Iamkar33m

Hey All,

I just bought myself a Trek 7.3 FX (Black frame) two days ago to use for fitness/commuting. I haven't ridden in approximately 11 years, and this is also my first time on a road bike (my previous bikes from my teenage years were dirt/mountain bikes). I picked up a Giro Monza helmet and a Joe Blow Sport Floor Pump as well. The last thing I did is swapped out the saddle with one that provides an anatomic relief groove. Other than the saddle, the rest of the bike is in stock condition.

I am mainly using the bike to get to and from campus (from my apartment which is about 3 miles from campus). The next thing I will be doing is investing in a headlight/taillight set, and maybe a seatpost shock absorber as the bumpy ride is a bit uncomfy for my fat derriere.

Which brings me to my first question... I am about 6'1", 246 pounds and I think I may have gotten the wrong frame size for my body type. I picked up the 20" 7.3FX frame, does this size fit me?

Next question... I just came back from a ride around a local man-made lake, each lap is about 1 mile and the trip back and forth from my apartment to the lake is about 2 miles. I managed to get about 4 laps in before the daylight was gone for a grand total of about 6 miles. Is this a good starting point or do you think im pushing myself too hard, remember... I am in TERRIBLE shape and haven't ridden in 11 years.

Last question (I promise), When I changed out the saddle to the anatomic relief version it was still pretty dang sore after my workout. How long does it take to get used to the bike saddle (ass won't get sore anymore)?

That's it for now, thanks for reading this far.

- Kareem

East Hill

Hello Kareem, it's hard to tell if the bike fits you or not, because you may have short legs relative to your torso, or vice versa! What makes you think it doesn't fit?

6 miles in one day sounds like a good start--there aren't going to be any big hills, so you should be just fine.

It will take a couple of weeks for your rear end to get used to the saddle. If it takes more than two weeks, you may need to look at a different saddle. But don't give up too soon!

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

Iamkar33m

Thanks East Hill,

I am 6'1 with a 32" inseam and by reading around the forums it seems that people my size are riding 56cm+ frames while mine is 51cm. How can you tell if the frame is too short for you, your posture while riding or something else? I know some bike shops can put your bike on a trainer and have you ride it while they analyze your posture/form, but that sounds pretty expensive.

Also, how often should someone start riding when they first start? I want to ride every day, however I don't want to push myself too hard and end up giving up on biking.

East Hill

Take a photo of yourself on the bike...and post it for us. Or, send it to me via PM and I can take a look.

When you first start, I would keep it under ten miles until your rear starts to get used to the saddle. Then you can gradually lengthen your rides. It depends on the terrain, too. Where I live is quite hilly, so I started off riding about five or six miles, and then headed for the local MUP (multiple use path) which is a nice 10.5 miles round trip with some little hills thrown in. It's great for a quick ride just to get my mind cleared out.

My normal commute is seven miles one way, but includes a hill with a 20% grade .

Don't try that until you've been riding for a while!

East Hill