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Old 07-09-13 | 05:57 AM
  #20  
cny-bikeman
Mechanic/Tourist
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY

Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.

It's not the frame causing the problem but rather your position on it. Start with the seat position, both height and fore-aft, then distance from seat to stem and stem height. Bars can be changed but not usually necessary - padding on the bars and cycling gloves can help, though.

LOTS of guidance (and disagreement) on seat position, but basically you should have a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the stroke. Sometimes it helps to put your heel on the pedal and adjust so your leg is straight with hips level. Fore-aft is more difficult - Google bike seat KOPS. If the saddle is more forward you will lean too heavily on the bars, but if too far back you may have too long a reach to the bars or too much weight on the saddle. Bars can be adjusted for both height and reach with the stem - don't just make them taller to relieve pressure.

It's always best to get in-person assistance from someone familiar with bike fit and comfort (not necessary to spend big bucks, though - find someone in a bike club or similar).
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