Originally Posted by
abbynemmy
Here is a quick check. Put your bike in a trainer or have someone hold it up for you. Sit on the bike with your feet on the pedals, crank arms parallel with the ground. Put your hands on the hoods. Now let go with your hands. If you have to strain to hold yourself up you have to much weight on your hands. Adjust your seat forwards or back until you can let go without straining. I hope that makes sense.
+1
This was one of the big points that my fitter checked, every single time we adjusted any other measurements.
Moved the seat? Check the reach.
Changed the stem height? Check the reach.
Angled the seat? Check the reach.
He was very insistant that I keep checking that I didn't have to "push" myself upright from a position on the hoods, since I was getting fitted for long distance riding.
You should be balanced between your contact points: Saddle, bars and pedals. No one point should be going sore or numb with the expectation that you'll "get used to it." If you get used to something being numb, then you're doing permanent damage. The only ride I've done all year where anything went numb was a double century, and I discovered that I need different shoes for doing 13+ hours on the bike.
Originally Posted by nobull60
Thanks and I just love riding...anyone calls me a Clydesdale and I'll smile and watch their skinny butt run when I tell them to come closer and repeat
Why? Clydesdale isn't some derogatory slur. Be proud of the fact that you're doing the same ride as guys half your size.