Originally Posted by
clengman
This makes a lot of sense. When I am cruising, I try to keep my cadence around 90-100 RPM. I don't notice the "reaching on the downstroke" feeling as much, but I do tend to skootch forward on the saddle as I'm riding and every once in a while have to readjust to push myself back to where my butt is most comfortable. When I'm climbing it's usually at 60-70 RPM and the force of pedaling is holding me back on the saddle a little more, but I tend to notice more that I'm reaching forward with my feet in my pedal stroke. I spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic, too which is similar to the situation when climbing.
I definitely have a a problem with flexibility in my lower back and hamstrings. I've never been very flexible. One of the best things I get out of riding regularly is it has built up my core strength a good bit and it helps a lot with my lower back pain. I know that it wouldn't hurt to work on it more off the bike.
I don't know if it will help, but here are some pics of my position on the bike.
Thanks for the advice!
If you feel like you are reaching and scooting forward on the seat, start here and go from there. You are not stable on the seat.
https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com...ard-can-it-be/ https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com...d-can-it-be-2/ And forget KOP and use this method.
https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com...or-road-bikes/ These methods will take into account your flexibility. Your seat may be slightly high, causing you to scoot forward. Or your seat may be too far back. Once you go through the steps Steve outlines, you will be more fluid through the pedal stroke and will be stable on the bike. It helped me immensely. Then if you feel too stretched out, you can attack that issue. For me, after feeling the same way on my touring bike, I went through this process, then ended up using a longer stem and lower bars. Once I was stable, it felt better to be stretched out more.
Good luck