Ric, I don't know why I hadn't thought about the stem being extendable. Just one of my Homer moments I guess.
Originally Posted by
RicR
Bob, took a look at my stem after seeing your post and it was set up 4 inchs as well. Hadn't really noticed it before, but it works good for me as well at this height. Sorry about the orientation. Still can't figure out why this is happening.
Thought I would save your picture to my computer so I could rotate it, resave and repost here. I'm assuming that the picture on your computer is rotated 90 degrees from the way it gets posted here? It worked for me when I reposted the picture. I think a setting some where is causing your picture to rotate back to it's original format. You are holding your camera or phone vertically when taking the picture, right? If so, then I assume you're having to rotate the pictures when loading to your computer. I don't know what needs to change in order to get them to load without rotating. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in with the answer.
Anyway, I finally got a chance the ride the bike yesterday. Had a dentist appointment for a cleaning and decided I needed to ride the bike.
The conclusions:
The seat base angle works, but can't really tell if it's better or just as good as it was. I'll leave the wedge in there for now and continue to ride.
The Kool-stop pads help the braking. Most noticeable on the front but I would say that both are better.
The stem change is a big plus. I know can turn the handlebars and pedal at the same time. The height hasn't caused any change to the comfort of my arms or shoulders but I'll save finally judgment for when I get a longer ride in on Sunday. The ride to the dentist office was only 13 miles.
After changing the stem, I felt the bars were too close and my arms were bent too much. So I angled the seatback. I had to cut 2 inches off of the upright supports in order to change the angle. I cut them off below the hole for the pins so I had to drill new holes. The distance to the handlebars feel perfect now. I have just enough bend at the elbows to turn the bike without reaching.
All in all I feel that my changes have improved the bike and it now fits me better. As I stated above, I plan to take a longer ride (50+) on Sunday and I'll see how it feels after 5 hours in the saddle. I plan to ride out to Key Biscayne again and get in some up hill work.
Bob