Hello,

I introduced myself hear last summer, but figure I should do so again and ask a couple questions while I'm at it. I am 6'1" and currently 250lbs. I was down to 234 last summer, but the winter weight combined with a relocation and new job (in a bigger city with excellent BBQ) has caused me to put some of that weight back on. First of all, I love to see that so many people have chosen cycling as their mode to better their health and their lives. I hope to use everybody here as my inspiration to stay in the saddle and push those extra miles. Anyway, on to my question.

I have had some excessive issues with carrying weight in my hands. I leave a 20-30 mile ride in incredible discomfort. I asked this question on the regular boards and all I heard was, "blah blah blah work on your core". Well, my core strength is pretty good, it's just not in proportional to the amount of weight I carry on a bike. The reason I'm worried is at my height and with my arm length I should really be riding a 56cm frame. Unfortunately, like a true novice, I purchased a 58cm frame because the price and LBS I bought from convinced me that it would be fine. I've never had the bike trued up to my actual specifications. Could it be that the increase in frame size contributes to my weight carrying on my hands? Could it just be as simple as a saddle position? Is it just that I have more weight to carry and my body struggles with it? Any feedback would be great.

What benefits would there be in reducing from a 58cm Giant Defy 3, to a 56 cm bike of some sort? Would I see any immediate changes (other than my girlfriend killing me for buying another bike?).