Hello. I just began riding, I have a Trek 7100. It's been a blast so far, but a few issues have come up. First off, after I've been riding for a while my left elbow gets kinda stiff and sore, it hurts to straighten it out all the way. It's a dull pain, and it's tolerable for now, but I'd prefer to not have it. I was thinking moving the handle bars forward a tad could possibly help, though the stickers that came on my bike cautioned me from doing this myself (plus I don't own my own tools, nor have access to my family's being 400 miles away). I thought I'd put a message out here first to see if there's any other ideas before I go out and try to find a bike store 'round here (the store I bought my bike from is also 400 miles away, so I don't get to go get my free adjustments from them ) . Secondly, is there anyway to get rid of that plasticy taste in the water bottle? yuck!
I think I had another question, though I can't seem to recall what it is right now. Perhaps later.
Thanks,
Erica

Try washing out your bottle with a little baking soda and water. If that doesn't work, get some Gatorade powder and mix it up to mask the taste.