the pedals.

Another old/quick check for handle bar placement is with the seat as above and with your hands on the drops the straight part of the bars, the part through the stem, should block you from seeing the axle of the front wheel.

These are old ways of getting a bike fit close.

Bill

Looks allot better and looks like you need a zero setback seatpost now. I'd send you one of mine, but they are all setback post i've taken off to put a zero in.

I have a bike fit on Tuesday of next week. I thought I would start the year off in the right direction. I have 75 miles so far this month with my goal in the mid 300's as I train for a Century later in the year. Will report back following the fit.
Thanks
Allan

Had my bike fit today. Changed out the stem for one that raised the bars. Turned the seatpost round and adjusted remainder of bike. He asked if I wanted to come back to spin class. Never been before but decided to give it a try. Sweated a lot but was able to keep the cadence at 90 for the hills and 105 for the flats. Fit feels great and reach to bars are much better.
the owner said before I purchase the stem to give it some miles. Very happy with the LBS and the fitting.
Even gave me info on some centuries.
Allan

Was the saddle high?

Follow up picture with final fit would be good. Also what app are you using for showing angles? Looks interesting.

Ok the App is an Apple App only at the moment.
It's called bike fit fast.
Here is a full review.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/10/a...nt-review.html
I will post another photo once I get home tonight.
Other adjustment to was to turn seat post around and lower seat 5mm.
I also had a good discussion with the bike owner and it's nice to start to build a relationship with him.
Allan

Agreed. I'm very interested to see what the fit looks like now.