Mike52

Feeling more weight on my hands and elbows. Is this a sign of a bike being a little too big? Any adjustments I can make that might help?

exile

Is it a new bike? Weight on hands or elbows could be a lot of reasons and is not necessarily indicative of a bike being to big. If you tell us your height and the size of your bike we might be able to give an estimate if the bike size you would fit.

scroca

Without seeing you or the bike, what is it you want anybody to do?

Mike52

I'm 6' the bike is a 58. New to me, bought used.
Just wondering if this is a sign of a bike possibly being too big and if there are adjustments that could help. I'm not expecting a solution just suggestions.

exile

It sounds like the bike is about the right size. Are you noticing anything else while you are riding (knee pain, scooting forward or back, etc.). If the bike is new to you then expect a period of adjustment as you get used to riding it.

Elbow pain may be a sign that you are reaching to far forwards and locking your elbows. Usually a shorter stem is called for. Hand pain could be a sign that your grasping the bars to tightly or they are to low. To fix that try loosening the grip and see if you can put the handlebars higher.

nashcommguy

@ 6ft the bike is just on the upper reaches for your height. Sounds like the seat may be too high in reference to the handlebars. The saddle should be level or tilted forward slightly and the same height as the straight part of your handlebars. Also, the saddle may be too far rearward in the rail retainer attached to your seatpost thereby lengthening the distance from your seated position to your hands on the hbrs. Just make adjustments until you hit your sweet spot. Sometimes it takes a bit to dial in a new or new to you bike. Get gloves w/good padding. https://www.bikeisland.com has Spenco Ironmans that are great. Not a shill just love the gloves and BI doesn't charge tax or shipping.

If all else fails go to a good lbs and get fitted properly and pay them whatever fee they charge...just don't let them invalidate your choice of rides which they very well may try to do. Been there.

zandoval 

I would start with the stem and handle bars - As I have gotten older I have had to move the stem and bars up higher than my seat - Are you getting big or is it the bike - As you get heavier in weight there is more weight on your hands and elbows - If you are getting heaver than its a real battle - Hope its just your bike...

SouthFLpix

When your bike is too big it feels cumbersome and difficult to handle. Also if when straddle your bike your groin comes into with the top tube, that is a pretty clear indication that your bike is probably too big.

Pain on hands an elbow can be because handlebars are too low, or saddle nose is tipped forward making you slide off toward the front and forcing you to support your weight with your hands.