jpbova

I'm new to cycling and I find my hands hurt when on the hoods. It feels as though most of my upper body weight is being supported by the hoods, so much so that my handle bars have rotated down from 2 rides.

is this something I just have to get use to? or what else could be wrong with my postion that I would have this problem?

Sprocket Man

Tighten the bolts that hold your handlebars in place - your handlebar is not supposed to slip down. Your discomfort may be attributable to poor fitting, but it could also be that you are new to cycling and your body still hasn't adapted. If you can't get fitted at a bike shop, post a side view picture here and we might have an idea or two about your positioning that may help.

bac

You may want to check your saddle position relative to being level. There is a fine line between smashing the sensitive lower regions (ouch!), and putting too much weight on your hands. You may also want to experiment with moving the saddle fore/aft as it relates to the bottom bracket. Stem length can also be a factor, but I would start with experimenting with the saddle position. Good luck!

rickkko

The more your handlebars rotate downward the less you are going to get use to it! Soon you'll be looking at your crotch if you don't start fixing your bike fit.

Your seat could be so high that you are 'falling over onto your hoods.

Imagine this exaggeration, if you lowered your seat two feet, your hands would be hanging from the bars, like ape hangers. Or, if you raised the stem a foot or two your hands again would hanging from the bars above your head!

You should now be able to understand why your hands are hurting, too much pressure (forward and downward) on them. Adjust your position of either the stem or the seat to get yourself more comfortable.

There are so many web pages on how to more precisely figure out these adjustments. Just do a google search on 'bike fit' or 'bicycle fit'

As a general starting place your weight should be kind of equally distributed between the pedals, the seat and the bars.

..rickko..

ginger green

45/55 - Get on your bike, put the front wheel on a bathroom scale - elevate the rear wheel to the same height as your front wheel.

Then weigh yourself and your bike.

45% of the weight should be on the front wheel 55% on the rear wheel.

This is what my trusty cycling book says "The custom bicycle" Michael J Kolin and Denise m de la Rosa.

jpbova

I took 2 pics tell me what you guys think of my position

skinnyone

The classic locked elbow?... Bend the elbows slightly when you ride... Does a world of good..
your fit looks pretty kick A...
Nice bike btw,,,

jpbova

thx, a friend gave me the frame and wheelset

I try to bend my elbows but it feels weird... I'm a noob though

ginger green

Don't take this as gospel...

1. Your ride looks great - congrats.
2. How many miles have you put on your new bike?
3. If you ride with your elbows locked I have read it is hard on your body - perhaps your hands will hurt too - be aware of this next time out
4. I don't see any significant errors in your positioning (I'm just looking - I'm not Mr. Bicycle)

ginger green

I concentrate on keeping my shoulders down and relaxed - the elbows bend naturally

skinnyone

+1...gold....

chris_sxe

i dont see anything wrong with your positioning.

it sounds like
a)your handlebars were way to loose
b)you are still getting used to be being on a bike

everything will feel wierd in the begining.

dont be afraid to adjust your seat to tweak the fit a little.

sunninho

Nice bike. You're sitting too upright and not taking advantage of your flexibility. Lean into more of an aggressive position and relax your arms. Like skinnyone^^ says relaxing those arms makes a big difference. During my first fitting, the LBS guy pointed that out about me.

jpbova

thx

I have 25miles on it... 2 rides. My friend put maybe 500 miles on the frame and 40 on the wheelset

I'll keep that in mind

BikeWNC

I think your upper back is a little too round. Try moving your seat back 1 cm (you may need to lower your seat some if you do). See how that feels. Your arms should be relaxed, slightly bent and your balance on the bike should allow you to hover in the drops while pedalling a moderate gear. Experiment until you find the right balance point that gives you a flatter back and less pressure on the hands.

CPcyclist

Position looks great for you. You need to relax on the bike a bit more let the elbows bend a little bit (don't try to push your arss back onto the seat), this will flaten your back some (as right now you look like my cat with its back arch after I scare it). As your back starts to strech you will find thing getting more comfortable.

jpbova

I moved my seat forward and this helped alot... I appreciate it

gcasillo

It's harder to bend your elbows when you're stationary. When you're out riding, try getting your forearms parallel to the road when you're on the hoods. Like Boonen in this pic from the Ronde:



You won't feel real comfortable at first, but you will as your flexibility improves. Takes getting used to. I know too well.

jrennie

Does your friend need another friend, I come cheap i'll take the frame OR the wheelset

BlastRadius

Definitely bend your elbows. Work on your triceps to help them with supporting some of your weight.

jpbova

hahahaha... he was very generous