Thread: Feeling cramped
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Old 08-21-13 | 06:23 PM
  #8  
Bandera
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,929
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From: TX Hill Country
Originally Posted by goldfinch
Anyway, after riding this bike for close to two years I feel cramped on it. I don't know how to describe it better than that. I am especially cramped if I go down in the drops to deal with a headwind or decent.

Or should I not experiment and just see a fitter?
From the pic although not at full extension your saddle is too low by "a good bit". That will cause a multitude of problems.
Setting it correctly, good that you have 165 cranks, can be done via a calculated method in any documented Fitting System, with an experienced fitter or by the old school method. Why not see an experienced fitter if one is available locally and comes recommended?

Good to see that you are nearly at the classic "elbows bent/relaxed" position, that can improve as your hips rotate forward w/ an increase in seat height. I'd bet that when you are in the drops going hard your front axel will be visible in front of your handlebars, if so that may be one of the reasons why you feel cramped. You may need a longer stem. It's old school stuff but it works. Also, tilt your bar ends slightly down to parallel w/ the ground. They look tilted up in the pic which will cause problems in the drops.

A long time training partner was your size. She could sit behind me as if I was a semi-trailer, offered 0 draft when she pulled in a paceline and disappeared on technical descents as if the laws of physics didn't apply. Keep at it.

-Bandera
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