Originally Posted by
MetalPedaler
I'm wondering if it isn't the case that one becomes accustomed to the fit that they ride for years, and then immediately notice anything different/feel discomfort, because their body has become so used to that exact position that they ride for years every day; whereas maybe us noobs haven't had our bodies develop that "memory" yet?
In my experience, if it happens gradually over a few rides it's much harder to notice than a sudden change. Even if you've been riding that setup for a long time. I have a very finicky left knee and if I start feeling soreness/pain in a certain area it's virtually always caused by the bike fit changing (saddle slipping down, cleats/wedges moving around etc.)
Large saddle height changes (more than 2-3mm at a time) are most likely to cause injury IME unless you take it easy for the first couple rides and ride at ~70% of your normal pace (like many fitters recommend.) Saddle fore/aft, reach and bar position changes are less likely to cause immediate injury IME. I would still make slow changes though to reduce the risk of injury. I threw my back out a week after a fitter stretched me way out on the bike and was off the bike for a week recovering.