Javan

Ok, newbie here. I have posted a thread in the introductions section, so I will spare you all those basic details. However, I have a couple questions that I am sure you folks can help me out with.

1. my attire thus far (only been riding a month) has been boxer briefs and cotton shorts. I am thinking of moving up to padded bike shorts. BUT I want to avoid overly tight shorts and prefer something that does not look like typical bike shorts. I have read the thoughts on no underwear and can agree as long as the shorts work.
Any ideas?
Any good websites recommended for clothing?

2. On my last ride, I really noticed that my balls went numb within 3 miles of the ride. after 7 miles, my left toes were numb and by the end of the 12 mile ride, my fingers were starting to go. I looked around on here last night and found some insite to seat height, handle bar height and seat angle. I think seat height is correct, the seat angle too far up in the front, but I am also unsure of the proper handlebar adjustment.
Thoughts on proper seat angle?
Thoughts on proper handlebar height in ref to seat height?

FYI, my bike is the Timberline GT. I am 6', 195 lbs, long torso, long arms.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

ispoke

Sounds like you need to talk to your local bike shop regarding bike fit. That's why the're there. You might get a lot of good advice from this forum, but frankly, for a newby nothing beats the hands-on service in a shop.

As for clothing, try browsing online retailers such as REI or Performancebike, maybe LLBean or EMS, for casual cycling wear. Mountain bikers frequently wear cycling clothing that are not skin tight, and so that style is usually marketed towards them (but good for anyone)...

Javan

Thanks ispoke! I am riding again tonight (weather permitting), but I will head to the lbs this w/end with many questions.

LordOpie

1. You can just wear baggy shorts over the cycling lycra shorts or get the all-in-one mt.bike version.

2. If you bought your bike at your LBS, they should give you a free fitting. If not, it's worth it to pay for one. Either way, you should learn about fitting yourself since they don't know you like you do. After you get your bike close to being right, make one small change at a time until you're overall faily comfortable. Also, move around every few minutes or so. Reposition your bottom and hands regularly cuz even a perfect fit won't help if you lock your hands in the same position for long periods of time.

Javan

I agree! normally I can ride a mile or so without adjusting my butt in the saddle. but yesterday, it was like every 1000 ft I had to stand up and sit on a diff part of the seat. def think the nose is too high.

eubi

If the saddle on your bike is not comfortable, you can easily replace it.

I have experienced penile numbness after a 100 mile ride, and I replaced the saddle. I personally like the ones with a relief groove down the center. I've had no problems since.

It's fun to tweak your bike to fit your personal needs.

scarry

Ride a recumbent bike. No numbness, no pain, go fast, heads up view ahead.
https://www.bentrideronline.com/
https://www.bikeroute.com/RecumbentTwoWheel.htm

Smaug

Get yourself a real pair of tight cycling shorts and also a pair of loose fitting cheap basketball shorts to put over them. That way you get the benefit of cycling shorts (no rubbing, a nice pad, etc.), but you don't have to worry about the "look" of tight shorts.

Javan

Thanks all for the advice. I adjusted the seat last night and did a short 6 mile ride. Much better! only slight numbness in the crotch, but none in the toes or fingers. I see this is a work in progress, so time will tell. Still plan to get to the lbs on Saturday.

LordOpie

Mark all your current settings with a marker, tape or something. Mark the new settings in some other way.

MichaelW

Besides the positioning of your points of contact (pedals/saddle/bars) the softness and shape of the saddle are also important.
The saddle should support you firmly by your "sit bones". A squishy saddle will not provide firm support and will spread the load over your squishy bits.