LessonLearned

I had my bike setup like this, and it felt good to me but it was pointed out to me that the bike is far from "setup properly" ...



Now I have it this way, and there is more weight on my hands than I would like...


Yes I know I need to go to my LBS and get fitted. And I tried to measure myself and use a fitment calc yesterday but it takes 2 people to do that properly and my wife was working, then we had things to do all night so it didn't happen. It's going to be a busy week and weekend so I'm looking for anything I can do/try to get this sucker dialed in. I really want a properly fitting bicycle. Please and thank you for your time and patience.

Spoonrobot 

If you don't want to buy a new frame, you're going to need to get a new, uncut fork or a ridiculous stem. Those bars need to go up and then subsequently, out, quite a bit. What you can do now, is start stretching and working at being more flexible. You might be able to adapt to that saddle-to-bar drop. You don't have weak arms, you have an unadapted body and what is essentially a very poorly thought out racing position for someone who isn't a racer and does not have a racing bike.

That's it, everything else is just a band-aid that doesn't solve the problem.

#comebackwhenyouhaveanewframe

Spoonrobot 

Also, you need to post a picture just like this. It only requires one person and is going to be the most important part of actually getting you into a position that is comfortable and efficient.

https://bp3.blogger.com/_SZx2oaxuJSA/...h/Pos2crop.jpg

LessonLearned

Okay, will do. Should the pedals/crank arms be level like they are in his pic? Or does it matter?
Also should I be in my forward most riding position?

Spoonrobot 

Level cranks.

Do one in the tops and one in your forwardmost riding position. Really try to mimic where you'd be on the bike during a ride.

Street rider

After going to bullhorns and slamming my stem down, I decided to go back to drops for a while. They're pretty far down, and for a few weeks it was sort of uncomfortable to ride in the drops. After getting into them more and more, for longer stints every time, it's already easier and much more comfortable.

Tl;dr just ride in a position that's lower and your core with strengthen to it pretty quick.

LessonLearned

Just want to say thanks to you guys for actually providing helpful info.

I know it's annoying to deal with questions like these, and I'm sure it sounds foolish - "um hey I bought a bike 3 years ago and so does it fit me?"

But I'm not a complete moron. Yes it was silly to buy a bike without getting fitted but I didn't know any better back then.
And it must also seem stupid that I can't figure out how to get comfortable on my own bike...

I can get myself comfortable but I can't help but wonder if I'm missing out on a better fit and/or better performance. This is why I'm on the interwebs asking you guys for your help instead of just being happy that my bike feels good/comfy to me.

Sorry for the hassle - and again, thanks for those who take the time and have the patience to give back and help someone out rather than just belittle them because they don't know as much.

Jaytron

Not to be rude, but the best way to get your bike dialed in is to take it to your LBS and get fitted. Second best would be using a fitment calc.

That being said, a picture of you on the bike like others suggested would be great.

LessonLearned

Wasn't rude at all. That was actually a very helpful post. I'll try to hit my LBS after work and see if they have the time to fit me. If not, I'll have someone help me with measurements and pics and post them here.

Jaytron

Most shops have a ~$50 "basic" fit. This is worth it, and doesn't take a ton of time either.

himespau 

You might not need a new fork if the stem is too low. If you want it taller, people make things like this to increase the height a little bit. I'm not necessarily recommending that one, but I just googled stem riser and that's the first one that came up. Other people make them in other colors (at least silver) and you might find one that's better quality, a better look with your bike. I don't know that you need your bars to be taller, but that is my first thought when you said wrist pain and I just wanted to point out that there might be other (i.e. cheaper) options than buying a whole new fork.

LessonLearned

Thanks man. Good stuff. Had no idea those existed. Much appreciated.
I think I'll just go get fitted and see what they say. I'd rather not have to use one of those risers. Not very clean looking.

hairnet

How tall are you? A Brooks saddle may not work so well for you with a regular set back seatpost. Before I bought the Velo Orange post I constantly felt like I needed to scoot my ass back further than the saddle's edge and that placed extra weight on my hands

LessonLearned

6 foot 4 inches.
Yes that happens frequently.

Love my Brooks but have been thinking about trying something modern/lightweight instead.
That Velo Orange seatpost is nice and sounds useful for Brooks users for sure...

"These silver two bolt seat posts have a generous 30.2mm of setback, among the longest ever. This is very important for those who ride Brooks saddles which have very little fore-and-aft adjustment due to the short rails."

But if I got a different saddle, that might be a better fix and would save me almost a pound of weight too. I feel like a Fizik or Specialized saddle might be right up my alley.

Jaytron

Stop being a weight weenie on a bike that's not worth it

McRussellPants

I think getting a stem longer than a 60 without a crazy rise and working on more flexibility is gonna be enough.

LessonLearned

Stem was 75mm/125deg, stem is now 90mm/107deg

himespau 

A link that might help figure out how stem rise/length might help you out.

LessonLearned

Very cool, very helpful. Thanks man!

LessonLearned

This isn't my bike, just one I found on pedalroom, but is this more like what my stem/bars and saddle relationship should look like? Or is this one "effed" too?

Leukybear 

Rule #1 for bike fitting; what fits others might not fit you. You've not even seen the owner of that bike, let alone know his body proportions. Who even knows, that bike can possibly be ill fitting for the owner considering pistas are entry bikes for the casual/ noobie rider who takes it at most to the local cafe. OR due to the anonymity of the internet, hangs it on his wall claiming he rides fixed.
Just spend the money to have yourself fitted to a bike by a LBS; do it once and you can apply it to other bikes or a starting point for your own tastes/ experimentation of fit.

Scrodzilla

That bike setup is stupid.

Why use bullhorns that have so much drop along with such a positive rise stem if the bars are going to end up at the same height as the saddle? Unless he's built like a praying mantis, there's no way whoever bike that is is comfortable riding it.

LessonLearned

Hmm. Sometimes I feel like I should just say "**** it" and put my bike back to whatever way made me feel the most comfortable on it. I'm probably putting way too much stock into what the internet thinks about my bike...

Leukybear 

Or just take it to your LBS and for a small fee considering the amount of money you'll spend on misc. parts for fitment and do it once and get it over with... you're making a big deal over something that's easy as pie and blowing it out of reason and logical proportions; very characteristic of you anyhow .... BTW I added more meat to that post you quoted.

seau grateau

bingo