Originally Posted by
oldbobcat
Sorry, guys. I'm firmly in this woman's camp.
After a year of selling Roubaixs with all the stem spacers and the shims set for +16 degrees, to 40-somethings who still complain that the bars are too low, the stems are too long, the bar tape is too hard, the gloves need more gel, and the saddle is too narrow, I want to say it's time for some basic body work. My first 20-mile ride was pretty painful, too, and that was when I was 18 years old.
I understand that many of us have medical conditions that need accommodation, but maybe the marketeers have oversold the idea that a professional fitting can make cycling perfectly comfortable the moment you ride the bike out of the shop.
I totally agree with the notion that cycling doesn't have to be totally pain-free, right out of the shop, after a long ride, whatever. A little pain is O.K. and perhaps normal. Especially for us 50+ ers. But there is nothing wrong with having the bars level with the saddle or otherwise accomodating a certain position. No gel for me thank-you. Bars level or slightly above my Brooks saddle. I'm not a racer. IMO a woman has no business chiding a man on riding position or vice-versa.