Z953

I've had my bike for a couple of months now and I think that I have the 25 mile circuit that I'm going to ride for a while. I've noticed that in the last three or four miles my lower back starts to ache. Maybe I just have to build up some stamina but I've also noticed that while it's not uncomfortable per se, using the drops when riding into a head wind isn't my favorite position because it just doesn't feel "right" (not sure if I just need to get used to it). I do 90% of my riding on the hoods and really like that position but after about an hour of riding, the heel of my hands start to numb and I end up riding for a few minutes on the top bar. So it has occurred to me that I can try out a new stem to see if I can ride in more comfort in all positions.


My '14 Allez Sport came with a 10cm/6* stem. I'm considering a 9cm/10* stem to bring the bars up and closer to my body but I'm wondering if it's too much change at one time. Would I better off getting a 9cm/6* instead? I do feel that my bars are the right ones for me (42cm width/14cm drop/8.5cm reach). The bike was fitted to me when I purchased it but I have to admit that the geometry changed a little when I purchased a new seat post and saddle (but I did my best to make sure that my leg position is the same as it was originally with the old saddle and seat post--not so much my upper body).


Thank you for your opinions.

jimc101

Maybe look at one the has a bit more rise?

mike.b

Specialized has an adjustable stem. It uses shims to give you a couple of different angles. Its on sale right now for $26.

mike

rpenmanparker 

If your relationship to the bottom bracket has not changed, then neither has your relationship to the bars. If your fit to the bars has changed, then you did something wrong setting up the saddle. Get the saddle right first, before you contemplate anything different regarding the handlebars.

eric1971

I would definitely check your seat height.

2lo8

And angle and fore/aft and everything

f4rrest

Why not just move a spacer from above to below the stem?

Z953

I was thinking that might be enough by the idea of bring the bars closer also to me with a shorter stem feels inviting.

Z953

Thanks for that suggestion, I think that I'm going to go with this option. Where did you see the $26 price? The only place I saw that price was on eBay.

jesspal

Sounds like you should shift your saddle forward.

Larry77

You could also go to a LBS that sells your bike model and take a look at how the new ones are set up. Most good shops will work with you for a basic bike fit...just do them a solid and pay the little extra to buy a stem from them if you do need one.

Z953

I'm thinking that although the bike was fitted to me and it felt good for 20 mile rides, it might not be quite right for slightly longer rides. I see small improvements (reduction by seconds) in my time to complete my exercise circuit which is why I think that the saddle in relation to the crankset is correct--I either need to build up stamina or could benefit from a slight adjustment.

Thanks for the link. I did use the KOPS method because that's what the owner at the LBS used when he fitted the bike to me. That HOLMES method is way too complicated for my very simple mind to execute.

I made not less than a dozen adjustments when I switched from the very nice OEM to the fizik Arione--most of them being fore/aft changes. I had no idea that installing a saddle could be so frustrating.

Thanks for getting me all excited with your suggestion. I ran to my bike thinking that I could do that quick change but of course...the two spacers were already under the stem. But thanks for that suggestion, I never would've thought of that.

I grew up in Burbank, did you grow up there also?

Z953

Thank you every one for your help. I'm going to look for an adjustable 90mm stem and go from there.

mike.b

Sorry, its on the Specialized website. It's called Comp Multi Stem.

mike

woodcraft

I put a shorter (9cm) stem on upon getting back into riding.

Bought a selection from Nashbar for~$15 ea.

Over a number of years, have since gone to longer, lower position.

Go for it- don't be afraid to experiment, your riding position will change over time.

Z953

Just an update: I found a 90mm, adjustable stem by Specialized used for $35 on eBay; it wasn't the cheapest but it was what I was looking for so I went for it. I got it on Friday, installed it yesterday and was shocked to see what about 20* of rise looks like on a shorter stem!

I did my 25 mile circuit today and loved it! There's a five mile length of the bike trail that's totally exposed to wind because there's no wall in that particular stretch. I try to go down to the drops to be more aerodynamic but would only last about a half-mile because my lower back would start aching--this morning I did about 90% of the exposed trail with no ache! I noticed that I have to adjust myself on the seat when I use the drops but I noticed that my seat bones seem to rest on the wide part of that stupid fizik Arione saddle that I bought much better now (maybe it's the slight difference in the position of my upper body?).

Anyway, thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. I finally have the bike dialed in and now I'll be able to enjoy my riding in comfort.

merlinextraligh

exactly wrong answer.

You get your position in relation to the pedals right first, then you adjust height and distance to the bars.

You do not move the saddle to alter the reach to the bars.

fietsbob

To Function, does not even need the specialized Logo , just fit the steerer and the bars,
and be the length & angle you want..
shop online? get several around the target position and Try them..
0-45 degree

jesspal

The back pain sounded like an issue with his back being bent over instead of his hips, sorry for giving out bad info.

Chi_Z

also look into shallower bend bars, makes a big difference

Sy Reene

I question whether you have the right bars. A 140mm drop is a lot, and you're already not comfortable riding down in them. To move the bars closer you could also perhaps consider shorter reach. Eg. Maybe look at something like a Zipp SL-70 and leave the stem alone?