Frame too small, Torso Angle?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 5
From: Wadsworth, IL
Bikes: Motobecane Vent Noir, Specialized Crux, Specialized Carve
Frame too small, Torso Angle?
Hey guys!
Lately when I've been riding my bike I've been having a bit of neck pain.
My thought is that my handlebars are too low, however, I can't get them any higher.
Here's a photo of me on my bike.

I read online that my torso angle should be about 45 degrees and my arm angle should be about 90 degrees.
This bike seems to have me at 40 degrees for my torso and 80 degrees with my arms. The thing is, I'm not sure I'm measuring that properly.
I'm guessing I should go to a bigger bike, but even on my road bike which is the next size up I seem to be under the 45 degree torso angle that google suggests.
Thoughts?
I should mention I'm not the most flexible person out there, I can't touch my toes by a good three to four inches.
Lately when I've been riding my bike I've been having a bit of neck pain.
My thought is that my handlebars are too low, however, I can't get them any higher.
Here's a photo of me on my bike.

I read online that my torso angle should be about 45 degrees and my arm angle should be about 90 degrees.
This bike seems to have me at 40 degrees for my torso and 80 degrees with my arms. The thing is, I'm not sure I'm measuring that properly.
I'm guessing I should go to a bigger bike, but even on my road bike which is the next size up I seem to be under the 45 degree torso angle that google suggests.
Thoughts?
I should mention I'm not the most flexible person out there, I can't touch my toes by a good three to four inches.
Last edited by thisisbenji; 11-11-16 at 07:56 PM.
#2
just another gosling


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,577
Likes: 2,683
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Actually, that looks pretty good. Stem is maybe a little short. Your bars a only a little below horizontal. Totally reasonable. Many people ride with their bars several inches below their saddles.
Let's see a photo with your feet on horizontal pedals, hands on hoods, deep bend in elbows with forearms near horizontal. Don't go by Google. Neck pain will go away with time on the bike. Don't fit the bike to your limitations, get your body fit enough for the bike.
Let's see a photo with your feet on horizontal pedals, hands on hoods, deep bend in elbows with forearms near horizontal. Don't go by Google. Neck pain will go away with time on the bike. Don't fit the bike to your limitations, get your body fit enough for the bike.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
#3
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 5
From: Wadsworth, IL
Bikes: Motobecane Vent Noir, Specialized Crux, Specialized Carve
That's a good point about getting my body fit enough for the bike.
I took just over a year off cycling and have only been back at it for about six weeks at this point. I don't recall this thing being so uncomfortable back when I bought it.
I took just over a year off cycling and have only been back at it for about six weeks at this point. I don't recall this thing being so uncomfortable back when I bought it.
#8
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,306
Likes: 6,563
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Too upright for what? There's no one correct angle.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
For the 45 degree target he mentions.
Also there is too upright depending on what you want to do. Looking at his choice of bike I'd assume that he has some interest in going quick, sitting up like a sail is likely to hinder this.
Also there is too upright depending on what you want to do. Looking at his choice of bike I'd assume that he has some interest in going quick, sitting up like a sail is likely to hinder this.
#10
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
My thought is that my handlebars are too low, however, I can't get them any higher.
you may have to re cable gears and brakes , to reach the new higher position..
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
He doesn't need to higher. If he wants to keep the same (high) back angle that he has and reduce pressure at the front then he needs to move the saddle and possibly a shorter stem.
I would suggest that he needs to go lower which will reduce pressure compared to such a high position as has been suggested in other threads in this forum.
I would suggest that he needs to go lower which will reduce pressure compared to such a high position as has been suggested in other threads in this forum.





